Program Director, Forensic Community Treatment Center - Licensed Psychologist
Listed compensation
$140k-$150k
The week · per this posting · weekdays assumed
Ask the employer about the work setting, call expectations, weekend coverage and time off.
Job Description
Job DetailsJob Location: Glendale - Glendale, CA 91206Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $140,000.00 - $150,000.00 Salary/yearJob Shift: Day 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
Key Responsibilities
The Program Director provides clinical and administrative oversight for a forensic outpatient treatment program, ensuring high-quality care and regulatory compliance. This includes supervising multidisciplinary staff, managing program operations, and providing expert testimony in court.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a doctoral degree in Psychology and a current California psychologist license. Experience in forensic mental health settings and clinical supervision is required, along with the ability to pass extensive background clearances.
Qualifications
- Education
- Doctoral or professional degree (postgraduate degree)
- Experience
- 5+ years of experience
Key Skills
Psychologist Career Context
Of the 50 active Forensic Psychologist listings this role was benchmarked against, 34% are remote, 36% have no call, 60% require no weekends.
The cost-of-living index for California is 110.7 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$145k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $131k in an average-cost state. 63.6% of California clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).
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