Forensic Psychologist

11/9/15

Nina Macagnone

Job Description

My work as a forensic psychologist is mainly relate to the assessment and

treatment of criminal behaviour. I work not only with prisoners and offenders,

but also other professionals involved in the judicial and penal systems, and

with victims of crime.

While I am involved in criminal profiling, my role stretches far beyond this. I am

heavily involved in providing research-based evidence to develop policy and

working practices, and I give evidence in court and advise parole boards and

mental health tribunals. My work helps rehabilitate prisoners and you'll get the

chance to support and train other staff.

Employment Opportunities and Trends

Forensic psychologist employers

I work in the criminal and civil justice field, where the main employer of forensic psychologists is HM

Prison Service. Other recruiters include:

Probation Service;

NHS - in special hospitals and rehabilitation units, local forensic services and secure hospitals;

universities - in research and lecturing roles;

police;

social services;

the Home Office;

private consultancy.

Job vacancies

HM Prison Service

NHS Jobs

Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS)

Psychologist Appointments

Scottish Prison Service (SPS)

What will be the demand for this occupation

in a couple years?Number of Jobs, 2012

160,200

Job Outlook, 2012-22

12% (As fast as average)

Employment Change, 2012-22

18,700

Advantages and Disadvantages of Forensic Psychology

Disadvantages

It takes five to seven years of post-graduate education before the certification process begins

In addition to the extensive education required, practitioners can put in 18-hour days and be on call at any hour

Sometimes the work involves quickly-arranged travel

Advantages

The field is challenging and stimulating, and even offers some risk to thrill-seekers

Forensic psychologists can work in the public or private sector, but the profession generally involves helping someone

there is a high degree of satisfaction at the successful end of a case

Hours and Wages

What hours are you expected to work?

As a forensic psychologist I usually work 9am to 5pm, with some flexibility required. Evening and weekend work may occasionally be needed, for example if I am running groups at the weekend or in the evening but I typically work a 37-hour week.

How much do you expect earn?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for forensic psychologists is about $59,440 a year. Those in the 50th percentile made anywhere from $45,300 to $77,750 annually, while those in the upper 10th percentile earned salaries exceeding $100,000 a year.

Working Conditions

There aren’t “physical” demands as in this job puts stress on the body. But what this job may apply more stress on is the brain. In this field of work one may work 37 hours, which also entails many different kinds of cases. These cases put stress on the brain because as a forensic psychologist you are required to measure the mental competency of many different kinds of people.

Where I would work…

Hospitals

Justice system such as in courts or in a police precinct

Rehabilitation centers

Training and Educational requirements

To become a chartered forensic psychologist you will need:

Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC), which you can get by completing a British Psychological Society

(BPS) accredited degree or conversion course;

a BPS-accredited Masters in Forensic Psychology, which may be available on a part-time or distance-learning

basis;

Stage 2 of the BPS Qualification in Forensic Psychology, which involves a minimum of two years of supervised

practice that requires you to provide evidence of applying psychology in forensic practice. It's possible to complete

this stage while working as a trainee forensic psychologist.

Professional Training

work-based learning such as the maintenance of a log of cases;

professional activity, e.g. mentoring, teaching or involvement in a professional body such as the British

Psychological Society (BPS);

attending appropriate courses provided by relevant organisations such as the BPS;

self-directed learning through reading relevant literature and professional journals.

Related OccupationsVictim Advocacy

Forensic psychologists working as victim advocates provide crime survivors and their friends and family with support and legal advocacy. They provide recommendations for shelter and safety, crisis intervention, education options and preventative strategies. They may also provide ongoing support throughout court procedures

Jury Consultant

Forensic psychologists working as victim advocates provide crime survivors and their friends and family with support and legal advocacy. They provide recommendations for shelter and safety, crisis intervention, education options and preventative strategies. They may also provide ongoing support throughout court procedures

Names of Professional Associations representing this occupation

American psychological Association

750 First St. NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242

Telephone: (800) 374-2721; (202) 336-5500

Website: http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/forensic.aspx

American Board of Professional Psychology

600 Market Street, Suite 201, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Telephone: 919-537-8031

Website: http://www.abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3285

Bibliography

"Forensic Psychologist." How to Become A: | Prospects.ac.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

- http://www.onlinepsychologydegree.info/faq/the-pros-and-cons-of-a-career-in-forensic-psychology/

"The Pros and Cons of a Career in Forensic Psychology." Online Psychology Degree Guide. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2015.

- http://www.prospects.ac.uk/forensic_psychologist.htm

http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/forensic.aspx

http://www.abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=328