Forensic Psychologist

Department: MED-Psych & Behavioral Science
Salary/Grade: EXS/10

Job Summary:

This position is a forensic psychologist at the Cook County Juvenile Court Clinic (CCJCC). The CCJCC is operated by Northwestern University through a contract with the Cook County Office of the Chief Judge and is the primary provider of forensic mental health evaluations to the Juvenile Justice and Child Protection departments of the Cook County Circuit Court. The psychologist's primary responsibility is to complete court-ordered forensic mental health evaluations including writing reports and providing testimony. The psychologist will primarily be assigned to complete juvenile justice evaluations (fitness to stand trial, risk assessment, sentencing, problematic sexual behavior evaluations) but will also conduct child protection evaluations as needed. The psychologist also participates in other consultation and training activities, including supervision of trainees, as directed to support the CCJCC's operation. Opportunities for participation in program evaluation and research projects are also available.

Please note:

Off campus at 2245 W. Ogden Ave, 5th Floor

Chicago, IL 60612

This position may be required to perform their job duties outside of CCJCC's main location to accommodate case needs, including conducting evaluation activities at suburban courthouses or other community locations (e.g., schools, social service agencies).

Specific Responsibilities:

• Timely completion of court ordered child protection and juvenile justice forensic evaluations that include record reviews; multiple interviews with evaluation subjects, parents/guardians, and collateral sources; administration and interpretation of psychological tests (when relevant); and formulation of thorough, well-supported reports that comport with forensic best practices and answer the court's questions.
  • Juvenile justice evaluations pertain to sentencing, fitness to stand trial, risk of harm to self or others, problematic sexual behavior evaluations of youth charged with sexual offenses, capacity to waive Miranda rights, and criminal responsibility (not guilty by reason of insanity). These evaluations are typically completed within 4-6 weeks of assignment.
  • Child protection evaluations involve the assessment of parents' functioning and child maltreatment risk and their impacts on pending legal questions such as visitation, permanency goals, termination of parental rights, and return home. These evaluations are typically completed with 8-12 weeks of assignment. The psychologist will also complete same-day evaluations of parents' capacity to consent to adoption or voluntarily relinquish parental rights.
• Testimony in court as an expert witness regarding forensic evaluations tendered to court.
• Participation in regular supervision and performance development meetings with administrative/clinical supervisor (i.e., CCJCC director or associate director)
• Participation in all-staff, psychologist, and training meetings as scheduled.
• Participation in student training and supervision activities (e.g., allowing students/trainees to observe evaluations and courtroom testimony when possible; participation in didactic training sessions for psychology externs and forensic psychiatry fellows).

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA accredited program or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience from which comparable skills can be acquired.

• Successful completion of an APPIC accredited pre-doctoral internship.

• Current Illinois psychologist license (out of state applicants must be eligible for licensure in Illinois).

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Knowledge of ethical and best practice standards for the practice of clinical and forensic psychology generally, and juvenile sex offender evaluations, specifically.

• Clinical experience with children, adolescents, and families

• Experience working with court-involved populations in a clinical or forensic capacity.

• Strong oral and written communication skills

• Cultural competence, including an awareness of how experiences, beliefs and values of diverse individuals and groups affect clinical forensic interactions and practice

• Ability to work cooperatively on an interdisciplinary team

Preferred Qualifications:

• Pre-doctoral training in forensic psychology and/or psychology and the law.

• Completion of a post-doctoral fellowship in forensic psychology and/or two to three years post-doctoral experience conducting forensic evaluations. Forensic experience with juvenile court involved youth or parents (i.e., juvenile justice or child protection) is preferred, but applicants with forensic experience with other populations will be considered.

• Training and professional experience in the evaluation of individuals charged with sexual offenses, preferably including youth. Current Illinois sex offender evaluator licensure or eligibility to be licensed within 6-12 months of hire.

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Experience providing courtroom testimony pertaining to forensic evaluations.

• Fluency in Spanish, sign-language, or another non-English language

• Knowledge of juvenile court law and procedures.

Target hiring range for this position will be between $87,899 to $123,608 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.

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