Posting number: 2026-04423
Department: Dept. of Social and Health Services
Division: BHHA
Job classification: PSYCHOLOGIST FORENSIC EVALUATOR
Posting type: Open & Promotional
Categories: Health Services, Mental Health
Are you interested in the intersection of psychology and the law?
Join the Child Study & Treatment Center (CSTC) at the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services (DSHS) as a Psychologist Forensic Evaluator!
In this important role, you will conduct forensic psychological evaluations for youth involved in the justice system under RCW 10.77. You'll provide expert testimony, complete psychological assessments, and write reports to help courts make informed decisions about young people's mental health and legal competence. Your expertise will guide the courts in cases involving both juvenile and adult criminal proceedings, always with a focus on the unique needs of children and adolescents.
Telework up to 2 days per may be available for this position. Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.
This position is also eligible as a 12-month In-Training opportunity allowing those with a doctorate degree, who are not yet licensed to apply. If selected as a candidate in training you will work as a Psychologist 3. You will perform duties as a child and adolescent psychologist under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, where you will gain clinical evaluation, treatment, child development, assessment, and supervisory experience. Upon successful completion of the formal training plan, the incumbent will advance from Psychologist 3 to the goal class of Psychologist Forensic Evaluator, once licensure as a Psychologist in the State of Washington has been obtained.
Who should apply
We're looking for professionals who have:
Note: You will receive orientation to clinic policies and procedures but will be expected to function fairly autonomously with regards to complete and writing juvenile forensic evaluations.
Some of what you'll do
Why DSHS
Next step
If you're passionate about supporting youth and want to use your skills to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today. Join CSTC and DSHS to help build brighter futures for Washington's children and families.
Questions? Please contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference 04423
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
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With its great natural beauty, Clark County, Washington, always has attracted people and settlements. Framed by the scenic Cascade Range to the east and the majestic Columbia River to the south and west, the area is a picturesque place to work, play and live.
Named for Captain William Clark of Lewis and Clark Expedition frame, our county is one of the fastest growing regions in Washington state and the Portland, Oregon metropolitan area. Today, more than 440,000 people call Clark County home.
Clark County government is one of the county's largest employers, providing a wide range of challenging positions for about 1,570 people. You can learn about current job openings, the application process, job descriptions, pay schedule and employee benefits on the Clark County Human Resources website at https://www.clark.wa.gov/human-resources.
The mission of Clark County government is to enhance the quality of life in our diverse community by providing services with integrity, openness and accountability.
