Fellowship Application Process

Application Deadline

All application materials for the 2026-2027 training year must be received by January 6, 2027. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Interviews for the fellowship will be scheduled via videoconferencing, typically the first week in February. In-person interviews will not be conducted, but if interested we can schedule a visit after interviews are completed. We will be abiding by the Common Hold Date of February 22, 2027.

Requirements

The forensic psychology postdoctoral fellowship is open to applicants who will complete an APA-accredited doctoral program, including an APA-accredited internship, in clinical or counseling psychology by August 31 of the preceding training year. Additionally, before beginning employment, all fellows must undergo a criminal justice background check.

Preferred qualifications

Prior experience with providing forensic mental health assessment services in a psychiatric, correctional, or other forensically-related setting is preferred. We strongly encourage candidates of all different identities and cultural backgrounds to apply.

While we do prefer applicants with experience working in a forensic setting, we also recognize that valuable professional experience can take many forms. We believe that applicants with a strong generalist background and writing skills who share our core values can, through our training program, develop the skills needed to become highly competent and ethical forensic examiners.

How to apply

1. Assemble an application packet to be submitted to dshsbha.forensicfellowship@dshs.wa.gov or mailed directly to the Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee:
   • Postdoctoral Fellowship Committee
   • c/o Jacqueline Means, Psy.D., Fellowship Director
   • Office of Forensic Mental Health Services
   • 1949 South State Street
   • Tacoma, WA 98405
     • Application packets must include the following:
       • Cover letter specifying the contents of the application packet, anticipated letter writers, and school(s) from where transcripts will be sent
       • Statement of interest and career intent
       • Curriculum Vitae
       • Sample of one (1) completed and sanitized psychological report (forensic evaluation preferred)
2. Submit the following documentation that the candidate requirements have been/will be met, directly to the above email or mailing address:
   • Official transcripts of all graduate studies (no undergraduate transcripts needed)
   • Letter from program official indicating expected completion date of dissertation and expected date of degree conferral
   • Letter from program official indicating the expected date of satisfactory completion of the internship
3. Three letters of recommendation should be submitted directly from the letter writers to the above email or mailing address.
   • Please note that the letters of recommendation may be separate letters from those listed in 2, or they may be combined with the letter(s) indicating expected date of dissertation completion/degree conferral/satisfactory completion of the internship. If combined, the letters must make it clear on what the writer is commenting. For example, your dissertation chair may write a letter recommending you for the fellowship and also comment on degree completion requirements.

Additional information

Currently, we anticipate being able to offer up to six fellowship positions for the 2027-2028 training year, available between the Tacoma area and Spokane area locations. While the training curriculum and employment benefits remain the same regardless of location, some opportunities may vary year to year depending on both location and availability.

We offer a hybrid work schedule (with both in-person and work-from-home), depending on the rotation and training needs. We are happy to discuss updates to this information during the interview process.

The current salary for postdoctoral fellows is approximately $90,000, with employment benefits, holidays, and leave time.

Depending on the year and ongoing research projects, we may be able to support conference attendance for trainees presenting research related to DSHS Office of Forensic Mental Health Services.