Elective Programming
The forensic concentration has developed an opportunity for MA level students to attend Hygiene Court Hearings at Kirby Forensic Psychiatric Center. These hearings are focused on risk assessment and carceral mental health issues, where attorneys discuss and dispute persons who have been convicted of serious criminal activity. Students observe clinical and forensic psychologist testify in a maximum security facility.
The Mentorship Program through TC Columbia’s Child Protection Lab offers MA level students the opportunity to meet with a licensed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist for 3-5 virtual meetings. Students will have the opportunity to review redacted forensic reports prepared by the mentors and discuss their findings. Each mentor is accepting up to 3-4 students for a potential of 12 open positions within the program. Additional mentors may be included depending on need. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to network and gain valuable exposure to Forensic Clinical Psychology!
The Mock Hearing through TC Columbia’s Child Protection Lab offers MA level students the opportunity to participate as an expert or fact witness in collaboration with the Columbia Law School. Students learn about a court case while enrolled in Dr. Mantell's course, the Forensic Psychology of Child Protection.
The forensic concentration has developed an opportunity for two MA level students to volunteer with the New York City Department of Correction, Division of Programs and Community Partnerships!
Assigned to report to an Executive Director of Facility Programs, students will be responsible for running an English as a Second Language (ESL) program at West Facility on Rikers Island. Students will have the opportunity to apply psychological frameworks related to learning, behavioral change, and reintegration. Students will identify traits and become sensitive to rehabilitation-oriented motivation in incarcerated individuals, such as a desire to gain skills linked to future social and vocational advancement. Students will learn how to identify and help individuals overcome resistance to language study. Additionally, students will gain experience in curriculum development, facility programming, corrections, data collection, and report development within a carceral population.
Participation is voluntary, in person, and involves travel to and from Rikers Island. All applicants must submit an interest form by September 19, 2025 at 11:59pm to be considered. Interviews will consist of two rounds and will be held at the end of September, beginning of October. The ESL Program is estimated to start in October.
Volunteers will be responsible for the development and dissemination of ESL curriculum to monolingual Spanish-speaking persons in custody (PICs). This opportunity is an extension of a prior 8-week ESL program and volunteers will be provided the initial course materials. The opportunity is a part-time commitment with 2 - 4 sessions a week for an academic year.
Requirements:
- Must be conversationally fluent in both Spanish and English and comfortable teaching themes and topics
- Must commit to the position for the 25 - 26 academic year
- Must be able to commute to Rikers Island at least twice a week
- Must be comfortable interacting with Persons in Custody (PICs)
- Must be interested in Forensic or Carceral Psychology, or Education
- Self motivated and problem solving skills
- Administrative experience or proper time management and organizational skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Softwares
If interested in this opportunity, please complete this interest form.
For questions, please reach out to: TCChildProtectionLab@gmail.com