Forensic Psychologist Job Description Template

Illustration of a doctor in an exam room working on a computer

An effective forensic psychologist job post will paint a picture of how the role is performed within your organization. Candidates will want to know how they’ll contribute and how those efforts will impact your success. Additionally, the forensic psychologist job description should communicate your organization’s culture and values.

Review your lists of objectives, responsibilities, and qualifications carefully. Ensure that every item accurately reflects your expectations. Use direct language, avoiding jargon and slang, and make sure the lists are concise yet detailed.

Sample forensic psychologist job description

[Organization X] is the agency that focuses on policies, programs, and services for people with severe and persistent mental illness, substance-use disorders, and developmental and intellectual disabilities. We’re seeking a forensic psychologist who can work with a wide range of patients struggling with criminal cases, family unrest, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, and mental health problems. Under the supervision of a hospital forensic director, the successful candidate will be responsible for the completion of forensic evaluations relating to crimes, custody battles, at-risk circumstances, and adolescent safety.

Objectives of this role

Provide exemplary services to the court system, patients and their families, medical professionals, attorneys, and other relevant parties, in the form of psychological assessments and treatments
Collaborate, as a member of a multidisciplinary, integrated practice, in the development and delivery of patient assessments
Establish relationships with patients, criminal justice representatives, physicians, and other professionals to encourage the best possible outcomes, while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality
Perform all duties in a manner consistent with high professional standards, such as the American Psychological Association (APA) Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct

Responsibilities

Conduct forensic psychological evaluations as a neutral friend of the court to determine competency to stand trial and/or criminal responsibility
Conduct assessments and psychological testing of individuals admitted to forensic psychiatric centers and hospitals
Conduct face-to-face forensic mental health evaluations to determine risk of violence, prepare reports, provide expert testimony in court, develop behavioral programming, and supervise mental health counselors
Supervise and train forensic psychology students and clinical team members, and serve on committees as needed

Required skills and qualifications

Doctor of psychology degree
Current license to practice psychology
Professional experience, knowledge, and skills in psychological evaluation techniques, especially risk assessment
Experience in writing psychological evaluations

Preferred skills and qualifications

Working knowledge of test instruments (ex: MMPI, IQ, Static-99R, Static-2002R, PCL-R, HCR-20)
Experience with forensic psychology patients
Ability to communicate in more than one language