Take It From The Chiefs: Gold Standards For Correctional Psychologist Competency And Development

Numerous studies have examined the clinical roles of correctional psychologists. Yet, none have produced gold standards for correctional psychology competencies and development by examining roles from the perspective of those who lead psychology service departments, the Correctional Chief Psychologist (CCP). The purpose of this article is to present such a standard. To achieve this, two pilot studies were conducted. The first examined archival survey data to identify the competencies that CCPs most desired in the psychologists they recruit into their departments. The second presents archival training data on developmental learning opportunities that a CCP might suggest to facilitate development of their correctional psychology staff. Study 1 indicates that CCPs most value and need correctional psychologists with foundational competence in assessment and intervention, specifically in performing suicide risk assessments and crisis interventions, and functional competency in interdisciplinary communications. In terms of staff development, Study 2 indicates that CCPs most frequently indicated scope expansion assignments, or the adoption of responsibility or initiative outside immediate position duties, to promote growth in their staff. Together, these studies extend our understanding of correctional psychology by outlining, from the CCP perspective, correctional psychologist competencies and open the dialogue on correctional psychologist's career growth and development. Suggestions for next steps in refining and validating these standards for training, education, research and practice are provided.