What are the responsibilities and job description for the Forensic Evaluation Manager position at GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER?
| Title of Position: | Forensic Evaluation Manager |
| Location: | Los Angeles |
| Exempt/Non-Exempt: | Exempt |
| Union/ Non-Union: | Non-Union |
| Supervisor: | Director of Evaluations |
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Centers is seeking a licensed Psychologist to serve as the Forensic Evaluation Manager for the Conditional Release Program (CONREP) in Los Angeles and San Diego Counties. CONREP provides court- and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals transitioning from the Department of State Hospitals to the community.
As part of the Evaluation Unit, the Evaluation Manager oversees operations and assessments related to individuals deemed Incompetent to Stand Trial (IST). This role provides clinical leadership, operational oversight, and staff supervision to ensure timely, high-quality forensic evaluations that inform legal decision-making regarding treatment placement, risk level, and community readiness.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
- Oversee and coordinate evaluations for individuals found IST, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timeliness
- Assign and manage court-ordered evaluations and monitor workflow and productivity
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate licensed and unlicensed forensic evaluators and trainees
- Provide ongoing training, coaching, and performance management to evaluation staff
- Conduct and review comprehensive forensic evaluations, including violence risk assessments (e.g., HCR-20)
- Evaluate competency, malingering, psychiatric disorders, and cognitive functioning
- Prepare and review detailed forensic reports for courts and legal stakeholders
- Maintain accurate documentation, case records, and evaluation data
- Provide expert testimony in court and defend findings under cross-examination
- Consult with judges, attorneys, treatment teams, and external stakeholders
- Serve as liaison between CONREP, the courts, Department of State Hospitals, and community providers
- Lead quality assurance initiatives and continuous process improvement efforts
- Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and organizational standards
- Assist the Director of Evaluations with program development and operational needs
- Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions
- Perform other duties as assigned
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to manage and develop staff
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a high-demand environment
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, particularly in legal contexts
- Ability to synthesize complex clinical and legal information
- Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATES
- Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology
- Active license as a Psychologist issued by the California Board of Psychology
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience conducting forensic assessments, including violence risk evaluations
- Strong knowledge of DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria and forensic populations
- Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness and substance use disorders
- Management or supervisory experience in a forensic or clinical setting preferred
- Prior experience providing court testimony preferred
REQUIREMENTS
- Must pass Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and Community Care Licensing (CCL) background clearance.
- Valid California Driver’s license.
- TB clearance.
- Driving record acceptable for coverage by Gateways insurance carrier.
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center provides a supportive yet stimulating and creative environment where professionals are valued and given opportunities to develop their skills. Some of the many exciting ways Gateways invests in its employees include:
- Student loan forgiveness qualifying employer
- Option of a flexible work schedule (9/80)
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan with employer matching
- Cell phone reimbursement pay
- Vacation, sick time, bereavement, and personal holidays
- Bilingual pay, when applicable
- Ongoing training in forensic mental health through a robust didactic training program, the Department of State Hospitals trainings, and the Forensic Mental Health Association of California Annual Conference
- Employee appreciation events throughout the year
Salary : $121,000 - $136,000