Job Posting: Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow

Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero

JC-515207
-
Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
PSYCHOLOGIST (HEALTH FACILITY - CLINICAL - SAFETY)

$9,157.00 - $13,272.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.

Final Filing Date: 4/30/2026

Job Description and Duties

The Psychologist (Safety) – Forensic Postdoctoral Fellow will be directed by the Senior Psychologist Supervisor in the Forensic Services Department at the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero (ASH). The incumbent will be responsible for the following duties but not limited to:

  • The Postdoctoral Fellow conducts forensic evaluations across all DSH-A forensic commitments (e.g., PC 1370, PC 2962/2972, PC 1026)
  • The Postdoctoral Fellow writes forensic and psychological assessment reports that accurately and concisely integrate and communicate information from chart reviews, interview data, mental status exams, testing data, and collateral sources
  • The Postdoctoral Fellow will be required to provide expert witness testimony on their forensic opinions in Superior Courts throughout the State of California, as well as before the Board of Parole.
  • Attend weekly seminars conducted by members of the Forensic Services Department staff or other designated speakers
  • Consult with treatment teams and other unit staff during the course of the forensic evaluation process and provide forensic consultation services during other designated times during the training year
Eligibility: To be considered for this career opportunity, applicants must have eligibility by way of one of the following: reachable on a certification list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications specified in the examination bulletin/classification specifications.

If you do not have eligibility, you must take the exam. The examination is a separate process from applying for this vacancy.

Click here to take the Psychologist Examination

Click on the link to complete the Department of State Hospitals Recruitment Survey: DSH Recruitment Survey

You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.

Working Conditions

  • This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the department and is subject to change as business needs arise.
  • Alternate work schedules may be available for this position.

Minimum Requirements

You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

Additional Documents

Position Details

Job Code #:
JC-515207
Position #(s):
455-461-9873-001
Working Title:
Forensic Psychology Postdoctoral Fellow
Classification:
PSYCHOLOGIST (HEALTH FACILITY - CLINICAL - SAFETY)
$9,157.00 - $10,951.00 U
$10,809.00 - $13,272.00 V
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
2
Work Location:
San Luis Obispo County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
12 Month Limited Term - Full Time
Facility:
DSH - Atascadero

Department Information

The Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is a secure public sector hospital providing inpatient forensic services for mentally ill adult males who are court committed throughout the State of California. Located on the central coast of California, the Department of State Hospitals – Atascadero is in the vicinity of destination locations such as San Luis Obispo, Paso Robles, and Morro Bay, with easy access to beautiful beaches, serene natural settings, and many historical landmarks. We invite you to join our professional and talented workforce.

Logo for Department of State Hospitals
Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero

Special Requirements

  • The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
  • The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
  • Applicants must have a Ph.D. in clinical or counseling psychology, or a Psy.D. in clinical psychology, from an APA or CPA approved graduate program by the start of the fellowship year. 
  • Applicants must have completed an APA or CPA approved pre-doctoral internship by the start of the fellowship year.
  • Completion of doctoral degree is required to begin the fellowship.
  • The Medical Staff of DSH-Atascadero requires Psychologist candidates meet the Medical Staff criteria for allied health professional privileging set forth in the facility bylaws. Candidates applying for both licensed and unlicensed positions must submit the required documents listed under the Required Application Documents Section.

Application Instructions

Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.

Final Filing Date: 4/30/2026

Who May Apply

Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.

Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).

How To Apply

Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:

Address for Mailing Application Packages

You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:

Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero
DSH - Atascadero
Attn: DSH - Atascadero Employment Office
P.O. Box 7005
Atascadero, CA 93423-7005

Address for Drop-Off Application Packages

You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:

Department of State Hospitals - Atascadero
Drop off
Employment Office
10333 El Camino Real
Atascadero, CA 93423-7005
Building 105 - Drop box available after hours
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Required Application Package Documents

The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

  • Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
  • Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
  • Other -
    • Candidates must submit a copy of their unofficial college transcripts with their application (STD. 678).
      • Transcripts must include candidate's name, the name of the school, and the date the degree was conferred, if applicable, in order to be considered for this position.
      • Foreign transcripts must include verification for US equivalency from an independent company.
      • Please ensure that the birthdate and social security number are redacted from the transcripts.
  • Other -
    • A Letter of Interest (LOI) is required and must be submitted with your application to be considered for this position. Applications submitted without an attached LOI will not be considered. See the Letter of Interest section for what is required to be addressed in the LOI.
  • Other -
    • Candidates must include a copy of their current CV that includes months and years of experience.
  • Other -
    • Candidates must include two (2) redacted example patient reports.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.

Desirable Qualifications

In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
  • Relevant training and experience conducting forensic evaluations, either independently or under supervision (e.g., competency to stand trial, mental state at the time of the offense, violence risk).
  • Experience completing psychodiagnostic evaluations for adults with a range of psychological conditions and/or severe mental illness in acute inpatient or forensic settings.
  • Proficiency in utilizing psychological assessment instruments with adult populations.
  • Demonstrated ability to conduct culturally informed psychological assessments.
  • Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Benefits

There are many benefits to joining our team! The State of California offers a generous benefits package, including but not limited to:
  • Medical Benefits (health, dental, and vision)
  • Work life balance (some positions qualify for flexible work hours and schedules, and a minimum of 10 days of paid leave annually – specific accrual rates can be found here)
  • Paid Holidays and leave (family medical leave, military leave, etc)
  • Defined benefit retirement program with CalPERS
  • Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
  • School loan forgiveness under federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Commute Program
  • Employee Wellness Program (discounts to health clubs)
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts
  • ScholarShare (college savings account)
  • On-the-job training and professional development
  • Most positions qualify for annual raises until you reach the maximum salary for that position, subject to meeting performance standards
Additional benefit information can be found on the CalHR website and the CalPERS website.

These webpages are intended to provide general information. Benefit eligibility may be based on job classification, bargaining unit, time base, and length of appointment.

Contact Information

The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.

Department Website: http://www.dsh.ca.gov/Atascadero
Human Resources Contact:
DSH-Atascadero Employment Office
(805) 468-3384
ASHEmployment@dsh.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Dr. Theresa Fraser
(805) 468-3170
Theresa.Fraser@dsh.ca.gov

Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.

EEO Contact:
Pearl Melena
(805) 468-2007
Pearl.Melena@dsh.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.

Letter of Interest

Your Letter of Interest (LOI) should be typed in Arial, 12-point font, single spaced, with 1" margins, and be no more than 2 pages in length. A resume, cover letter, or statement of qualifications will not be accepted in lieu of a LOI. Your LOI should address the following:

  • What interested you in the field of Forensic Psychology and this program
  • Any relevant training and experience in forensic evaluation, psychological assessment, and work with individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)
  • A brief description of your career objectives following the completion of your fellowship year, as well as longer term career projections

Additional Information

  • Note: Main communication for this position will be through email. Please ensure you have a valid email address on your application.
  • Applications postmarked on the final filing date will be accepted.
  • Scanned, copied, or faxed applications will not be accepted.
  • Applications will be screened and only the most competitive will be offered an interview.
  • Any limited-term appointments may transition in to a permanent appointment.
  • Selected candidates will be required to submit to a criminal history review utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting.
  • This position requires candidates to pass a Medical Evaluation. You will be required to submit to a Medical Evaluation and receive clearance prior to being hired.
  • This position requires candidates to take and pass a drug screening test. You will be required to take and pass the drug screening test prior to being hired.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.

Application Methods:
Electronic (Using your CalCareer Account)
By Mail
Drop-off
Print Job