Forensic Psychology Vacancies And Requirements

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 willingness to understand and support offenders is vital for criminal psychologists. To achieve this, you must proactively seek to understand what causes criminal activities and their effects to the person and society. To survive in this rough and unpredictable environment, a lot of resilience is required. You are practically exposed to verbal and physical abuse. You need to exercise utmost patience, empathy, honesty and integrity. Seek to develop your skills through research and proactive engagements.

Some of the duties you will be assigned as a psychologist include supporting police investigations especially in criminal profiling. Psychologists are also engaged in rehabilitation and treatment of offenders in hospitals, prisons and specialized mental health residential units. Other tasks include offering specialized support to staff members and workers in criminal and civil justice systems.

There are other descriptions for psychologists working with offenders beyond rehabilitation. They assess risks and direct authorities on the best rehabilitation plan or confinement facility. They are critical in designing customized treatment and rehabilitation plans for offenders. Participation and input of psychologists in court cases, parole boards and tribunals reviewing mental health status of accused persons is crucial. At the end of your engagement, a report is demanded. It is also your responsibility to mentor younger psychologists joining the profession.

The persons who you are in contact with on regular basis include law enforcers, accused persons, youth and people displaying extreme personality disorders. Other duties include supporting prison officers in their duty to cope with and overcome related stress. Some of the theories learnt in school, including cognitive behavior change, will assist you to understand criminals and train them towards positive behavior change. Your work will warrant such titles as legal psychologist, criminal psychologist and investigative psychologist, among others.

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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment