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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