Forensic Psychology Jobs And Their Descriptions

By Gregory Watson


The main role of criminal or forensic psychologists is to assist in rehabilitation of offenders and support authorities in understanding criminal behaviors. It is by this understanding that appropriate intervention measures are developed. Forensic psychology helps handlers to train offenders towards reforms and positive behavior change. The driving force for any psychologist dealing with offenders is his or her willingness to assist authorities in preventing crime and rehabilitation.

A basic psychology degree is sufficient to usher you into forensics. There are investigative related courses like criminology and law that twist your orientation to forensics. You also need professional and clinical mentoring to become a psychologist. A legal practitioner exposed to rehabilitation and handling of offenders may easily specialize in the field.

The work environment requires excellent communication skills. The offenders are sensitive and canny to the point of deceiving their handlers. This can only be overcome by a mind that is able to discern the truth and make a decision. You are required to possess excellent listening skills as well. This is the best way to get to the hearts of offenders.

The character of a psychologist must be a person willing to help offenders make positive change in their lives. You must also display keen interest in cause and effects of criminal behaviors. A resilient spirit is also required since you have to deal with verbal and possibilities of physical assault. You are required to exercise a great deal of honesty, patience, integrity and empathy. Delivering results as a psychologist largely depends on personal effort. You must therefore be proactive in research and personal development.

Psychologists work to support investigators and police in criminal profiling. Your role is to understand motive and underlying psychological factors. Psychologists also work in treatment and rehabilitation of offenders. This takes place in special mental health residences, prisons and confinement hospitals. Beyond working with offenders, you will support staff members in the criminal justice system to effectively perform their role.

Beyond direct involvement with offenders, there are other tasks requiring the input of psychologists. They include risk assessment for offenders to determine rehabilitation and confinement facilities. They also help authorities to design personalized rehabilitation and treatment plans to suit offenders. They are crucial in parole boards, tribunals reviewing mental health of offenders and in court cases to offer professional advice. In such cases, a professional report is required. Experienced psychologists should mentor amateurs in the industry.

The people you work with in criminal psychology include accused persons, law enforcers, youth and persons with severe personality disorders. You are required to support prison staff to cope with work related stress. The theories you will apply toward achieving positive behavior change in offenders include cognitive behavior change. The titles you will be given include criminal psychologist, legal psychologist and investigative psychologist.

For persons in formal employment, your working hours remain 8.30 to 5.00 pm. In some instances, your assignments will be on part time basis. There are job sharing opportunities from time to time. The environment you are exposed to requires alertness to forestall attacks. The expected salary range is between 45,000 dollars and 70,000 dollars on average per year. It is determined by your engagements, skills, initiative and experience.




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