OPT Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Forensic Psychologist jobs on OPT sit at the intersection of psychology and the legal system, with most roles requiring a doctoral degree and licensure that can complicate OPT timelines. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so your 12-month clock matters.
Find OPT Forensic Psychologist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 10+ Forensic Psychologist jobs
See all Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Forensic Psychologist roles.
Get Access To All JobsCost Center
316 PCC
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
First Shift (United States of America)
Shift & Status
Forensic Psychologist
Grand Rapids, MI
Pine Rest is seeking an experienced, fully licensed Psychologist with specialized training and demonstrated experience in forensic assessment to support the growing demands of our Forensic Services. With forensic service demand increasing by 165% over the past two years and growing approximately 650% over six years at Pine Rest, this is an opportunity to bring your established expertise to a growing specialty service while making a meaningful impact through your clinical knowledge and experience.
As a Forensic Psychologist at Pine Rest in the Forensic Psychiatric and Psychological Services Department, you will be part of a specialized multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing high-quality forensic psychological assessment and consultation services. Within the framework of the organization, you will serve as a professional caregiver and evaluator who conducts comprehensive psychological and forensic evaluations, provides expert consultation, and delivers objective, evidence-based opinions that support clinical, legal, occupational, and administrative decision-making.
The Forensic Psychologist is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of professional practice, ethics, and documentation, while adhering to all applicable state and federal regulations, professional guidelines, and Pine Rest policies. The Forensic Psychologist is committed to excellence in service, professional integrity, and fostering a culture of collaboration, belonging, and respect within a diverse workplace.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Wellness Programs
- Generous Front-Loaded Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Forgiveness Programs (eligible positions)
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
- Conduct comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations, including clinical interviews, record reviews, psychological testing, and collateral information gathering.
- Complete specialized evaluations such as fitness-for-duty assessments, disability evaluations, independent psychological examinations, public safety and law enforcement evaluations, threat and violence risk assessments, competency-related evaluations, and other forensic referrals assigned.
- Integrate data from multiple sources and prepares comprehensive forensic reports that address referral questions and provide well-supported professional opinions.
- Provide consultation to employers, attorneys, administrative agencies, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders regarding forensic psychological issues.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams regarding evaluation findings and recommendations.
- Ensure all documentation, reports, and records comply with professional, legal, organizational, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain objectivity and impartiality in all forensic evaluations and consultations.
- Participate in departmental and staff meetings and serve on committees as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain expertise in current forensic psychology literature, practice standards, and relevant legal developments.
- Participate in educational and training activities for staff, community partners, and professional groups.
- May provide expert testimony, deposition services, and consultation related to areas of professional expertise.
- Maintain all Michigan licensure requirements and professional credentials.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related discipline from an APA-accredited program.
- Current Michigan licensure as a Psychologist.
- Board eligible in Forensic Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) ABPP board.
- Consulting Examiner status with the State of Michigan, or eligibility and willingness to obtain Consulting Examiner status within 1 year of hire.
- Completion of a forensic psychology fellowship, postdoctoral training, or equivalent specialized forensic experience.
- Experience conducting fitness-for-duty evaluations, independent medical or psychological evaluations, public safety evaluations, disability evaluations, violence risk assessments, and related forensic services.
- Experience providing consultation, expert testimony, or deposition services.
- Knowledge of relevant ethical guidelines, standards of practice, and legal issues pertaining to forensic psychology.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex findings to diverse audiences.
Credentialing
May be required to apply for and maintain membership on the Affiliate or Courtesy Affiliate Medical Staff consistent with organizational requirements.
Position Details
- Salaried (Exempt) W-2 position
- Clinicians receive a base salary based on licensure and experience, plus the opportunity to earn quarterly performance bonuses.
- Flexible schedule arrangements
- Office-based work environment
- Comprehensive benefits package available.
- Paid Conference Days, Professional Growth Dollars and Malpractice Insurance covered at no cost!
- Approximately 2–3 forensic evaluations per week, alongside diagnostic and other clinical assessment responsibilities
About Pine Rest
Pine Rest is dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral health services and fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, and respect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
Cost Center
316 PCC
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
First Shift (United States of America)
Shift & Status
Forensic Psychologist
Grand Rapids, MI
Pine Rest is seeking an experienced, fully licensed Psychologist with specialized training and demonstrated experience in forensic assessment to support the growing demands of our Forensic Services. With forensic service demand increasing by 165% over the past two years and growing approximately 650% over six years at Pine Rest, this is an opportunity to bring your established expertise to a growing specialty service while making a meaningful impact through your clinical knowledge and experience.
As a Forensic Psychologist at Pine Rest in the Forensic Psychiatric and Psychological Services Department, you will be part of a specialized multidisciplinary team dedicated to providing high-quality forensic psychological assessment and consultation services. Within the framework of the organization, you will serve as a professional caregiver and evaluator who conducts comprehensive psychological and forensic evaluations, provides expert consultation, and delivers objective, evidence-based opinions that support clinical, legal, occupational, and administrative decision-making.
The Forensic Psychologist is responsible for maintaining the highest standards of professional practice, ethics, and documentation, while adhering to all applicable state and federal regulations, professional guidelines, and Pine Rest policies. The Forensic Psychologist is committed to excellence in service, professional integrity, and fostering a culture of collaboration, belonging, and respect within a diverse workplace.
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Wellness Programs
- Generous Front-Loaded Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan
- Tuition Reimbursement and Loan Forgiveness Programs (eligible positions)
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
- Conduct comprehensive forensic psychological evaluations, including clinical interviews, record reviews, psychological testing, and collateral information gathering.
- Complete specialized evaluations such as fitness-for-duty assessments, disability evaluations, independent psychological examinations, public safety and law enforcement evaluations, threat and violence risk assessments, competency-related evaluations, and other forensic referrals assigned.
- Integrate data from multiple sources and prepares comprehensive forensic reports that address referral questions and provide well-supported professional opinions.
- Provide consultation to employers, attorneys, administrative agencies, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders regarding forensic psychological issues.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams regarding evaluation findings and recommendations.
- Ensure all documentation, reports, and records comply with professional, legal, organizational, and regulatory standards.
- Maintain objectivity and impartiality in all forensic evaluations and consultations.
- Participate in departmental and staff meetings and serve on committees as appropriate.
- Develop and maintain expertise in current forensic psychology literature, practice standards, and relevant legal developments.
- Participate in educational and training activities for staff, community partners, and professional groups.
- May provide expert testimony, deposition services, and consultation related to areas of professional expertise.
- Maintain all Michigan licensure requirements and professional credentials.
What We're Looking For
Required
- Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, or a related discipline from an APA-accredited program.
- Current Michigan licensure as a Psychologist.
- Board eligible in Forensic Psychology through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) ABPP board.
- Consulting Examiner status with the State of Michigan, or eligibility and willingness to obtain Consulting Examiner status within 1 year of hire.
- Completion of a forensic psychology fellowship, postdoctoral training, or equivalent specialized forensic experience.
- Experience conducting fitness-for-duty evaluations, independent medical or psychological evaluations, public safety evaluations, disability evaluations, violence risk assessments, and related forensic services.
- Experience providing consultation, expert testimony, or deposition services.
- Knowledge of relevant ethical guidelines, standards of practice, and legal issues pertaining to forensic psychology.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex findings to diverse audiences.
Credentialing
May be required to apply for and maintain membership on the Affiliate or Courtesy Affiliate Medical Staff consistent with organizational requirements.
Position Details
- Salaried (Exempt) W-2 position
- Clinicians receive a base salary based on licensure and experience, plus the opportunity to earn quarterly performance bonuses.
- Flexible schedule arrangements
- Office-based work environment
- Comprehensive benefits package available.
- Paid Conference Days, Professional Growth Dollars and Malpractice Insurance covered at no cost!
- Approximately 2–3 forensic evaluations per week, alongside diagnostic and other clinical assessment responsibilities
About Pine Rest
Pine Rest is dedicated to providing high-quality behavioral health services and fostering a culture of compassion, integrity, and respect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees can grow, contribute, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
See all OPT Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Forensic Psychologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Forensic Psychologist
Target employers with existing licensure support
Government agencies, federal prisons, and large forensic hospitals are more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT work authorization and professional licensure processes. Smaller private practices rarely have the bandwidth to support either.
Clarify your licensure timeline upfront
Most forensic psychology roles require state licensure, which takes time to obtain post-graduation. Be transparent with employers about your current licensure status and how your OPT authorization period aligns with your path to full licensure.
Prioritize federal and government positions
Federal employers such as the Bureau of Prisons, Department of Veterans Affairs, and forensic state hospitals regularly hire pre-licensed psychologists under supervision. These roles are more OPT-compatible and often lead to H-1B visa sponsorship.
Start the H-1B conversation before you apply
Forensic psychology qualifies as a specialty occupation under H-1B. Ask about sponsorship willingness during informational interviews, not after an offer. Employers who have sponsored before are far more likely to do it again.
Use your postdoctoral supervision period strategically
If you need supervised hours for licensure, structure your OPT employment around a postdoctoral position that counts toward those requirements. This maximizes your authorization period while building the credentials employers need.
Document your supervised hours and OPT dates precisely
Forensic psychology employers in government and court settings require meticulous records. Keep your EAD card, supervision logs, and OPT end date readily accessible. Gaps in documentation can stall hiring in security-cleared environments.
Forensic Psychologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Forensic Psychologist on OPT without a license?
Yes, but with limitations. Most forensic psychology positions require you to work under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist until you obtain your own license. Your OPT employment authorization is valid for this supervised work, but you must ensure your job offer explicitly reflects a supervised pre-licensed role. Independently practicing without licensure is illegal regardless of your OPT status.
Does forensic psychology qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Forensic psychology falls under CIP code 42 (Psychology), which is not on the STEM designated degree program list. You are limited to 12 months of post-completion OPT. This makes early H-1B sponsorship planning critical. Look for employers willing to file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires, particularly government agencies with established sponsorship processes.
What types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for forensic psychologists?
Federal agencies including the Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and state forensic psychiatric hospitals are the most consistent sponsors for forensic psychologists. Large correctional healthcare contractors also sponsor, though less predictably. You can browse OPT-friendly forensic psychology roles directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to sponsoring international candidates.
How does security clearance affect OPT students applying for forensic psychology roles?
Many government forensic psychology positions require a background investigation or security clearance. OPT students are not automatically disqualified, but the process is longer and some agencies limit clearance eligibility to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Clarify clearance requirements before applying. Roles within federal healthcare systems or courts may have more flexible eligibility than law enforcement or intelligence-adjacent positions.
Can my OPT employment authorization cover forensic assessment contract work or consulting?
OPT authorizes employment in your field of study, including part-time and contract work, as long as it meets the minimum 20-hours-per-week requirement during the standard OPT period. Forensic assessment contracts with courts or attorneys can qualify if the work is directly tied to your psychology degree. Self-employment is permitted under OPT but requires careful structuring and documentation to satisfy your DSO.