Forensic psychology essay

Manage Discussion Entry

1. In regards to the subjects Legal and Forensic Psychology I scored pretty low on it as I felt only 4 out of the 14 statements applied to me which means I scored a 28%

2. Interestingly enough when I first began learning about psychology and I heard about Forensic psychology I imagined these were the guys who would be after serial killers and part detectives. But now that I know what the job involves it definitely doesnt seem like a career I would like to pursue. Im the guy that doesnt watch the news because to me there is always something bad going and I dont like reading about all the horrible things that happen to people. One of my favorite movies is Law Abiding Citizen mainly because it touches on how the system seems to be automated. Obviously the saying “Cant please everyone” exists for a reason but I just couldnt be apart of something where I might find myself in a situation where despite my input on the matter and knowing the person on trial is guilty was found not guilty by the jury would just drive me nuts. I do believe that some people have mental illnesses that cause them to murder and rape and I do believe they should be treated instead of put in prison. But overall I cant see myself taking a career dealing with Legal or Forensic Psychology.

3. Forensic Evaluator DSHS Forensic Evaluator Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Behavioral Health Administration (BHA) Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) is seeking experienced and motivated professionals to serve as Psychologist- Forensic Evaluators in Washington State. This is a challenging fast-paced environment with deadlines and an expectation of a high degree of professionalism. Core functions of this position include: conducting forensic psychological evaluations report writing and providing expert testimony for the court. Due in no small part to the Trueblood decision Washington State has become a leader in the cutting-edge specialty area of forensic psychology the point at which psychology intersects with the legal system. Forensic evaluators are primary points of contact with various stakeholders in the legal community the greater psychiatric treatment community as well as other public/private sector entities that hold interest in our evaluations. Finally simply Washington State is a great place to live with a wide variety of diverse communities and activities. Presently we have opportunities on the Eastside of the State we have offices in Spokane Tri-Cities. Specific assignments to designated offices are based on availability and seniority. DSHS BHA and OFMHS strive to improve the health status of multiple vulnerable populations by supporting sustainable recovery independence and wellness. BHA is organized into the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery the Budget and Finance Division the Office of Forensic Mental Health Services and the three state psychiatric hospitals. The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services is responsible for the leadership and management of Washingtons forensic mental health care system and is addressing the increase in demand for mental health services for adults and youth in the criminal justice system. OFMHS provides forensic evaluations (typically competency to stand trial and mental state at the time of the offense) competency restoration and Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) treatment services and provides liaison services to effectively coordinate efforts with system partners to meet shared goals. OFMHS additionally provides ongoing training and technical assistance to improve the quality and timeliness of forensic mental health services data management and resource allocation training and certification of evaluators and quality monitoring and reporting. OFMHS works in collaboration with the Governors Office to lead and implement robust diversion efforts to prevent citizens with behavioral health illnesses from entering the criminal justice system. Significant public resources have been invested in providing the high quality and empirically supported services of OFMHS. What you will be doing The most important duties performed in this job include but are not limited to: • Conducting forensic competency to stand trial and mental state at the time of the offense evaluations for the courts of Washington State. • Interviewing pretrial defendants in custody and in the community as well as collaterals. • Collecting data such as treatment education criminal and social histories while objectively synthesizing and weighing relevant historical information available. • Performing relative case-specific psychological medical and legal research as necessary. • Administering scoring interpreting and reporting the results of psychological testing. • Analyzing relevant data and facts to formulate opinions to questions posed in a court . • Submitting forensic evaluations to the court. • Preparing for and providing expert witness testimony regarding forensic evaluations or as requested or subpoenaed by the courts. What were is looking for • Knowledge of forensic mental health assessment. • Demonstrated competency in working with people from diverse backgrounds and cultural groups. • Experience and demonstrated competency with assessing or screening patients for admission into a psychiatric hospital and other residential mental health settings. • Ability to effectively communicate with management peers patients and others in a psychiatric hospital or other residential settings. • Forensic fellowship training or experience as a forensic evaluator and expert witness. • A willingness desire to be trained in forensic assessment. Who should apply Professionals with a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited school or department of Psychology and an active license to practice as a psychologist in the State of Washington. Successful completion of a doctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association. Preference may be given for either forensic fellowship training or one year as a forensic evaluator. Preference may be given for ABPP certifications. Manage Discussion Entry 1st Part For this week looking at Chapter 5 I was able to relate or find interest in 7 of the 14 categories. I find that interesting as I thought I would find more areas of interest in this field. The percentage for me in this category is 50%. Below are the six areas in which I was connected to or found interest in. -Have an interest in politics? – Like solving puzzles? – Like reading about criminal activities in your local newspaper? – Like reading biographies about high profile criminals? – Think you would like to work in a prison? – Like a good debate? – Like people to challenge your thoughts and opinions? Jacksonville’s Sheriff’s Office Job Description: This is professional work in the selection placement counseling and oversight of inmates assigned to correctional programs. The work requires knowledge of counseling principles theories practices and techniques usually gained through formal education and work experience. Contacts require skills in understanding and influencing others and are important in conducting interviews obtaining social histories and placing of individuals into programs. The work is performed following substantially diversified procedures and specialized standards; however the incumbent has latitude to consider which procedures to follow and in what sequence to achieve the required job results. The counseling work involves differing situations requiring the use of judgment in searching for solutions or new applications within ones own experience. The work is performed in a correctional facility environment where risks and hazards are generally known predictable and controllable; however control of situations is occasionally limited due to working with inmates. Operates personal computers copiers and other standard office equipment. The physical demands of the work are minimal. The work is performed under limited supervision where the work assignments are subject to established procedures practices precedents methods techniques and well-defined policies; the worker plans and organizes the work and determines own priorities; and the work is reviewed usually after the fact in terms of quality volume timeliness and adherence to established methods standards and policies. Examples of Work: Knowledge Skills and Abilities: Open Requirements/Supplemental Information: Open Requirements/Supplemental Information The City of Jacksonville is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and will provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants in compliance with all applicable federal and state employment laws and the current interpretation of employment discrimination by the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as set forth in Directive 0528. There shall be no discrimination or harassment against any person with regard to race color sex (including pregnancy) sexual orientation gender identity or expression religion political affiliation national origin disability age marital status veteran status or any other impermissible factor in recruitment hiring compensation training placement promotion discipline demotion transfers layoff recall termination working conditions and related terms and conditions of employment. Min: USD $3820.41/Mo. Max: USD $3820.41/Mo. Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Source: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=10886c1fc828e25b… I always found the criminal side of things fascinating. I could honestly see myself working in a prison working through prisoner’s issues but more importantly what makes them tick in their thought process. I truly enjoy puzzles and challenging myself with situations others find impossible. That being said I think my morals would get in the way too much to consider offenders having rights or the fact that a crime is so horrible that mental illness could have caused it. That being said I understand that each background is unique and I know there are a lot of triggers that can effect someone’s thought process. The true challenge in my opinion that would allow me to get over these hurdles is by me putting my own feelings and thoughts aside. If I could do that I feel then I could truly help criminals in their wrong doings. Correctional Services Counselor Conducts interviews with inmates applying for admission into correctional programs including Work Furlough Home Detention Weekend Commitments Community Service Adult Basic Education and Substance Abuse. Investigates applicants backgrounds including criminal histories economic needs employment histories and institutional adjustments to determine eligibility for programs. Serves on committees/boards to select program participants. Conducts orientations for new participants on program rules policies and procedures. Completes necessary information forms for participants file folders. Counsels participants to establish vocational personal adjustment and educational goals. Assists participants with job development educational and other adjustment planning Arranges job interviews for program participants and approves potential employment working conditions methods of transportation and work schedules. Conducts and/or coordinates training programs for program participants. Reports and investigates disciplinary matters concerning program participants. Monitors participants progress in completing treatment plans and maintains contact with other community agencies and employers to coordinate referrals. Provides information regarding programs to attorneys employers families community groups and other agencies. Assists in planning correctional programs. Administers scores and interprets vocational tests. Assists in preparing Federal grant applications. Prepares fiscal personnel and purchasing reports. Assembles analyzes and interprets data for program evaluations. Interviews personnel for staff positions with programs. Demonstrates proficiency in the City of Jacksonvilles competencies. Performs related work as required. Knowledge of the criminal justice system including the rights of inmates. Knowledge of public and private social-service agencies and resources in the community. Knowledge of research methodology. Knowledge of counseling principles theories practices and techniques. Skill in conducting interviews and counseling sessions. Ability to apply interviewing testing and counseling techniques. Ability to identify common behavior dis s and to relate them to actions or characteristics of inmates. Ability to gather interpret and evaluate social history and related data. Ability to apply institutional and program policies. Ability to prepare reports. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Five year combination of education and/or experience in job placement job development vocational counseling or a related field. A Bachelors Degree from an accredited institution with a major in counseling criminal justice sociology psychology or a related social science field with one year of the specified experience is preferred. I always found the criminal side of things fascinating. I could honestly see myself working in a prison working through prisoner’s issues but more importantly what makes them tick in their thought process. I truly enjoy puzzles and challenging myself with situations others find impossible. That being said I think my morals would get in the way too much to consider offenders having rights or the fact that a crime is so horrible that mental illness could have caused it. That being said I understand that each background is unique and I know there are a lot of triggers that can effect someone’s thought process. The true challenge in my opinion that would allow me to get over these hurdles is by me putting my own feelings and thoughts aside. If I could do that I feel then I could truly help criminals in their wrong doings.Correctional Services Counselor