Once applications are submitted online, they will be reviewed individually. While prior clinical experience (i.e. practicum) in a forensic, correctional, or inpatient mental health setting is not required, applicants with these experiences are typically viewed as having competitive applications. The BOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and applicants from historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply. In addition to demonstrating excellence in scholarship, successful applicants demonstrate experience and interest in corrections, crisis management, and forensic psychology. Applicants' eligibility for temporary federal employment must then be verified via www.usajobs.gov. This is a necessary requirement for federal employment. Applicants are notified via email whether they will be advancing in the selection process. Further details will be forthcoming to those candidates. Once an applicant has successfully completed this process, they will be contacted to arrange an interview.

Applicants for the FBOP’s internship positions should be aware they are applying for a position in a federal law enforcement agency.  Therefore, selection entails not only the demonstration of exceptional qualifications as an advanced graduate student and psychologist in training, but also suitability for work in a position of public trust. FBOP employees, including Psychology Interns, are held to a high standard of personal conduct and responsibility, and are expected to be law-abiding citizens who can serve as strong role models for the incarcerated population. Applicants must also be U.S. citizens who have lived in the U.S. for the past three out of five years. Additionally, please note that all individuals residing in the immediate household of the applicant must be residing in the U.S. legally.

Upon being “matched” with and receiving a conditional offer of internship from FCC Terre Haute, applicants must successfully complete a security clearance procedure that includes personnel interviews, a background investigation, a physical examination, and urinalysis drug screen. Internship offers resulting from participating in the APPIC matching process are strictly contingent upon satisfactory completion of the background investigation process. For individuals selected through the matching process, personnel interviews, a physical examination, urinalysis drug screen, and background investigation including a field investigation will follow to verify the information provided in interviews and required forms is accurate. During the background investigation, you will be required to disclose any medical or mental health diagnoses and treatment. Medical and mental health records are reviewed by FBOP physicians given the nature of a correctional setting. No single diagnosis is grounds for ineligibility and each case is reviewed individually. Although not an exhaustive list, individuals must be able to walk and stand for an hour, run, climb stairs, lift, and maintain visual, hearing, and smelling acuity. Mental health symptoms must be well managed with no reported concerns with activities of daily living. Additionally, the FBOP is a drug free workplace, which includes recreational or medicinal marijuana use, even if legal in the state in which you reside.  Failure to complete this process or a finding that an applicant is outside the guidelines for employment in a sensitive position would preclude participation in the internship program. Once hired, interns must comply with the FBOP’s Program Statement on Standards of Employee Conduct. This information is not intended to discourage applications, but to ensure applicants are aware of the additional federal requirements that will be imposed should they wish to pursue a FBOP Internship position.

Interviews will typically be held in January. All efforts will be made to notify applicants of their interview status by December 16. 

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Carmicheal, Internship Program Coordinator, with any questions or concerns regarding the interview process. 

***Please note: If matched with a Bureau of Prisons internship site, you will be considered an essential worker and will report daily (Monday through Friday excluding federal holidays) to the institution.***