Forensic Psychologist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Forensic psychologists can secure H-1B visa, O-1 visa, or EB-2 NIW visa sponsorship through government agencies, healthcare systems, and consulting firms. The role qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring a doctoral degree in psychology, with additional forensic training preferred by employers seeking specialized expertise. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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 Pierce County area.
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 06115.
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.
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 Pierce County area.
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 06115.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
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 JobsTips for Finding Forensic Psychologist Jobs
Target government agencies and healthcare systems
Federal agencies, state corrections departments, and large hospital systems regularly sponsor forensic psychologists. These employers understand visa requirements and have established sponsorship processes for specialized mental health professionals.
Emphasize your forensic specialization
Highlight specific forensic training, certifications, and experience with criminal justice systems. Employers value specialized knowledge in areas like competency evaluations, risk assessments, and expert witness testimony for visa justification.
Document your doctoral degree equivalency
USCIS requires doctoral-level psychology education for this role. If your degree is from outside the U.S., obtain credential evaluation from NACES-approved agencies to establish equivalency to American doctoral programs.
Consider the O-1 visa for distinguished practitioners
Forensic psychologists with published research, expert witness experience, or leadership roles may qualify for O-1 visas. This path avoids H-1B lottery restrictions and offers faster processing for exceptional ability candidates.
Build relationships with immigration-friendly employers
Research employers' H-1B filing history using DOL disclosure data. Organizations that regularly sponsor psychologists and mental health professionals are more likely to understand the visa process and approve sponsorship requests.
Explore EB-2 NIW for self-petitioning
Forensic psychologists serving underserved populations or conducting research that benefits national interests may qualify for EB-2 National Interest Waiver. This eliminates the need for employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do forensic psychologists qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, forensic psychology qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring specialized knowledge and a doctoral degree. The role meets H-1B visa requirements due to its specialized nature combining psychology expertise with criminal justice applications. Employers must demonstrate the position requires forensic psychology training beyond general psychology practice.
What degree requirements do employers expect for visa sponsorship?
Most employers require a doctoral degree in psychology (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) with forensic specialization for H-1B sponsorship. Some positions accept master's degrees with extensive forensic experience, but doctoral-level education significantly strengthens visa applications. Additional certifications from American Board of Forensic Psychology enhance sponsorship prospects.
Which employers most commonly sponsor forensic psychologists?
Federal agencies like FBI and Bureau of Prisons, state correctional systems, Veterans Affairs medical centers, and large healthcare networks frequently sponsor forensic psychologists. Private forensic consulting firms and academic medical centers also offer sponsorship, particularly for candidates with specialized expertise in areas like competency evaluation or risk assessment.
How does state licensing affect visa sponsorship for this role?
Psychology licensing requirements vary by state and can complicate visa sponsorship timing. Some employers sponsor candidates before licensing completion, while others require active licensure. International psychologists should research state licensing requirements early, as some states require additional supervised experience or examinations that may delay employment start dates.
How to find Forensic Psychologist jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Forensic Psychologist jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus on positions within correctional facilities, government agencies, law enforcement departments, and private consulting firms that frequently sponsor H-1B, TN visa, or O-1 visas for qualified forensic psychology professionals with relevant credentials and experience.
What makes forensic psychology cases stronger for O-1 visa applications?
Published research in forensic psychology journals, expert witness testimony in high-profile cases, leadership roles in professional organizations like American Psychology-Law Society, and recognition for developing forensic assessment tools strengthen O-1 applications. Media coverage of your expert opinions or consultation on notable cases also demonstrates extraordinary ability in the field.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Forensic Psychologist jobs?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.