Juvenile Justice Psychologist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world grappling with ever-increasing issues related to juvenile crime, the role of juvenile justice psychologists has never been more critical.

Society progresses, and with each stride, the demand for skilled professionals who can understand, treat, and rehabilitate our young offenders escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a juvenile justice psychologist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the essence of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of juvenile justice psychology,

You’ve landed in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable juvenile justice psychologist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Duties and Responsibilities

Juvenile Justice Psychologists apply their knowledge of human behavior and development, psychological theory, and assessment techniques to work with juvenile offenders and at-risk youth within the justice system.

They typically conduct psychological evaluations, provide therapy, and consult with other professionals within the justice system.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Conduct psychological assessments of juveniles to determine the presence of mental health issues or developmental disorders
• Prepare comprehensive psychological reports and present findings to the court or other professionals involved in the juvenile’s case
• Provide individual and group therapy to juveniles, focusing on areas such as emotion regulation, trauma recovery, and development of social skills
• Consult with lawyers, judges, probation officers, and social workers to provide insights about a juvenile’s psychological state
• Develop and implement treatment plans tailored to each juvenile’s needs, taking into account their psychological evaluation and current circumstances
• Conduct risk assessments to evaluate the potential for reoffending
• Provide expert testimony in court, explaining the psychological factors that may have contributed to a juvenile’s behavior
• Advise on the development of rehabilitation programs within the justice system to support the psychological wellbeing and positive development of juveniles
• Stay updated on the latest research and developments in juvenile psychology, criminology, and related fields

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Juvenile Justice Psychologist to provide mental health services to youth in the justice system.

The Juvenile Justice Psychologist will be responsible for assessing the mental health of juveniles, providing therapeutic interventions, and assisting with their rehabilitation process.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of child and adolescent psychology, experience working with at-risk youth, and is knowledgeable about the juvenile justice system.

Ultimately, the role of the Juvenile Justice Psychologist is to provide comprehensive psychological services that facilitate the healthy development and rehabilitation of juveniles within the justice system.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct psychological assessments and evaluations of juveniles
• Develop and implement treatment plans
• Provide individual and group therapy
• Communicate with family members, legal guardians, and juvenile justice staff about treatment progress
• Participate in case management and court proceedings
• Provide expert testimony in court
• Assist in the development of rehabilitation and reentry programs
• Stay up-to-date with current research and practices in juvenile psychology and justice
• Maintain confidential records and adhere to ethical guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Doctorate in Psychology, with a focus on child/adolescent psychology
• Current state licensure as a psychologist
• Experience working with at-risk youth or in a juvenile justice setting
• Strong understanding of child and adolescent development and psychopathology
• Knowledge of the juvenile justice system and legal procedures
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to handle sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Juvenile Justice Psychologist
• Work Environment: Juvenile detention centers, courts, and community-based programs. Some travel may be required for court appearances or community work.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Psychological Services or similar role.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $75,000 minimum to $120,000 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, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and three professional references to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Juvenile Justice Psychologist Do?

Juvenile Justice Psychologists work within the juvenile justice system, often alongside social workers, attorneys, and judges.

They primarily deal with minor individuals who have been charged with crimes or are otherwise involved in the justice system.

They conduct psychological evaluations and assessments on these individuals to help the courts determine the best course of action.

These evaluations may assess mental health, risk of reoffending, substance abuse issues, and other psychological factors that may impact an individual’s behavior and decision-making.

They also provide treatment to these juveniles.

This could involve individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, or other interventions aimed at addressing the psychological issues that may have contributed to the juvenile’s criminal behavior.

Juvenile Justice Psychologists are also often involved in creating treatment plans and recommending rehabilitative services.

They may work with other professionals in the justice system and in the community to ensure that juveniles have access to the appropriate services.

They may also provide expert testimony in court, sharing their professional opinion on a juvenile’s mental state, the risk they pose to society, and the likelihood of rehabilitation.

In their role, Juvenile Justice Psychologists aim to help juveniles navigate the justice system, reduce reoffending, and improve their overall mental health and well-being.

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Qualifications and Skills

A Juvenile Justice Psychologist should have a combination of hard skills, soft skills, and a deep understanding of the juvenile justice system, such as:

• Educational qualifications in Psychology, preferably a doctoral degree in Clinical or Counselling Psychology, along with a license to practice.
• Experience working with adolescents and a solid understanding of child and adolescent development and psychopathology.
• Strong knowledge of legal and ethical issues related to the field of juvenile justice.
• Excellent diagnostic and assessment skills to identify mental health issues, behavioral disorders, trauma, or abuse in young individuals.
• Good communication skills to effectively interact with juveniles, their families, court officials, and other stakeholders in the justice system.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to connect with young individuals and gain their trust, while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Ability to develop and implement intervention and treatment plans tailored to the needs of each juvenile.
• Problem-solving skills to help juveniles overcome challenges and behavioral issues.
• Ability to provide expert testimony in court, and prepare and present detailed reports and evaluations.
• Continual learning attitude to keep up-to-date with the latest research findings and treatment approaches in the field of juvenile psychology.
• Patience and resilience to deal with emotionally challenging situations and potential setbacks in treatment.

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Juvenile Justice Psychologists typically have a few years of experience gained through internships or part-time roles during their graduate studies.

They gain exposure to the field by working under the supervision of licensed psychologists and often participate in counseling, assessment, and case management in various settings such as schools, hospitals, or community agencies.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have usually completed their post-doctoral training and are fully licensed to practice independently.

They have gained broader experience in areas such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, risk assessment, and crisis intervention, often specializing in working with at-risk youth or those involved in the juvenile justice system.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often seasoned professionals who have further honed their skills in psychological assessment, treatment planning, and therapy.

They may have expertise in forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment, or trauma-informed care.

These professionals may also have gathered experience in supervisory or management roles, overseeing the work of less experienced psychologists or other mental health professionals.

In addition, they often have a substantial track record of research or program development aimed at improving outcomes for youth in the juvenile justice system.

This can make them suitable for higher-level roles, such as program directors or administrators in juvenile justice agencies.

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Education and Training Requirements

Juvenile Justice Psychologists typically have a Doctorate degree in Psychology, specifically in forensic or clinical psychology with a focus on child and adolescent psychology.

Their education must be from an accredited university or professional school, and it typically involves a combination of coursework, research, clinical experience, and a final dissertation.

The course content typically includes adolescent development, juvenile justice system, criminal behavior, mental health law and assessment techniques.

Apart from academic learning, a significant portion of training also includes practical hands-on experience through internships, fellowships, or supervised practice, often conducted within juvenile justice settings.

After achieving their doctorate, they are also required to obtain a state license to practice psychology.

The licensure requirements generally include completion of a doctoral program, a certain amount of professional experience, and passing an examination.

Furthermore, certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in forensic psychology may be beneficial and can demonstrate an individual’s expertise and commitment to this specialization.

Continued professional development is crucial for staying updated with the latest research, techniques and ethical guidelines.

This may involve attending workshops, seminars or conferences, reading professional literature, and participating in peer consultation groups.

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Salary Expectations

A Juvenile Justice Psychologist can expect to earn an average salary of $79,010 (USD) per year.

This salary, however, can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, specialized training, and the region of employment.

Additional compensation may also be possible, depending on the psychologist’s involvement in research, counseling or other specialized services.

 

Juvenile Justice Psychologist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Juvenile Justice Psychologist need?

Juvenile Justice Psychologists need a strong understanding of adolescent psychological disorders and behavior disorders.

They should have excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with a diverse range of individuals including children, parents, and law enforcement.

Additionally, they should have skills in psychological assessment, treatment planning, and counseling.

 

Do Juvenile Justice Psychologists require any specific degree?

Yes, Juvenile Justice Psychologists typically require a doctoral degree in Psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) and a specific license to practice psychology.

They may also benefit from additional training or a degree focus in areas such as clinical, child, adolescent, or forensic psychology.

 

What should you look for in a Juvenile Justice Psychologist resume?

In addition to a doctoral degree in psychology, look for a state license to practice psychology.

Further qualifications to look for include internships or work experience in juvenile justice or a related area, experience with assessment and treatment planning, and experience working with diverse populations.

Skills in crisis management and de-escalation techniques are also valuable.

 

What qualities make a good Juvenile Justice Psychologist?

A good Juvenile Justice Psychologist is empathetic, patient, and has strong communication skills.

They should also be culturally sensitive and understand the impact of societal factors on a child’s behavior.

They should be able to make sound judgments and be comfortable working in potentially stressful situations.

 

What are the daily duties of a Juvenile Justice Psychologist?

On a typical day, a Juvenile Justice Psychologist may conduct psychological evaluations, provide individual or group therapy, and work with other professionals such as social workers, probation officers, and judges to develop treatment plans.

They may also provide expert testimony in court and consult on cases.

Their work often involves a combination of office-based work, court visits, and occasional site visits to homes or detention centers.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the intricacies involved in being a juvenile justice psychologist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about understanding behaviors.

It’s about shaping the future of our youth, one adolescent at a time.

With our comprehensive juvenile justice psychologist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully prepared to embark on this journey.

But why halt your momentum?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting razor-sharp job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction with a juvenile is a chance to make a positive impact.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Juvenile Justice Psychologist (Complete Guide)

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