Forensic Psychologist

The Department of Correctional Services (DCS) is seeking to recruit suitably a qualified person to fill the vacant position of  FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST (SOG/ST 8) in the Specialized and Medical Services Division with salary  ranging from $7,716,512 - $10,377,851 per  annum.

Job Purpose

Reporting directly to the Director, Medical Services, the incumbent is responsible for liaising with the other Corrections professionals working in  the Correctional Centers and Probation Services to conduct screenings of inmates, investigate  psychological disorders among inmates and to  assist in examining the mental state of detainees  to determine if they are able to stand trial.

Qualifications

• M.Sc. Degree in Forensic Psychology;
• Three (3) years` experience in working with forensic psychiatric cases.

Responsibilities

Managerial/Administrative:

• Supervises counselling clinical practicum student from various tertiary institutions  who come to the Correctional Centers on  supervised field practicum;
• Advises prison staff on incidents;
• Manages the delivery of offender treatment programmes;
• Presents findings from assessments to a  wider staff audience; 
• Provides necessary reports to Court,  Parole Board and Privy Council;
• Makes recommendations regarding  policies concerning the psychological  operations of the Department;
• Develop and implement training modules  for prison staff on mental health issues;
• Regularly review and update mental health  policies in collaboration with the  Director of Medical Services.

Technical/Professional:

• Performs competency, triage, and suicide and violence risk assessments;
• Compiles quantitative and qualitative  reviews of offender population;
• Arranges the psychological testing, when  needed, for clients/inmates;
• Carries out one to one assessments of  offenders;
• Educates clinical team on psychological  issues;
• Creates, evaluates and initiates  correctional programs for inmate  population;
• Undertakes research projects to evaluate  the contribution and effectiveness of intervention programmes;
• Conduct in-depth behavioral analysis to  support criminal investigations;
• Facilitate support groups for inmates  dealing with specific issues such as  addiction or trauma;
• Assists in hostage negotiation;
• Provides expert testimony in court; 
• Evaluates and counsels sex offenders  using individual and group therapy;
• Conducts periodic research on test  instruments with the goal to improve  inmate assessment and better determine  insanity;
• Develops dual diagnosis programs,  (treatment programs where mental health  and substance abuse issues are  addressed).

Other Responsibilities:

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be  assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person  occupying this position.

Required knowledge

• Excellent knowledge of psychological evaluation and intervention;
• Knowledge of the organization’s policies  and procedures;
• Ability to counsel persons who have  HIV/AIDS or are facing HIV testing;
• Good problem-solving skills and strength  of character;
• Excellent presentation, oral and written  communication skills;
• Proficient understanding of cultural  diversity;
• Good Interviewing and Counselling skills;
• Forensic Analysis skills;
• Good interpersonal skills;
• Report Writing skills;
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications

Special conditions

• May be required to work beyond the normal working hours;
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays;
• Exposure to high-risk environment within Correctional Facilities and their environs;
• Highly stressful and hazardous  environment;
• Exposure to confidential information.

Note

Kindly submit cover letter and resume no later than Friday, January 31, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Contact

Senior Director,

Human Resource Management and Administration

Department of Correctional Services

UDC Building, Block 4, Shop 13-15

12 Ocean Boulevard,

Kingston 

Jamaica

Base Salary: Undisclosed