Gain insight into the essential qualifications, important duties, key responsibilities, and vital skills that form a well-rounded Forensic Psychologist job description.
What does a Forensic Psychologist do?
A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies the principles of psychology to the criminal justice system. They work with individuals involved in legal proceedings, such as suspected criminals, trauma survivors, and divorced parents, to assess their mental state and provide expert opinions. Forensic psychologists also play a role in jury selection and may work with inmates to develop behavioral management plans.
Job Description
We are seeking an observant forensic psychologist to join our team and assist with psychological assessments and testing. In this role, you will evaluate suspected criminals to determine their competency to stand trial. You will also work with inmates to develop behavioral management plans, taking into consideration their cultural backgrounds. Additionally, you will provide recidivism assessments for parole hearings.
To be successful in this role, you must be able to set aside personal biases and approach evaluations with objectivity. We are looking for someone who is detail-oriented, unbiased, and patient.
Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Conducting assessments to evaluate cognitive abilities and detect any attempts to deceive.
- Performing competency evaluations, triage assessments, and risk assessments for suicide and violence.
- Evaluating the risk of recidivism for individuals involved in legal proceedings.
- Collecting and analyzing data to provide thorough reviews and assessments.
- Reviewing case presentations and assessments.
- Providing expert testimony in court.
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and coaching psychology students.
- Educating clinical teams on psychological issues.
- Developing, evaluating, and implementing correctional programs.
- Completing reports and documentation in compliance with standards and procedures.
Requirements and Qualifications
- Doctoral degree in psychology.
- At least 2 years of experience in clinical psychology.
- Experience working with forensic psychiatric cases.
- State licensure.
- Strong understanding of cultural diversity.
- Willingness to travel.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Effective organizational skills.
Forensic Psychologist Salary
The earning potential of a Forensic Psychologist can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Forensic Psychologist in the United States is approximately $120099.