Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Forensic Psychologist jobs are open across criminal justice, corrections, federal agencies, hospitals, and private practice, from entry-level assessment roles to senior clinical and consultation positions, with specializations in criminal competency evaluation, risk assessment, and correctional psychology. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Forensic Psychologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 26+ Forensic Psychologist jobs
Description
Are you interested in the intersection of psychology and the law? Be part of our team that provides answers to psycho-legal questions from the courts in Washington state! The State is divided into two major regions responsible for completing evaluations in county jails, local communities, and at state hospitals, on the east and west sides of the State.
We have openings for posting for an in-person forensics evaluator for Central Regional Office (CRO) in the King County area anticipated to start 1/1/2027.
The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) oversees the state’s adult forensic mental health system. This work supports the mission to transform forensic mental health throughout Washington state by partnering with community stakeholders to provide support to individuals struggling with mental illnesses who have become involved in the criminal justice system. In this role, you will work in a collegial environment that fosters a collaborative, supportive team that specializes in the application of psychological knowledge and expertise within the court system. You will become an integral member of a dedicated team committed to completing various forensic evaluations and will receive tremendous support from the team. Your daily tasks involve completing evaluations for the court that range in degrees of complexity, providing court testimony, and collaborating with fellow staff members.
Why DSHS?
As a Psychologist - Forensic Evaluator at OFMHS, you will receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure your professional development and success in this role. You will have potential opportunities to participate in and contribute to the practicum training program, APA-accredited internship, and forensic fellowship program that provide hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of our seasoned team of experts. The agency, through the internship and fellowship structure, provides opportunities for continuing education for licensed psychologists with a wide variety of topics salient to clinical and forensic practice. OFMHS is committed to fostering the growth of emerging professionals in the field of forensic psychology and allowing applicants at different career stages to contribute and advance their careers.
Washington state is unparalleled in natural beauty, including ready access to the coastline, mountains, and lush forests. There are miles of hiking trails, large and small concert venues, and amazing food, and major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane cities provide region-wide opportunities to engage in arts and culture.
We offer outstanding compensation with a flexible work schedule, comprehensive medical, vision, & dental benefits package, paid holidays, vacation/sick time earned monthly, retirement and pension plans, amazing and challenging career opportunities, and exciting chances to learn, grow, and enjoy the work. Forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing additional evaluations outside of normal work hours.
Some of what you will do.
- Complete forensic evaluations mostly focused on competency to stand trial but also evaluations related to mental state at the time of the offense.
- Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington.
- Prepare for and provide expert witness testimony regarding the forensic evaluations as requested or subpoenaed by the courts.
- Submit forensic evaluation reports to the court, which include analysis of relevant data and facts, and formulation of psycho-legal opinions regarding the questions posed in the court order.
We are looking for team players who have a passion to work in the forensic mental health field, have a strong work ethic, and consistently display good judgment. Our ideal applicant is an adaptable professional who can anticipate program needs and ensure the team is well prepared for day-to-day commitments. They are comfortable navigating the system, policies, and procedures, and have in-depth knowledge of procedures of civil, criminal, or administrative hearings. They also understand and navigate group and individual behavior dynamics with appropriate consideration for relevant cultural factors. They are self-starters, problem solvers with stellar interpersonal and communication skills and can handle several competing priorities, people, tasks, and projects, at the same time in their daily interactions. If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply!
Who should apply?
- A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
- Licensed or able to obtain a license to practice psychology in Washington prior to start.
- Strong clinical skills in interviewing, diagnostic clarification, and report writing.
- Experience in conducting competency to stand trial evaluations.
- Knowledge and experience with psychometric testing, instruments used to assess feigning and response validity, competency, and risk assessment measures.
- Interest in writing evidence based, concise evaluations and providing expert testimony.
- Ability to establish collegial relationships with internal and external partners.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09052.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
Are you interested in the intersection of psychology and the law? Be part of our team that provides answers to psycho-legal questions from the courts in Washington state! The State is divided into two major regions responsible for completing evaluations in county jails, local communities, and at state hospitals, on the east and west sides of the State.
We have openings for posting for an in-person forensics evaluator for Central Regional Office (CRO) in the King County area anticipated to start 1/1/2027.
The Office of Forensic Mental Health Services (OFMHS) oversees the state’s adult forensic mental health system. This work supports the mission to transform forensic mental health throughout Washington state by partnering with community stakeholders to provide support to individuals struggling with mental illnesses who have become involved in the criminal justice system. In this role, you will work in a collegial environment that fosters a collaborative, supportive team that specializes in the application of psychological knowledge and expertise within the court system. You will become an integral member of a dedicated team committed to completing various forensic evaluations and will receive tremendous support from the team. Your daily tasks involve completing evaluations for the court that range in degrees of complexity, providing court testimony, and collaborating with fellow staff members.
Why DSHS?
As a Psychologist - Forensic Evaluator at OFMHS, you will receive ongoing supervision and training to ensure your professional development and success in this role. You will have potential opportunities to participate in and contribute to the practicum training program, APA-accredited internship, and forensic fellowship program that provide hands-on experience and mentorship under the guidance of our seasoned team of experts. The agency, through the internship and fellowship structure, provides opportunities for continuing education for licensed psychologists with a wide variety of topics salient to clinical and forensic practice. OFMHS is committed to fostering the growth of emerging professionals in the field of forensic psychology and allowing applicants at different career stages to contribute and advance their careers.
Washington state is unparalleled in natural beauty, including ready access to the coastline, mountains, and lush forests. There are miles of hiking trails, large and small concert venues, and amazing food, and major metropolitan areas of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane cities provide region-wide opportunities to engage in arts and culture.
We offer outstanding compensation with a flexible work schedule, comprehensive medical, vision, & dental benefits package, paid holidays, vacation/sick time earned monthly, retirement and pension plans, amazing and challenging career opportunities, and exciting chances to learn, grow, and enjoy the work. Forensic evaluators may choose to earn additional compensation (extra duty pay) for completing additional evaluations outside of normal work hours.
Some of what you will do.
- Complete forensic evaluations mostly focused on competency to stand trial but also evaluations related to mental state at the time of the offense.
- Work, consult, and collaborate with forensic evaluators across the state of Washington.
- Prepare for and provide expert witness testimony regarding the forensic evaluations as requested or subpoenaed by the courts.
- Submit forensic evaluation reports to the court, which include analysis of relevant data and facts, and formulation of psycho-legal opinions regarding the questions posed in the court order.
We are looking for team players who have a passion to work in the forensic mental health field, have a strong work ethic, and consistently display good judgment. Our ideal applicant is an adaptable professional who can anticipate program needs and ensure the team is well prepared for day-to-day commitments. They are comfortable navigating the system, policies, and procedures, and have in-depth knowledge of procedures of civil, criminal, or administrative hearings. They also understand and navigate group and individual behavior dynamics with appropriate consideration for relevant cultural factors. They are self-starters, problem solvers with stellar interpersonal and communication skills and can handle several competing priorities, people, tasks, and projects, at the same time in their daily interactions. If this is your area of expertise and interest, we encourage you to apply!
Who should apply?
- A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (Ph.D.)
- Licensed or able to obtain a license to practice psychology in Washington prior to start.
- Strong clinical skills in interviewing, diagnostic clarification, and report writing.
- Experience in conducting competency to stand trial evaluations.
- Knowledge and experience with psychometric testing, instruments used to assess feigning and response validity, competency, and risk assessment measures.
- Interest in writing evidence based, concise evaluations and providing expert testimony.
- Ability to establish collegial relationships with internal and external partners.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Contact grant.grady@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number 09052.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Forensic Psychologist Jobs by Experience Level
See All 26 Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Forensic Psychologist JobsForensic Psychologist Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Government & Public Sector
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in forensic psychologist jobs.
- Doctoral degree in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) from an APA-accredited program
- Active and unrestricted psychologist licensure in the state of employment
- Experience administering and interpreting forensic assessment instruments such as the PCL-R, HCR-20, or PAI
- Ability to produce written forensic reports and testify as an expert witness in court
- Background investigation clearance or eligibility for security clearance at required level
- Completion of a forensic psychology internship or postdoctoral fellowship in a forensic setting
Tips for Your Forensic Psychologist Job Search
Tailor your CV to assessment context
Hiring managers in forensic settings want to see which specific evaluations you've conducted, such as competency to stand trial, SVP, or violence risk assessments. Name the instruments you use, not just the broad category.
Highlight licensure status and jurisdiction
Many forensic psychologist postings require active licensure in a specific state, sometimes alongside court-appointment eligibility. List your license number, state, and expiration date prominently so screeners don't pass you over on a technicality.
Target agencies that match your clearance level
Federal and state corrections roles often require background investigations or security clearances. Applying to positions whose clearance level matches what you already hold, or can realistically obtain, shortens your time to offer significantly.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists forensic psychologist openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare a case conceptualization for interviews
Forensic psychology interviews frequently include a vignette or hypothetical case. Practicing your reasoning through a risk assessment or competency scenario out loud helps you articulate the decision points evaluators expect you to explain clearly under pressure.
Negotiate supervision terms before signing
If you're postdoctoral or newly licensed, confirm in writing whether the role counts toward your forensic specialty board hours and who your supervising psychologist will be. Vague supervision arrangements can affect your ABPP eligibility timeline.
Forensic Psychologist Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most forensic psychologists?
The companies hiring the most forensic psychologists right now include Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, State of Georgia, and Texas Health and Human Services Commission, with the largest share of openings in Georgia, Texas, and Pennsylvania, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Federal agencies, state departments of corrections, and large hospital systems consistently account for the majority of posted positions.
How many forensic psychologist jobs are remote?
About 67% of forensic psychologist openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, which is lower than many psychology specialties because in-person evaluation and court testimony are core duties. Consultation roles, training positions, and policy advisory work are the sub-areas most likely to offer meaningful remote flexibility.
How do you become a forensic psychologist?
You become a forensic psychologist by completing a doctoral program in psychology, ideally with forensic coursework or a forensic concentration, then finishing an APA-accredited internship. After graduating, you complete a postdoctoral fellowship in a forensic setting, obtain state licensure, and accumulate the supervised forensic hours needed to pursue board certification through the American Board of Forensic Psychology.
Can you get hired as a forensic psychologist with little experience?
Entry-level forensic psychologist roles typically require at least a completed doctoral internship with forensic placements, so pure novices rarely qualify for independent positions. Postdoctoral fellowship programs are the most realistic path in, as they provide supervised forensic experience while paying a salary. Court clinics, community mental health centers with forensic contracts, and state corrections systems are most likely to hire candidates at the postdoctoral stage.
What does the forensic psychologist interview process look like?
Most forensic psychologist interviews include an initial phone or video screen with HR or a hiring coordinator, followed by a panel interview with psychologists, legal staff, or corrections administrators. Many employers present a written or verbal case vignette requiring you to walk through your evaluation approach and report-writing rationale. Final rounds for federal or corrections roles often also include a background review and reference verification before an offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to forensic psychologist jobs?
You can find and apply to forensic psychologist jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Find roles that match your licensure, specialization, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each listing. No extra steps are required between finding a role that fits and submitting your application.
See All 26 Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Forensic Psychologist Jobs