Part-Time Instructor, Forensic Psychology

Position Title: Part-Time Instructor, Forensic Psychology

Department: Programs

Last Revised: February 2025

Non-Terminal Degree

Terminal Degree

$ 3,300

$ 4,000

Position Description/Mission:

The Washington Center is seeking a part-time instructor to teach Forensic Psychology. This course provides an introduction to the study of psychology in the context of the criminal justice system. Key topics include psychological assessment, legal proceedings, risk assessment, police psychology, and correctional psychology. The instructor will guide students through the relationship between forensic psychology and the law, including case studies and applied research.

The Washington Center is a hybrid organization with most employees working on average one day per week in TWC’s Residential and Academic Facility, conveniently located near Union Station and public transportation in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington, DC. Given the nature of the role at The Washington Center, the individual in this role is expected to reside in the greater Washington, DC metropolitan area and likely will be in the office during programs more than one day per week.  

This position is contracted for a single semester term. Summer term is 10 weeks. The Fall and Spring term is 14 weeks.

JOB FUNCTION

• Prepare and deliver engaging lectures and discussions in line with the syllabus and institutional guidelines.
• Facilitate student-led presentations and discussions on relevant forensic psychology topics.
• Assign and grade coursework, including writing assignments, exams, a mock trial, and a final research paper.
• Provide timely feedback to students and support the development of critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Lead mock trial preparations and facilitate in-class participation for the mock trial session.
• Ensure students understand foundational forensic psychology concepts and research.
• Encourage participation and engagement in class through both in-person and virtual sessions.

Course Overview:
The Forensic Psychology course introduces students to the fundamental relationship between psychology and the legal system. The course covers:

• Forensic psychology as a discipline and career path
• Psychological assessment and evaluation
• Theories of criminal behavior and abnormal psychology
• The legal system and courtroom psychology
• Correctional psychology and offender rehabilitation
• Ethical concerns in forensic psychology practice

Course Format:
This course includes in-person. Students will participate in lectures, discussions, case studies and hands-on activities.

Required Education and Experience: An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field (Ph.D. preferred).
• Industry experience or research in forensic psychology, criminal behavior, or legal psychology is desirable.
• Prior teaching or instructional experience is preferred.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Education/Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. in Psychology, Criminal Justice, or a related field
• 1-3 years of Prior teaching or instructional experience
•  Experience designing curriculum on Canvas (or similar) and measuring student performance

Competencies required to perform the job successfully

• Communication/Interpersonal Skills
• Customer Satisfaction
• Teamwork/Collaboration
• Initiative
• Self-awareness
• Analytical Thinking/Problem Solving

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understanding of trends pertaining to one or more of the following: workforce readiness, college to career pipelines, the future of work, or experiential education.
• The ability to own the full scope of a program and contribute from program design to administration.
• Skilled team player with the ability to collaborate with colleagues to achieve program goals.
• Ability to manage and oversee multiple programs simultaneously while meeting program goals, timelines, and budgetary constraints.
• An understanding of the basic tenets of, and a commitment to, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and the ability to demonstrate DEI in future work.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

The Washington Center’s Values guide our mission work in every regard–internally and externally.

• Equity & Inclusion
• Learning
• Connection & Collaboration
• Integrity
• Impact

Equipment Used to Perform the Job which may be representative but not all inclusive of those commonly associated with this position: 

• Cloud-based technologies 
• Standard office equipment including a computer, job-related software and printer 

Physical Abilities commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform described essential functions of this job. These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

The Washington Center (TWC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. TWC provides equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Provisions in applicable laws providing for bona fide occupational qualifications, business necessity or age limitations will be adhered to by the organization where appropriate.