What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Director - Forensic Community Treatment Center position at GATEWAYS HOSPITAL & MENTAL HEALTH CENTER?
| Title of Position: | Program Director |
| Location: | Forensic Community Treatment Center |
| Exempt/Non-Exempt: | Exempt |
| Union/ Non-Union: | Non-Union |
| Supervisor: | Administrative Director |
Gateways Hospital and Mental Health Center’s Conditional Release Program (CONREP) is seeking a Licensed Psychologist to fulfill the role of Program Director in its Forensic Community Treatment Program (FCTP). This forensic outpatient program provides court and parole-mandated treatment and supervision to individuals committed as Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity, Offender with a Mental Health Disorder, or Incompetent to Stand Trial.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
We are seeking an experienced, licensed psychologist to serve as Program Director of a fast-paced, multidisciplinary forensic outpatient treatment program. This is a leadership role for a psychologist who enjoys thinking critically, navigating complex forensic and clinical issues, and leading diverse professionals in collaborative, high-stakes work.
The Program Director provides oversight of all clinical and administrative aspects of the program, ensuring high-quality treatment, sound forensic practice, regulatory compliance, and effective team functioning. This role blends sound clinical judgment, forensic acumen, and strong leadership skills, and is well-suited for a psychologist who thrives in dynamic environments and values both accountability and teamwork.
Importantly, the Program Director is not expected to do this work alone. The position is supported by seasoned professionals, with access to consultation, guidance, and ongoing professional development.
ESSENTIALS DUTIES
Clinical Leadership and Oversight
- Provide clinical supervision to multidisciplinary staff, including psychologists, therapists, and other treatment providers
- Oversee treatment planning, case conceptualization, and implementation for a complex forensic outpatient population
- Lead crisis intervention efforts and provide guidance on high-risk clinical situations
- Conduct and oversee violence risk assessments and risk management strategies
- Ensure clinical services meet ethical, professional, and forensic standards
Forensic and Court-Related Functions
- Prepare, review, and oversee court reports addressing a variety of penal codes
- Provide expert witness testimony as required
- Ensure documentation is thorough, defensible, and compliant with legal and regulatory requirements
Administrative and Program Management
- Oversee program operations, including recruitment, onboarding, training, and professional development of staff
- Manage administrative functions such as timecards, scheduling, and workload distribution
- Lead program development and continuous quality improvement initiatives
- Ensure compliance with agency policies and Department of State Hospital guidelines
- Monitor program outcomes and quality assurance metrics
Team Leadership and Collaboration
- Lead and facilitate multidisciplinary treatment team meetings
- Foster a collaborative, respectful, and accountable team culture across disciplines
- Serve as a clinical and organizational leader, providing clear direction while valuing diverse perspectives
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology
- Current licensure as a psychologist in California
- Experience in forensic mental health settings
- Experience providing clinical supervision
- Strong organizational, communication, and decision-making skills
Preferred
- Prior experience in program leadership or management
- Experience in violence risk assessment, crisis intervention, and forensic documentation
- Experience providing expert testimony and working closely with courts
- Familiarity with Department of State Hospital systems and related guidelines
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.
WHO WILL THRIVE IN THIS ROLE
This role is ideal for a psychologist who:
- Enjoys complex cases and nuanced clinical and forensic decision-making
- Thinks critically and communicates clearly, both verbally and in writing
- Is comfortable taking leadership responsibility while remaining collaborative and approachable
- Values mentorship, consultation, and ongoing professional growth
- Can balance clinical excellence with administrative accountability
SUPPORT AND PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENT
The Program Director is supported by experienced professionals and leadership who value consultation, shared problem-solving, and professional development. Training, guidance, and collaboration are integral to the role, allowing the Program Director to lead with confidence while continuing to grow.
BENEFITS
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 : $140,000 - $150,000