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Forensic Psych Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Correctional Officer

Coralville, IA · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

... only licensed forensic psychiatric hospital in the state, providing inpatient psychiatric and ... Psychological tests A background investigation check. A post-offer health screen administered by an ...

Forensic Psych information

What is a forensic psychologist?

A forensic psychologist is a professional who applies psychological principles to legal issues. They often work at the intersection of psychology and the law, assessing individuals involved in legal cases, providing expert testimony in court, and helping legal professionals understand psychological aspects of cases. Forensic psychologists may evaluate defendants' mental competency, assess risk, and assist with jury selection or child custody cases. Their work can involve both criminal and civil cases, and they often collaborate with law enforcement, attorneys, and the courts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensic psychologist?

To thrive as a Forensic Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, specialized forensic training, and licensure to practice. Familiarity with psychological assessment tools, report writing software, and legal documentation systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, ethical judgment, and clear communication skills help you present findings effectively in legal settings. These skills are crucial for providing accurate, credible evaluations that influence legal outcomes and ensure justice.

What challenges do forensic psychologists face when working within the legal system?

Forensic psychologists often encounter challenges such as balancing confidentiality with legal obligations, managing high-stress situations involving sensitive or traumatic cases, and presenting complex psychological findings in a way that is clear and accessible to judges and juries. They must also navigate differing expectations between clinical practice and legal standards, which can sometimes conflict. Additionally, collaborating with legal professionals and law enforcement requires strong communication skills and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.

Is forensic psychology a good career path?

Forensic psychology is a specialized field that involves applying psychological principles to legal issues, often working in criminal justice settings, courts, or correctional facilities. It requires a graduate degree, such as a master's or doctorate, and skills in assessment, report writing, and testimony. The career offers opportunities for diverse work environments and can be rewarding for those interested in law and psychology, but it also involves high responsibility and emotional challenges.

What jobs do you get with forensic psychology?

Forensic psychologists can work as clinical evaluators, expert witnesses, criminal profilers, or correctional psychologists. They often work in criminal justice settings, mental health facilities, or law enforcement agencies, applying psychological principles to legal issues and criminal behavior analysis.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Psych jobs in Iowa?

For Forensic Psych jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Forensic Psych jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Forensic Psych job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Psych job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Behavioral Health Professional 4

State of Iowa

Coralville, IA • On-site

$107K - $153K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description Only applicants who meet the Minimum Qualification Requirements and meet all selective requirements (listed below) will be placed on the eligible list. Direct, oversee, and provide management regarding clinical and forensic psychological services for Forensic Psychiatric Hospital. Psychological services primarily include competence to stand trial evaluations, competency restoration, psychological testing and report writing, psychotherapy, behavior management, and crisis intervention for acute psychiatric patients.

Psychological services shall be evidence-based, individualized, person-centered, trauma-informed, and recovery oriented. Manages, directs, and oversees psychological services as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team. Examples of specific tasks include, but are not limited to, the following: -Conduct competence to stand trial evaluations/reports.

-Provide or assist didactic and skills-based competence restoration. -Conduct various psychological evaluations and reports. -Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

-Actively participate in treatment team meetings and treatment planning and coordination. Special requirements (if applicable): -Doctoral degree in psychology that meets the requirements as a permanent license as a Psychologist in Iowa (required ) as defined by the Iowa Code Chapter 240 -Be licensed (e.g., having completed post-doctoral residency and passed the national examination) as a Psychologist in Iowa (Required). as defined in Iowa Code Chapter 812 -Have education, training, or experience in forensic psychology (Required)

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.

For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Selectives 922 Doctorate Degree in Psychology Graduation from an accredited college or university with a doctorate degree in Psychology OR 934 Doctorate Degree in Psychology and License Eligible Applicants must have a doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is seeking employment

Applicants must have completed a professional psychology internship training program that has been accredited by the APA. Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification: Possession of a current Psychologist License from the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals and post-licensure experience equal to three years of full-time work in professional behavioral health in an institutional or community mental health, intellectual disability, long-term care, or corrections program. Possession of a current Psychologist License from the Iowa Board of Behavioral Health Professionals and post-licensure experience equal to two years of full-time professional work in forensic psychology or neuropsychology For additional information click on the link to view the job description.


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About State of Iowa

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The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939