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Forensic Center Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Supervisory Organization Oklahoma Forensic Center Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be ...

Forensic Officer II

Vinita, OK · On-site

$17.78/hr

Supervisory Organization Oklahoma Forensic Center Job Posting End Date Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank. Note: Applications will be ...

Forensic Officer I

Vinita, OK · On-site

$16.60/hr

The Oklahoma Forensic Center (OFC) located in Vinita, OK is a 24 hour/365 day secure inpatient forensic facility that provides jail competency services for the State of Oklahoma. Currently, OFC has ...

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Forensic Center information

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$25.5K

$61.2K

$94.5K

How much do forensic center jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic center in the United States is $61,156.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,000.00 and $69,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Scientist at a Forensic Center, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Scientist at a Forensic Center, you need a strong background in chemistry, biology, or a related scientific field, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree or higher. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and adherence to chain-of-custody protocols are essential technical requirements. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written and verbal communication skills help professionals excel in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate evidence analysis, supporting criminal investigations, and upholding the integrity of the justice system.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a Forensic Center?

Professionals in a Forensic Center often encounter challenging situations such as managing high caseloads, working with sensitive or traumatic evidence, and ensuring meticulous attention to detail to maintain the integrity of findings. They may also face tight deadlines due to legal proceedings and must collaborate closely with law enforcement, legal teams, and other specialists. Balancing objectivity and empathy, while adhering to strict protocols and chain-of-custody requirements, is crucial to success in this environment.

What is a forensic center and what does it do?

A forensic center is a specialized facility where experts conduct scientific analyses and investigations to assist in solving crimes. These centers typically handle a range of tasks, such as analyzing physical evidence, conducting autopsies, and providing expert testimony in court. Staffed by forensic scientists, pathologists, and other specialists, forensic centers play a critical role in law enforcement by helping to uncover facts and ensure justice. Their work can include DNA testing, toxicology, ballistics, and fingerprint analysis, among other services.

What is the highest paying forensic job?

The highest paying forensic jobs are typically forensic pathologists and forensic odontologists, with forensic pathologists earning the highest salaries due to their medical training and responsibilities in conducting autopsies and determining causes of death. These roles often require medical degrees, specialized training, and certification, and they tend to have higher salaries compared to other forensic positions such as crime scene investigators or forensic analysts.

What is the difference between Forensic Center vs Forensic Scientist?

AspectForensic CenterForensic Scientist
CredentialsVaries; often includes certifications in forensic disciplinesBachelor's or master's degree in forensic science, chemistry, biology, or related fields
Work EnvironmentMultiple agencies, labs, or crime scene locations; administrative and collaborative rolesLaboratories, crime scenes, courtrooms; focus on analysis and report writing
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement agencies, government labs, forensic centersCrime labs, law enforcement agencies, research institutions

While a Forensic Center is an organization that provides forensic services, a Forensic Scientist is a professional who conducts scientific analysis within such centers. The center encompasses multiple roles and facilities, whereas the scientist is an individual expert specializing in forensic analysis.

More about Forensic Center jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Center jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Center job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Center jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Center jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Center job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,156 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
Director of Forensic Psychology

Director of Forensic Psychology

State of Oklahoma

Vinita, OK • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Job Posting Title
Director of Forensic Psychology
Agency
452 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERV.
Supervisory Organization
Oklahoma Forensic Center
Job Posting End Date
Refer to the date listed at the top of this posting, if available. Continuous if date is blank.
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the posting end date above.
Estimated Appointment End Date (Continuous if Blank)
Full/Part-Time
Full time
Job Type
Regular
Compensation
Commensurate based on education and experience
Job Description
Director of Forensic Psychology
📍 Oklahoma Forensic Center - Vinita, OK
💼 Full-Time | Exempt | Commensurate based on education and experience
Join a Team that CARES
At the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), our guiding values-I.C.A.R.E. (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence)-aren't just words; they shape everything we do. Our mission is to promote healthy communities and provide the highest quality care to enhance the well-being of all Oklahomans.
If you're ready to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to grow with us.
Make Your Work Matter
Step into a leadership role where psychology meets the justice system in one of the most impactful ways possible. At the Oklahoma Forensic Center (OFC), your expertise won't just inform decisions-it will shape lives, influence legal outcomes, and strengthen communities.
We're looking for a Director of Forensic Psychology who's ready to lead, innovate, and elevate forensic mental health services across the state.
About the Facility
The Oklahoma Forensic Center is the largest inpatient behavioral health facility within ODMHSAS and the state's only inpatient forensic hospital, serving all 77 counties.
  • Location: Vinita, Oklahoma (approximately 60 miles northeast of Tulsa)
  • Capacity: 268 beds
  • Population Served: Individuals found incompetent for adjudication or adjudicated Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
  • Mission: Deliver quality forensic evaluations and effective psychiatric treatment in a therapeutic environment that preserves public safety

What You'll Do
This is more than a clinical role-it's a statewide leadership position.
As Director, you will:
  • Lead and oversee forensic psychology programs across Oklahoma
  • Conduct and supervise complex forensic evaluations
  • Provide expert witness testimony in legal proceedings
  • Train and mentor forensic examiners and psychology staff
  • Collaborate with legal, medical, and administrative teams
  • Develop policies, ensure compliance, and guide program strategy
  • Manage budgeting, planning, and interagency coordination

What You Bring
Required Qualifications:
  • Doctorate in Clinical or Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited)
  • Completion of a 1-year pre-doctoral internship, including direct supervision from a licensed psychologist specializing in clinical or counseling psychology
  • Minimum of 4 years of post-doctoral specialized training in the evaluation and/or treatment of forensic clients
  • At least 2 years of licensure as a psychologist
  • Demonstrated experience in forensic evaluations and expert testimony

Special Requirements:
  • Successful completion of OSBI background check
  • Pre-employment drug screen required
  • We are a J1 waiver sponsor

Benefits That Support You
ODMHSAS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package:
  • Generous state-paid benefit allowance
  • Multiple health insurance options (no pre-existing condition exclusions)
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare and dependent care)
  • Employee assistance and wellness programs
  • 11 paid holidays annually
  • 15 vacation days and 15 sick days in your first year
  • Retirement plan with strong employer match
  • Longevity bonuses
  • Student loan repayment opportunities
  • Continuing Medical Education (CME) support

Life in the Grand Lake Area
Living near Grand Lake offers an exceptional balance of work and lifestyle:
  • Minutes from Grand Lake o' the Cherokees- one of Oklahoma's premier destinations for boating, fishing, 4x4 rock crawling and waterfront living
  • Relaxed pace with low cost of living and short commutes
  • Access to golf courses, marinas, and scenic outdoor spaces
  • Unique local shops, dining, and cultural attractions
  • Close-knit community with easy access to Tulsa

Ready to Lead?
If you're looking for a role that combines clinical depth, leadership influence, and meaningful impact, this is it.
Bring your expertise where it counts most.
Apply today and help shape the future of forensic mental health in Oklahoma.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations available upon request.
Equal Opportunity Employment
The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.
Current active State of Oklahoma employees must apply for open positions internally through the Workday Jobs Hub.
If you are needing any extra assistance or have any questions relating to a job you have applied for, please click the link below and find the agency for which you applied for additional information:
Agency Contact