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Fbi Psychologist Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

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Fbi Psychologist information

See Reston, VA salary details

$11.4K

$96.6K

$414.6K

How much do fbi psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for fbi psychologist in Reston, VA is $96,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,200.00 and $121,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an FBI psychologist?

FBI psychologists are specially trained professionals who apply principles of psychology to support the Federal Bureau of Investigation's mission. They may assist in criminal investigations by profiling suspects, conducting behavioral analyses, and providing expert advice on interview strategies. Additionally, FBI psychologists often support agents and staff with mental health services, crisis intervention, and resilience training. Their expertise is crucial in understanding criminal behavior, assessing threats, and enhancing national security operations.

Can a psychologist work for the FBI?

Yes, psychologists can work for the FBI, often as special agents or in specialized roles such as behavioral analysts or forensic psychologists. These positions typically require a doctoral degree in psychology, relevant experience, and security clearance, with additional training in law enforcement procedures. Psychologists in the FBI may be involved in criminal profiling, threat assessment, or interview techniques.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an FBI psychologist?

To thrive as an FBI Psychologist, you need a doctorate in psychology, state licensure, and expertise in forensic assessment and criminal behavior. Familiarity with psychological testing tools, data analysis software, and the FBI's case management systems is essential. Excellent analytical thinking, discretion, and strong communication skills distinguish top professionals in this role. These skills ensure accurate evaluations, effective collaboration with law enforcement, and maintenance of ethical standards in sensitive investigations.

How to become an FBI psychologist?

To become an FBI psychologist, candidates typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D., along with relevant experience in mental health assessment and treatment. Applicants must also pass a thorough background check, complete specialized FBI training, and demonstrate strong interpersonal and analytical skills. Licensing and certification in psychology are usually required for clinical practice, and security clearance is mandatory for federal employment.

What is the difference between Fbi Psychologist vs Fbi Special Agent?

AspectFbi PsychologistFbi Special Agent
Required CredentialsDoctorate in Psychology, license, FBI trainingBachelor's degree, FBI training, physical fitness
Work EnvironmentFBI headquarters, field offices, clinical settingsField operations, investigations, surveillance
Employer & Industry UsageFederal government, law enforcement supportFederal law enforcement, criminal investigations
Common Search & ComparisonFocus on mental health, assessments, counselingFocus on investigations, law enforcement duties

Fbi Psychologists primarily provide mental health assessments and counseling within the FBI, requiring advanced psychology credentials. In contrast, Fbi Special Agents conduct investigations and law enforcement activities, requiring a bachelor's degree and physical training. Both roles serve the FBI but differ significantly in responsibilities and work environment.

What are some unique challenges FBI psychologists face when working on criminal investigations?

FBI psychologists often encounter complex cases that require balancing scientific objectivity with the high-stakes nature of law enforcement work. They may deal with sensitive information, intense timelines, and the emotional toll of supporting agents or interviewing victims and suspects. Collaboration with special agents and other professionals is essential, which means adapting psychological insights to fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments. Successfully navigating these challenges can be demanding but also offers significant professional growth and impact.

Can a FBI psychologist work for the FBI?

Yes, an FBI psychologist can work for the FBI as part of the Behavioral Analysis Unit or other specialized teams. They typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, relevant experience, and security clearance, and they often conduct assessments, interviews, and research to support investigations and operational needs.

What job categories do people searching Fbi Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fbi Psychologist jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Fbi Psychologist jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Fbi Psychologist job openings:

Infographic showing various Fbi Psychologist job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,559 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

VICTIM SPECIALIST 0101 GS 11/12/13 Washington Field Office and Little Rock Field Office (FBI Only)

FBI

Washington, DC • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Federal Bureau of Investigation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 45 rated police


Job description

Job Opening: 66799
Opening Date: August 6, 2026
Closing Date: August 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (ET)
Job Title Victim Specialist: Non - Indian Country Full Performance Level GS-13 Division Washington Field Office and Little Rock Field Office Location Washington, DC and Little Rock, AR Working Hours This will vary based on Division needs. Please note that Victim Specialists are also required to be on call. Job Type Full Time/Permanent Who May Apply Current, permanent FBI employees Number of Positions Available 1 for each location listed Questions Email: amdunham@fbi.gov Salary GS 11: $63,795.00 - $82,938.00
GS 12: $76,463.00 - $99,404.00
GS 13: $90,925.00 - $118,204.00
NOTE: The salaries listed above are the Base rate of pay for federal employees on the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. A complete list of Pay Tables factoring in locality pay (based on the geographical area) can be found on OPM.gov .
For eligible current federal employees, a Relocation incentive of up to 20% may be granted for candidates, based on candidate eligibility, a Continuing Service agreement, and Appropriation of Funds. Eligibility for a relocation incentive requires proof of a change in residence and an assignment at a worksite in a different geographic area greater than or equal to 50 miles from the prior worksite. Employees must sign a written service agreement completing a specified period of employment with the FBI at the new duty station. Recruitment and relocation incentives cannot be combined.
**As of July 1, 2013, any employee under a Relocation Incentive Continuing Service Agreement (CSA) who fails to complete one (1) year in the assignment or accepts a new position that results in leaving his or her current FBIHQ division or field office prior to the conclusion date listed on the CSA will be held liable for the prorated value of a broken CSA.
Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
J OB SUMMARY
Victim Specialist: Non - Indian Country Locations
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is seeking to hire Victim Specialists. You may be selected and considered for our current Victim Specialist vacancies. Relocation may be required.
Victim Specialists assist people who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of being identified as a victim of a federal crime. Victim Specialists provide services in a wide range of violations that include but are not exclusive to violent, civil rights, cyber and white-collar crime.
Victim Specialists provide information on victimization, crime prevention, legal rights and protections, the criminal justice process, and rereferrals for services. The services provided can include crisis intervention directed toward deescalating a situation, establishing physical and emotional safety, providing concrete/basic needs assessments, identifying emergency needs, and empowering the victim's ability to make choices regarding possible courses of action.
Locations are listed in the application and you will have the opportunity to choose up to 2 location preferences when you apply to this posting.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
  • Must be a current, permanent FBI employee
  • Must be able to obtain an SCI clearance
  • Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid driver's license
  • Selectee will be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-450 annually
  • Selectee will be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
  • Travel will be required for victim assistance, special deployment, and/or conferences/training
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is generally sedentary, but may also involve driving short and long distances, standing (for hours), and working at crime scenes. Work sometimes involves dealing with highly emotional and angry individuals.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is partially office-based, but also requires being present at the scene of crimes, and/or at agencies providing assistance to victims, long hours, and long-term, repeated exposure to the injury and psychological trauma of victims of crime. May be required to be on call 24/7, responding afterhours and on weekends.
MAJOR DUTIES
  • Provides direct assistance services to persons who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.
  • Contacts victims, conducts needs assessments and develops an action plan for immediate and on-going services as indicated by the needs assessment.
  • Provides crisis intervention services, which are directed toward de-escalating a situation, establishes physical and emotional safety, and provides concrete/basic needs services, emergency needs and reinforcing the victim's ability to make choices regarding possible courses of action.
  • Ensures FBI Adherence to the Attorney General Guidelines and establishment and adoption of best practices for victim assistance.
  • Maintains involvement either through outreach or membership on multidisciplinary teams, with local agencies that provide services to federal crime victims.
  • Develops and implements trainings and presentations related to victim concerns and coordination with other federal, state, local, tribal and territorial law enforcement agencies, health, social services, schools, and advocacy organizations.
QUALIFICATIONS & EVALUATIONS
Please ensure that your specialized experience and requirements are clearly identifiable in your resume. Your application will be evaluated using the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documents will be reviewed to verify that you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
If you are found minimally qualified, your application will move forward to additional phases of the review process.
The competencies will be used in a Structured Resume Review to objectively evaluate applicant resumes. Do not provide a separate narrative written statement. Rather you must describe in your resume how your past work experience demonstrates that you possess the competencies identified below. Your resume should demonstrate that you possess the following competencies.
Competencies:
  • Collaboration
  • Interpersonal Ability
  • Leadership
  • Organizing and Planning
  • Communication
  • Behavior and Social Sciences
  • Flexibility/Adaptability
Basic Requirement
Bachelor's degree (or higher) in behavioral or social science, or a discipline related to the victim assistance field, including but not limited to: Criminal Justice, Social Work, Counseling, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Victimology, Gender and Women Studies.
or
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
or
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
Selective Placement Factor: The Victim Services Division requires applicants to possess a minimum of 3 years of full-time work experience in which the applicant is providing direct services to victims of violent crimes, severe trauma, acts of terrorism, and fraud or victims of specialized populations.
In order to be considered for this position, applicants must respond to the following selective placement factor question. All qualifying experience MUST be provided within your resume to be considered.
In addition to the selective placement factor, please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume.
Specialized Experience (SE):
GS 11: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level. SE is:
  • Collaborated within a law enforcement, prosecutorial, or victim services agency to provide crisis intervention resources to victims who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.
GS 12: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level. SE is:
  • Collaborated within a law enforcement, prosecutorial, or victim services agency to provide crisis intervention resources to victims who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.
  • Maintained relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and victim assistance organizations to ensure adequate emergency resources and partner engagement.
  • Assisted with the development and implementation of educational or training activities to speak with groups about issues related to victims of crime.
GS 13: Applicant must possess at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. SE is:
  • Collaborated within a law enforcement, prosecutorial, or victim services agency to provide crisis intervention resources to victims who have suffered direct physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result of a violent crime.
  • Maintained relationships with local, state, and federal agencies and victim assistance organizations to ensure adequate emergency resources and partner engagement.
  • Identified, developed, and implemented emergency, educational, or training activities, to include victim assistance plans, about issues related to victims of crime and present to groups in coordination within the community, state, and/or federal arena, to include mass casualty training exercises.
  • Provided victim centered guidance and mentorship to other victim service providers along with other individuals that interact with victims.
  • Assisted in the development and implementation of policies and guidelines on issues relating to the services of victims of crime.
Education
All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:
Degree must be in behavioral or social science, or a discipline related to the victim assistance field.
GS 11: Education may be substituted for Specialized Experience if Applicant has a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree.
GS 12 & GS 13: Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at these grade levels.
Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the above requirements provided you can show foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States.
HOW TO APPLY
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply. If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:
  1. Utilizing the Resume Builder, outline your relevant work experience and associated start and end dates. Uploaded resumes will not be reviewed or used for qualification purposes.
  2. Other supporting documents (if applicable):
    • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
    • Memorandum for Record (MFR): Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation:
      • Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
      • The month/year work began
        Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
      • Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application in the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type "Other."
While applicants might see these documents in their profile, HR Specialists may be unable to access them. Therefore, all applicants MUST upload another copy to ensure that staffing units can review the complete application.
Please note: Failure to provide the necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Incomplete applications will not be supplemented with additional requests for information; your application will be evaluated solely on the information you submit. You must complete the application process and submit all required documents by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the announcement's closing date.
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
  • Management may select at any grade f

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