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Forensic Counseling Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Provide peer counseling and support to validate clients' experiences. * Have a strong dedication to ... Preferred: knowledge of forensic evidenced-based practices and familiarity with criminal justice ...

Provide peer counseling and support to validate clients' experiences. * Have a strong dedication to ... Preferred: knowledge of forensic evidenced-based practices and familiarity with criminal justice ...

Showing results 21-25

Forensic Counseling information

See Minnesota salary details

$40.2K

$86.1K

$134.2K

How much do forensic counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic counseling in Minnesota is $86,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,300.00 and $108,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic counseling?

Forensic counseling is a specialized field that combines psychological expertise with the legal and criminal justice systems. Forensic counselors assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who are involved in legal proceedings, such as offenders, victims, or witnesses. They may provide expert testimony in court, conduct risk assessments, or offer therapy to those affected by crime. This work often requires a thorough understanding of both mental health practices and legal standards. Forensic counselors play a critical role in helping courts make informed decisions about mental health issues related to legal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic counselor?

To thrive as a Forensic Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, knowledge of criminal justice, and a relevant license (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT). Familiarity with assessment tools, case management systems, and evidence documentation is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competency, and strong ethical judgment are vital soft skills for building rapport and maintaining professional integrity. These skills and attributes enable effective evaluation, treatment, and advocacy for clients involved in the legal system.

How does a forensic counselor typically collaborate with legal professionals and other stakeholders in the justice system?

Forensic counselors frequently work alongside attorneys, judges, probation officers, and social workers to provide assessments, recommendations, and therapeutic services for individuals involved in the legal system. They may be called upon to present findings in court, develop treatment plans for offenders, or advise on sentencing and rehabilitation options. Effective communication and detailed documentation are crucial, as their work often directly influences legal outcomes and client well-being. This collaborative environment requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of both clinical practice and legal procedures.

What is the difference between Forensic Counseling vs Forensic Psychology?

AspectForensic CounselingForensic Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, licensureDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure as psychologist
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, mental health clinicsCourts, correctional facilities, research settings
Industry UsageLegal cases, mental health assessments, counselingLegal evaluations, expert testimony, psychological assessments

Forensic Counseling and Forensic Psychology both work within the legal system, but Forensic Counseling typically requires a master's degree and focuses on counseling and mental health support, while Forensic Psychology requires a doctoral degree and emphasizes psychological evaluations and expert testimony. Both roles are vital in legal settings but serve different functions based on their training and focus.

How much does a forensic counseling mental health counselor make?

Forensic counseling mental health counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can vary based on certifications, specialized training, and whether they work in criminal justice, legal settings, or mental health facilities.

How to become a forensic counselor?

To become a forensic counselor, you typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or a related field, along with specialized training in forensic or criminal justice settings. Licensure or certification is often required, and gaining experience through internships or supervised practice is important for working with legal and criminal cases.

What can a forensic counselor do?

A forensic counselor provides mental health assessments, therapy, and support to individuals involved in the legal system, such as offenders, victims, or witnesses. They often work in correctional facilities, courts, or forensic clinics, utilizing counseling skills and psychological evaluations to inform legal decisions and treatment plans.

What do I need to become a forensic counselor?

To become a forensic counselor, you typically need a master's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field, along with relevant licensure or certification. Experience in mental health, strong communication skills, and knowledge of the legal system are also important for working in forensic settings.

What are popular job titles related to Forensic Counseling jobs in Minnesota?

For Forensic Counseling jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Minnesota are hiring for Forensic Counseling jobs?

Cities in Minnesota with the most Forensic Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Counseling job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,068 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Certified Peer Specialist - ACT

Radias Health

Oakdale, MN • On-site

$59K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

The expected salary range for this position is based on several factors including market, funding, candidates experience level, skills, training, and related knowledge. Our ranges are developed and published as good faith estimates for the position.

Salary Range: $59,773 - $65,243 | Office benefit package (Parking/Remote Expenses): $50/Month Subject to change

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 8am-4pm

The Certified Peer Specialist will promote hope and recovery by sharing life experiences and lessons learned as a person in recovery. The Peer Specialist guides people in identifying and working towards recovery goals, promoting engagement in recreational and social activities, teaching self-advocacy and developing wellness management skills. Additional responsibilities include participating in treatment planning, helping people access and maintain benefits and community resources, providing care coordination with external providers, connecting with natural supports, and providing crisis intervention services.

As a member of an interdisciplinary ACT team, you'll have the opportunity to enhance your clinical skills and partner with Mental Health Professionals, psychiatric care providers, Nurses, Substance Use Specialist, Vocational, and Certified Peer Specialists. RADIAS Health values the professional development of all employees, offering on-going training and supervision on emerging and evidence based practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provide peer counseling and support to validate clients' experiences.
  • Have a strong dedication to recovery.
  • Provide guidance and encouragement to clients to take responsibility and actively participate in their own recovery.
  • Serve as a mentor to clients to promote hope and empowerment.
  • Help non-mental health consumer team members, and others as appropriate, to better understand and empathize with each client's unique and subjective experience and perception.
  • Provide expertise and consultation from a mental health consumer perspective to the entire team.
  • Collaborate with the team to promote a team culture in which client self-determination, client decision-making in treatment planning, and protection of client rights are supported.
  • Assist in the provision of ongoing assessment of clients' mental illness symptoms and clients' response to treatment.
  • Assist in the provision of direct clinical services to clients on an individual, group, and family basis. Teach symptom-management techniques and promote personal growth and development with mental health issues and substance abuse issues.
  • Assist, teach, and support clients with activities of daily living, vocational skills, accessing housing, maintaining financial supports, and utilizing buses and other transportation in the community.
  • Provide side-by-side support, coaching and encouragement to help clients socialize and carry out leisure time activities on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Organize and lead individual and group social and recreational activities and provide opportunities to practice social skills.
  • Attend and participate in all scheduled team meetings.
  • Complete all paperwork, reports, and charting contemporaneously and in an organized manner.
  • Participate actively in on-going professional growth and development; maintain appropriate professional behavior and participate in appropriate supervision.
  • Maintain a pattern of regular work hours.
  • Must be able to transport clients in the community.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

  • Must be at least 21 years of age
  • Must have primary diagnosis of mental illness, be a current or former consumer of mental health services, must demonstrate leadership and advocacy skills, and have a strong dedication to recovery.
  • Credentialed as a DHS Certified Peer Specialist.
  • Preferred: Hold a Bachelors degree in the behavioral sciences and have 2000 hours of experience working with adults with serious persistent mental illness
  • Preferred: knowledge of forensic evidenced-based practices and familiarity with criminal justice system

Benefits

  • 4 weeks accrued PTO first year of employment
  • 12 paid holidays
  • Medical, dental, vision, life insurance
  • Health Saving Accounts (HSA) + employer contribution and Flexible Saving Accounts (FSA)
  • Tuition reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Assistance
  • Dependent Care Account (DCA) + employer contribution
  • Reimbursement for professional licensure fees
  • Routine supervision from a Mental Health Professional, with access to licensure supervision opportunities
  • 403b retirement plan with an employer percentage match
  • Employer paid short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Bereavement and paid parental leave
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Wellness program to support employee overall health and well-being
  • Variety of discounts through ADP LifeSmart
  • Pet insurance
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Casual dress code

RADIAS Health is proud to be a LGBTQIA+, anti-racist, all-inclusive, and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, status as protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or any other protected class status.

RADIAS Health is committed to pay transparency and equity, providing all employees and applicants with access to starting salary.

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