Program Director, Forensic Community Treatment Center - Licensed Psychologist

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

QualificationsQUALIFICATIONS

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