Forensic Psychology Jobs And Requirements

By Gregory Watson


Forensic psychologists endeavor to understand the behavior of criminals with the aim of easing rehabilitation. They also work with authorities to develop mechanisms of abetting crime. A career in forensic psychology will usher you into working with offenders to assist them make positive change. It is primarily a field for people willing to assist others out of crime or authorities to understand and prevent criminal activities.

The basic qualification is a degree in psychology. Further training in forensic related fields like law and criminology will also usher you into the profession. To get the hang of criminal psychology, mentorship and clinical exposure is required. Legal practitioners with sufficient exposure in handling and rehabilitation of accused persons can easily take up the job.

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 work conditions and environment involve a lot of interactions with offenders, law enforcement officers, young people and persons with extreme personality disorders. Prison authorities might also turn to you for assistance in reducing stress and coping with their draining environment. Some theories like cognitive behavior change will be used during rehabilitation to promote behavior change. Some of the titles you will bear include investigative psychologist, legal psychologist and criminal psychologist, among others.

Expect to work on regular hours between 8.30am and 5.00pm from Monday to Friday. There are part time working opportunities as well as chances to share roles. The average earning is 45,000-70,000 dollars a year, depending on experience, skills, personal initiative and job description. The environment is very sensitive and requires the highest possible level of alertness.




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