FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS
Published: Apr 03, 2025 - The Forensic Psychologist provides expert testimony in court settings and serves as a consultant to multidisciplinary teams. This role encompasses supervising and training psychology students through a variety of methods, including competency groups and psycho-education, as well as delivering individualized treatment tailored to the developmental needs of each patient. This position includes thorough documentation, policy review, and educational contributions to clinical teams, ensuring adherence to professional standards and procedural guidelines.
Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Forensic Psychologist Resume
- Psychological Assessments
- Intervention Design
- Psychological Testing
- Diagnostic Interpretation
- Therapeutic Interventions
- Report Writing
- Forensic Evaluation
- Treatment Planning
- Substance Abuse Evaluation
- Program Development
- Psychological Consultation
- Professional Witnessing
- Staff Training
- Team Collaboration
- Court Consultation
- Supervision
- Multi-disciplinary Collaboration
- Family Support
- Therapy Delivery
- Multidisciplinary Coordination

Summary of Forensic Psychologist Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume
1. BA in Psychology with 2 year of Experience
- Well-developed skills in assessment and formulation of complex presentations including psychometric and interview-based assessment.
- Well-developed skills in the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based psychological behaviour management and psychological interventions for consumers with substance use and mental health issues.
- Well-developed skills in the development and facilitation of group therapy programs.
- Strong writing skills are a must as writing reports to the Court comprises a large portion of the psychologist's responsibilities.
- Understanding of and compliance with special precautions, disaster and fire safety procedures, assists with finding alternatives to seclusion and restraint, and knowledge of abuse reporting.
- Experience in forensic/correctional/inpatient settings
- Knowledge of FS 490, ethical and related clinical principles.
- Ability to conduct psychological assessments and forensic assessments such as competency to stand trial evaluations and violence and suicide risk assessments.
- Ability to demonstrate age-specific competency in all aspects of duties performed.
2. BS in Criminal Justice with 1 year of Experience
- Experience in the management of crisis and risk situations and challenging client behaviours.
- High-quality written and verbal communication skills and interpersonal skills in building and maintaining professional and therapeutic relationships.
- Demonstrated sound computer skills.
- Strong focus on service development, service evaluation, providing psychological consultation, expert opinion, cascading psychological thinking, developing and delivering teaching, training and group work
- Promote good relationships with patients, relatives, the public, other care organisations and all members of the multidisciplinary care team
- Ability to ensure audit compliance (CQC)
- Ability to carry out clinical supervision to an Assistant Psychologist
- Good communication skills, written and verbal
- An understanding of the principles and practices of health care delivery as they apply to the Drug and Alcohol field, including standard treatment approaches and broad concepts such as harm minimisation and trauma-informed care.
3. BA in Criminology with 2 years of Experience
- Ability to provide expert testimony to the court.
- Ability to supervise and train the psychology students, including oversight of individual training such as competency groups, supportive sessions, and psycho-education.
- Ability to complete thorough, accurate, and timely documentation of services provided that care consistent with professional standards and hospital procedures.
- Ability to serve as a consultant to the multidisciplinary teams.
- Ability to complete quantitative and qualitative chart reviews.
- Ability to follow up on all PI recommendations pertaining to the responsible area.
- Ability to review all policies and procedures impacting the responsible area.
- Ability to provide training and education to the rest of the clinical team and serves on committees as needed.
- Ability to provide individualized care and treatment that is consistent with/sensitive to the age and life span development needs of each patient.