Forensic Psychology (ELMHS) - Postdoctoral Fellowship
Tulane University

Forensic Psychology (ELMHS) - Postdoctoral Fellowship

Location:
New Orleans, LA and Jackson, LA
Open Date:
Nov 1, 2024
Description:

The Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship at Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System is offered through the Forensic Neuropsychiatry division of the Tulane Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. The goal of the fellowship is to enhance and broaden the fellow's forensic assessment skills. Under supervision, fellows will conduct forensic evaluations at an inpatient forensic hospital (Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System - ELMHS) and in private cases.  Fellows will perform a wide variety of forensic mental health assessments with forensic patients, incarcerated individuals, as well as those in the community.

 

A wide range of evaluations are requested at the ELMHS forensic state hospital and include: competency to stand trial (CST) evaluations, evaluations for malingering, psychodiagnostic clarification, intellectual and cognitive evaluations, and violence risk evaluations. Evaluees are justice-involved individuals who have been adjudicated not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) or deemed incompetent to stand trial by the court. Fellows will be responsible for selecting, administering, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests with the goal of writing high-quality integrated forensic reports.

 

Additional forensic assessment opportunities are available through conducting private evaluations in person in the greater New Orleans area and as a remote evaluator. The scope of evaluation questions are broad and come from referrals from attorneys, courts, and medico-legal professionals. Typical forensic cases will encompass both criminal and civil areas, although the majority of referrals are for criminal evaluations. Referrals include competency to stand trial evaluations, violence risk assessments, mitigation/resentencing evaluations, and trauma and PTSD evaluations in both federal and state court. A large portion of case referrals are for criminal responsibility evaluations.

 

Fellows will also have the opportunity to participate in administrative and clinical meetings, conduct forensic research, and when possible, supervise other trainees under the umbrella supervision of a licensed psychologist. Fellows will attend forensic training seminars and scheduled didactics, including landmark case seminars and expert witness seminars. The forensic fellow is responsible for leading the ACGME-required Forensic Journal Club/Research Seminar. Participation in the annual mock trial conducted jointly with the Tulane Law Clinic and the Tulane Forensic Psychiatry Fellowship is expected. Additionally, opportunities to observe a board-certified psychologist testify and receive supervision on report writing for court and discussion of expert witness skills is a frequent activity.

Qualifications:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

Completion of a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in forensic psychology at an APA-accredited program by the start of the fellowship.

Completion of an APA-accredited internship with an emphasis on forensic psychology by the start of the fellowship.

Eligibility for state or provincial licensure or certification for the independent practice of psychology by the start of the fellowship.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY:  

1.       Ability to use and interpret forensic psychological assessment instruments and the ability to obtain relevant data through third-party data gathering and a comprehensive forensic interview.2.       Ability to integrate results and formulate interpretations consistent with data, relevant to the conclusions related to the legal question.3.       Excellent forensic report-writing skills, including the ability to write an accurate, comprehensive, and defensible integrated forensic report focused on the referral/psycholegal issue.4.       Experience in reviewing and summarizing case records. 5.       Excellent time management, organizational, and self-management skills, including the ability to self-manage remote work. 6.       Ability and willingness to travel/commute when required. 7.       Excellent communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to work in high-stress situations.8.       Working knowledge of, and practice consistent with, the Specialty Guidelines for Forensic Psychologists and the APA's Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Psychologists.9.       Ability to initiate and manage forensic research projects and perform empirical literature searches.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

1.       Strength in assessment, particularly knowledge and experience with administering and interpreting forensic assessment instruments.2.       Interest and ability to provide expert testimony in a clear, articulate manner, consistent with ethical and practice guidelines.3.       Eligibility for board certification in Forensic Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) at the conclusion of the fellowship.

 

4.       Interest in conducting forensic research.
Application Instructions:

All applicants must apply through Interfolio and provide a cover letter, updated CV, unofficial transcripts, and three (3) references with email and phone numbers. Candidates may upload additional materials to their application. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. If you have any questions about the application process please contact Karly Hunter at khunter1@tulane.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Tulane University is located in New Orleans - a city with tremendous history of diverse cultures, community, and languages. Tulane University is committed to creating a community and culture that foster a sense of belonging for all. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply. We are intentionally seeking candidates who are committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in support of Tulane's Strategy for Tomorrow.

Tulane University is responsible for providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the applicant screening process. If you need assistance in completing this application or during any phase of the interview process, please contact the Office of Human Resources & Institutional Equity by phone at 504-865-4748 or email hr@tulane.edu.

---