Forensic Psychologist Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Forensic psychologists can secure H-1B visa, O-1, 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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Department - Detainee & Crisis Systems
Job Description
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Classification: 1140 - Forensic Psychologist
Salary Grade: 18
Pay Range
Hiring Range: $93,392 - $128,398 Annually
Pay Range: $93,392 - $140,067 Annually
Range Explanation:
- Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
- Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.
The first review of applications will be on 05/08/2026.
The Forensic Psychologist directs the restoration process of defendants in the Restoration to Competency (RTC) Program in the Pima County Jail. This position writes status and final reports to the Court as defined by A.R.S. § 13-4514, within established guidelines, and selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, malingering and many other considerations.
This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
- Constructs formal reports for the court, summarizing all the information gathered, providing an opinion, diagnosis, and factual basis regarding competency;
- Meets with defendants, forensic educators and the RTC psychiatrist within established timelines and benchmarks set out by RTC operating policy;
- Constructs and maintains responsibility for the individualized restoration plan on each defendant assigned;
- Selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, and malingering, along with other considerations;
- Consults with the RTC psychiatrist on health-related needs a RTC defendant may present that is a barrier to competency;
- Conducts defendant related investigative efforts such as examination of history, behavior displayed in custody, listening to jail phone calls, and observing taped visits;
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintains ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes;
- Testifies at contested competency hearings as ordered by the court;
- Maintains and updates all restricted and specialized testing material related to RTC;
- Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to competency and testimony.
Minimum Qualifications:
Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Clinical Psychology.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.)
- Experience working with Restoration to Competency cases, Rule 11 evaluations and Competency Statutes.
- Experience with testifying when ordered by the courts.
- Experience with writing forensic reports.
- Experience with working with current or previously incarcerated individuals.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates:
Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Must be licensed as a psychologist in the state of Arizona. Forensic Evaluator certification by the courts required. Certificate from the Court approved training regarding Competency. Obtain and maintain Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification within 1 year of hire date. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain / maintain the required certifications/ licensure shall be grounds for termination.
Special Notice Items:
The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
Physical/Sensory Requirements:
Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently remains in a stationary position. Moves frequently through the detention center. Rarely participates in external events. Other physical and sensory requirements will be determined by position.
Working Conditions:
The Forensic Psychologist operates within the Pima County Adult Detention Center: defendant housing units, visitation rooms, office. Other working conditions will be determined by position.
EEO Information:
Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Description Summary
Department - Detainee & Crisis Systems
Job Description
OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Job Type: Unclassified
Job Classification: 1140 - Forensic Psychologist
Salary Grade: 18
Pay Range
Hiring Range: $93,392 - $128,398 Annually
Pay Range: $93,392 - $140,067 Annually
Range Explanation:
- Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
- Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.
The first review of applications will be on 05/08/2026.
The Forensic Psychologist directs the restoration process of defendants in the Restoration to Competency (RTC) Program in the Pima County Jail. This position writes status and final reports to the Court as defined by A.R.S. § 13-4514, within established guidelines, and selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, malingering and many other considerations.
This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
- Constructs formal reports for the court, summarizing all the information gathered, providing an opinion, diagnosis, and factual basis regarding competency;
- Meets with defendants, forensic educators and the RTC psychiatrist within established timelines and benchmarks set out by RTC operating policy;
- Constructs and maintains responsibility for the individualized restoration plan on each defendant assigned;
- Selects and administers the appropriate specialized testing related to the competency to stand trial skill set in the areas such as IQ, memory function, effort, and malingering, along with other considerations;
- Consults with the RTC psychiatrist on health-related needs a RTC defendant may present that is a barrier to competency;
- Conducts defendant related investigative efforts such as examination of history, behavior displayed in custody, listening to jail phone calls, and observing taped visits;
- Demonstrates a working knowledge of the applicable laws in Arizona related to Competency, Sell Hearings and Title 36, and maintains ongoing continuing education related to clinical and/or impacts of competency and statute changes;
- Testifies at contested competency hearings as ordered by the court;
- Maintains and updates all restricted and specialized testing material related to RTC;
- Maintains knowledge of applicable laws and statutes related to competency and testimony.
Minimum Qualifications:
Doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Forensic or Clinical Psychology.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.)
- Experience working with Restoration to Competency cases, Rule 11 evaluations and Competency Statutes.
- Experience with testifying when ordered by the courts.
- Experience with writing forensic reports.
- Experience with working with current or previously incarcerated individuals.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates:
Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Must be licensed as a psychologist in the state of Arizona. Forensic Evaluator certification by the courts required. Certificate from the Court approved training regarding Competency. Obtain and maintain Correctional Health Professional (CCHP) certification within 1 year of hire date. Some positions require a valid Arizona Class D driver license at the time of application or appointment. Failure to obtain / maintain the required certifications/ licensure shall be grounds for termination.
Special Notice Items:
The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. Some positions may require satisfactory completion of a personal background investigation by the court or law enforcement agencies, due to the need for access to County Attorney and Court facilities, records, and communication systems.
Physical/Sensory Requirements:
Frequently operates a computer and other office equipment. Frequently remains in a stationary position. Moves frequently through the detention center. Rarely participates in external events. Other physical and sensory requirements will be determined by position.
Working Conditions:
The Forensic Psychologist operates within the Pima County Adult Detention Center: defendant housing units, visitation rooms, office. Other working conditions will be determined by position.
EEO Information:
Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 13+ 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.
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.
Forensic Psychologist jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Forensic Psychologist JobsFrequently 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 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, 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.
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