Correctional Facility Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of criminal justice, the role of correctional facility psychologists has never been more crucial.

As societal perspectives on rehabilitation evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can assess, manage, and assist in the mental health of inmates intensifies.

But what does the job of a correctional facility psychologist truly entail?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the challenging dynamics of psychology in correctional facilities,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable correctional facility psychologist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive straight into it.

Correctional Facility Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities

Correctional Facility Psychologists provide mental health services to inmates within a prison or jail setting.

They are tasked with assessing, diagnosing, and treating a wide variety of mental and emotional disorders.

The duties and responsibilities of a Correctional Facility Psychologist include:

• Evaluating the mental health of inmates through psycho-diagnostic testing and personal interviews
• Developing treatment plans based on individual inmate needs
• Providing individual and group therapy to inmates
• Assessing risk of violence and suicide among inmates
• Documenting all inmate interactions and maintaining confidentiality of all patient records
• Testifying in court as an expert witness when necessary
• Working closely with correctional officers and medical staff to ensure inmates’ physical and mental health needs are being met
• Advising on mental health aspects of inmate rehabilitation and release planning
• Providing crisis intervention as needed
• Conducting research on inmate behavior and mental health

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced Correctional Facility Psychologist to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for providing psychological services including assessments, crisis intervention, individual and group therapy to inmates in our correctional facility.

The ideal candidate will have a solid understanding of the unique psychological needs of a correctional population, along with experience in treating a wide range of mental health conditions.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological evaluations and assessments for inmates.
• Provide individual and group therapy sessions to address mental health needs.
• Develop and implement treatment plans for inmates.
• Monitor and document inmate progress in response to therapy.
• Provide crisis intervention services as needed.
• Collaborate with other medical, mental health, and correctional professionals to ensure comprehensive care.
• Adhere to all ethical and professional standards in psychology and corrections.
• Conduct risk assessments for suicide and violence.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences.

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate degree in Psychology (PhD or PsyD).
• Current, active license to practice psychology in the state of employment.
• Experience in providing psychological services within a correctional facility or similar setting.
• Knowledge of psychological disorders and their treatment within a correctional context.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and crisis management skills.
• Experience with psychological assessment instruments.
• Knowledge of ethical and professional standards for psychologists.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Correctional Facility Psychologist
• Work Environment: Correctional Facility with strict security measures. Position may require working evenings and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Mental Health Services or Clinical Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $70,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Correctional Facility Psychologist Do?

A Correctional Facility Psychologist primarily works in prisons, jails, and other detention facilities.

They play a crucial role in the mental health care provided to incarcerated individuals, working closely with law enforcement, prison wardens, and other healthcare professionals.

Their primary responsibility is to assess the psychological well-being of the inmates, conducting psychological evaluations and diagnosing mental disorders.

This may involve using clinical interviews, observation, or standardized psychological tests.

Another significant aspect of their job role involves conducting individual or group therapy for inmates, addressing issues like stress, anger, addiction, or coping with prison life.

They also create and implement treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Correctional Facility Psychologists work closely with prison staff to manage and mitigate risk, advising on matters such as inmate classification, parole decisions, and crisis intervention strategies.

They may provide training to prison staff on mental health issues and how to respond to psychiatric emergencies.

They also contribute to the reintegration process of inmates into society by identifying their specific needs, providing them with counseling, and preparing them for the psychological challenges they may face after release.

This role often requires dealing with complex and challenging cases, and the psychologist must maintain the highest ethical standards and demonstrate resilience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Qualifications and Skills

Correctional Facility Psychologists should possess a range of clinical, interpersonal, and ethical skills to effectively support the mental health needs of inmates in a correctional facility.

These include:

• Excellent understanding of clinical psychology and the ability to administer various psychological tests and assessments.
• Strong knowledge of criminal justice system and the unique mental health challenges faced by individuals within it.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with diverse inmate populations, often dealing with complex and serious psychological issues.
• Expertise in crisis intervention, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques, to manage volatile situations in a high-stress environment.
• Effective communication skills to convey complex mental health concepts to inmates, correctional staff, and other stakeholders in a clear and understandable way.
• Problem-solving abilities to develop and implement individualized treatment plans to address inmates’ mental health needs and reduce risk of recidivism.
• High ethical standards and professionalism to maintain confidentiality, respect inmates’ rights, and uphold the standards of practice in psychology within a correctional setting.
• Physical and emotional stamina to work in a challenging, potentially stressful environment, and manage potentially confrontational situations.
• Must possess a Doctorate in Psychology (PhD or PsyD), and be licensed to practice in the state. Experience in forensic or correctional psychology is highly beneficial.

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Experience Requirements

Candidates for the role of a Correctional Facility Psychologist generally require a doctoral degree in psychology, preferably in forensic or clinical psychology.

This involves several years of academic and practical experience, including internships and residency programs.

Entry-level Correctional Facility Psychologists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through internships or practicums in correctional or forensic settings.

They may also have experience through related roles such as a Psychological Assistant or Mental Health Counselor in a prison or detention center.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their skills and knowledge in entry-level Correctional Facility Psychologist roles, gaining experience in psychological assessments, crisis intervention, and group therapy.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, having supervised or managed other mental health staff.

They may also have considerable experience in designing and implementing treatment programs, providing expert witness testimony, and conducting research on inmate mental health issues.

Additionally, all Correctional Facility Psychologists must be licensed in their state and should have ongoing continuing education credits to maintain licensure and stay updated with the latest practices in forensic psychology.

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Education and Training Requirements

Correctional Facility Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.).

The curriculum usually includes coursework in psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and criminology, and should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

In addition to their degree, all states require Correctional Facility Psychologists to be licensed.

Licensure usually involves completing a supervised internship or residency and passing an exam.

To work in a correctional facility, psychologists need to complete specialized training.

This usually involves obtaining a certification in forensic psychology, which focuses on assessing and treating inmates and understanding the psychology of criminal behavior.

Some Correctional Facility Psychologists may choose to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship in forensic psychology for advanced training.

Continuing education and professional development are also important in this field due to the evolving nature of criminal justice and psychology.

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Salary Expectations

A Correctional Facility Psychologist earns an average salary of $85,340 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary depending on factors such as level of experience, educational qualifications, and the location of the correctional facility.

 

Correctional Facility Psychologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Correctional Facility Psychologist need?

Correctional Facility Psychologists should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with inmates and staff.

They should have strong psychological assessment skills to diagnose and treat a wide range of mental health issues.

They also need to have good problem-solving and decision-making skills to develop and implement effective treatment plans.

Cultural sensitivity and the ability to work with a diverse population are also vital.

 

Do Correctional Facility Psychologists need a degree?

Yes, Correctional Facility Psychologists require a doctoral degree in psychology, typically either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Additionally, they need to be licensed in the state where they wish to practice.

Some states also require completion of an internship in a correctional setting and/or a certain number of years of relevant work experience.

 

What should you look for in a Correctional Facility Psychologist resume?

Firstly, verify that the candidate has a doctoral degree in psychology and is licensed to practice in your state.

Check for relevant experience in a correctional setting or with a similar population.

Look for evidence of strong assessment and treatment planning skills, as well as experience working with diverse populations.

Any additional certifications or training in forensic or correctional psychology should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Correctional Facility Psychologist?

A good Correctional Facility Psychologist is empathetic, resilient, and has the ability to establish trust with inmates.

They need to be culturally sensitive and respectful of diversity.

They should have strong ethical judgment and adhere to professional codes of conduct.

They must also be able to maintain professional boundaries while showing care and compassion.

Finally, they should be adaptable and able to handle high-stress situations effectively.

 

What are the challenges of being a Correctional Facility Psychologist?

Working as a Correctional Facility Psychologist can be emotionally challenging due to the high rates of serious mental illness, substance abuse, and trauma among inmates.

The work environment can be stressful and potentially dangerous.

Correctional psychologists also face ethical dilemmas related to inmate rights and confidentiality.

Despite these challenges, many find the role rewarding due to the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of underserved populations.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve taken a deep look into the true essence of being a correctional facility psychologist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about conducting therapy sessions.

It’s about fostering change and promoting mental health, one client at a time.

Equipped with our comprehensive correctional facility psychologist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to take the leap.

But why halt your journey here?

Continue exploring with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precision-crafted job listings or refining your CV to precision.

Never forget:

Every therapy session is a part of a larger journey towards recovery.

Let’s make a difference. Together.

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