Where to find forensic psychology jobs

Forensic psychologists mainly work in the Prison and Probation Service. Here, they develop intervention techniques and one-to-one and group treatment programmes for offenders and those under supervision. To become a forensic psychologist, extensive training is required. Find out about where to find forensic psychology jobs following initial training.

Work activities

The work of a forensic psychologist is concerned with the behaviour of individuals within the judicial and penal systems. Much of a forensic psychologist’s work focuses on providing therapy in correctional settings. Work activities may therefore include: - Carrying out one-to-one assessments to assess the risk of re-offending and/or the risk of suicide or self-harm; - Developing and evaluating the use of assessment techniques; - Delivering, or helping to deliver, nationally recognised cognitive behavioural therapy programmes; - Overseeing the staff training; - Preparing court reports; - Overseeing the provision of support services during serious incidents; - Liaising with colleagues; - Attending meetings.

Education

To work as a forensic psychologist, an individual must acquire a trainee post. Minimum requirements for trainee posts are Graduate Basis for Registration (GBR - BPS) and a degree of grade 2.2 or above. Graduates without GBR may enter into forensic psychologist trainee posts with the aid of a psychology conversion course. Postgraduate training A pre-entry postgraduate qualification is desirable for entry into psychology jobs. Work experience Work experience is advantageous to prospective forensic psychologists.
On the job training Trainee psychologists will be required to undertake extensive practical and theoretical training in forensic psychology throughout their time in trainee posts.

Typical employers

Forensic psychology is a fastest growing area of employment for psychology graduates. Forensic psychologists work in the criminal and civil justice system, mainly in the prison and probation service. England and Wales In England and Wales, the HM Prison Service and the National Probation Service of England and Wales advertise forensic careers. However, these are separate employers with some differences in conditions of service. England and Wales are together divided into 12 areas. Each area has its own Area Psychologist. Furthermore, in the prison service, the High Security Estate and Women's Estate each benefit from their own area psychologists. Scotland and Northen Ireland The Scottish Prison Service is in no way related to the prison service in England and Wales. In Northern Ireland, probation work is conducted by the Probation Board for Northern Ireland while in Scotland, it is conducted by social work departments and is referred to as criminal justice social work.