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Forensic Counseling Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

$17.25 - $22.75/hr

Overview: The role involves conducting forensic interviews with children who have experienced ... Provides general child and family advocacy, interventions, counseling support, and prevention ...

JUSTICE CENTER COUNSELOR

Wooster, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do * Provide individual and group counseling * Conduct assessments and develop ... Experience in correctional, forensic, or community mental health * Training in suicide assessment ...

JUSTICE CENTER COUNSELOR

Wooster, OH · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

What You'll Do * Provide individual and group counseling * Conduct assessments and develop ... Experience in correctional, forensic, or community mental health * Training in suicide assessment ...

This role includes prescribing medications, conducting psychotherapy and counseling sessions, performing forensic evaluations, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive ...

... counseling, and behavioral health interventions. • Conduct individual and group therapy sessions. • Perform risk assessments including suicide risk evaluations. Psychological & Forensic ...

... psychotherapy & counseling (e.g., psychoanalysis, behavior modification). • Monitors ... forensic evaluations. Required documents: • Active Psychiatrist license. • Active Board ...

Psychiatrist

Northfield, OH · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

... counseling for behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues • Conducts suicide risk and crisis assessments • Performs forensic evaluations and prepares reports for court • Assesses ...

... counseling for issues such as trauma, substance abuse, grief, suicidal ideation, and behavioral concerns. • Perform forensic evaluations, including mental status exams, competency to stand trial ...

The ideal candidate will have prior experience working with adult or forensic populations and be ... counseling interventions as appropriate. • Supervise, guide, and collaborate with nursing and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Forensic Counseling information

See Ohio salary details

$39K

$83.5K

$130.2K

How much do forensic counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic counseling in Ohio is $83,544.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,600.00 and $105,500.00 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 cities in Ohio are hiring for Forensic Counseling jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Forensic Counseling job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Counseling job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,544 per year, or $40.2 per hour.

Counselor, Adolescent Forensic Liaison

Signature Health Inc

Painesville, OH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Description

At Signature Health, our purpose is to provide integrated healthcare for our community specializing in patients with mental illness and/or addiction because we want people to realize their highest potential. If you align with our core values, putting people first, striving for excellence in the work you do each day and have a can do mindset, then Signature Health is the best place for the next step in your rewarding career. As a full-time employee, you will have access to the following employer/employee paid benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k match, HealthJoy - a no cost medical and mental health online resource available Day 1, and much more
  • Robust earned paid time off program (PTO)
  • Federal Loan Forgiveness Program (available on eligible roles)
  • Professional Development Support

SCOPE OF ROLE

Reporting to the Supervisor, Behavioral Health, the Counselor, Adolescent Forensic Liaison will provide clinical services to individuals placed in the Youth Detention Facility, including diagnostic evaluation, consultation, linkage/referral, and discharge planning. The Counselor, Adolescent Forensic Liaison will provide short-term counseling services, individual, family, and group within the facility, as requested. The Counselor, Adolescent Forensic Liaison will work closely with court personnel, probation, collaterals, community services workers, and other service providers to coordinate care following release from the facility.


HOW YOU'LL SUCCEED

  • Conduct Diagnostic assessments on youth and families referred by court/ DH staff.
  • Conduct drug and alcohol assessments and updates as indicated.
  • Provide gap services to youths in process of being linked to ongoing services. This may include short term counseling, crisis support, specialized assessments, case management and linkage.
  • Provide services to youth who are linked to services, but in need of additional support, linkage, liaison, referral type services in conjunction with the youth's ongoing treatment provider.
  • Work on-stie in detention center daily to provide counseling and services.
  • Respond to immediate/ urgent requests from DH staff and juvenile corrections officers when youth requests or is assessed as needing to talk to clinician.
  • Familiarize with DH daily schedule and accommodate / adhere to these when scheduling appointments as much as possible.
  • Attend court staffings as requested by staff and court hearings when requested via subpoena or upon request of court staff in collaboration with Signature Health legal department. 
  • Work with court staff to develop risk assessment protocol, in conjunction with psych assistant.
  • Provide ongoing gap services to youth after discharge if needed, while youth is being linked, wait listed for ongoing community services, or in detention - to carry over and bridge services.
  • Refer and coordinate urgent referrals, with special attention to youth needing psych access services/ medications. Receive and facilitate information between the criminal justice system related to referrals, linkage to programs, and services.
  • Maintain client charting in accordance with Medicaid, JCAHO, ODADAS, ODMH, CARF and professional standards.
  • Communicate with all Signature Health staff regarding relevant challenges and needs for those involved with the criminal justice system.
  • Complete monthly statistical report to the ADAMHS Board and the jail.
  • Maintain detailed, timely written records of all services provided by the company to incarcerated patients.


Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE 

  • Bachelor's Degree required. Master's Degree in Social Work or related field preferred. 
  • Valid unencumbered LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC, LIMFT or MFT License in the state of Ohio required.
  • American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
  • 1-2+ years criminal justice assessment, SUD, and juvenile experience preferred. 
  • Knowledge of and work experience within Criminal Justice and behavioral health fields desired.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office/clinical work environment.
  • While hours of operation are generally standard, flexibility to work evenings and extended hours may be required.
  • Requires periods of sitting, standing, telephone, and computer work.  
  • Hearing: adequate to hear clients or patients in person, over the telephone or through telehealth technology.
  • Speaking: adequate to speak to clients or patients in person, over the telephone or through telehealth technology.
  • Vision: Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading information from printed sources and computer screens.
  • Physical effort required: occasional lifting and carrying items weighing up to 15 pounds, unassisted.
  • Possible exposure to blood borne pathogens while performing job duties.
  • Frequent bending, reaching, and repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting and sitting, with some lifting, pushing and pulling exerted regularly throughout a regular workday.
  • Sufficient dexterity to operate a PC and other office equipment.


This Success Profile is not an exhaustive list of all functions or requirements that you may be required to perform; you may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested by your supervisor or the company. You must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily; however, if requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable you to perform the essential functions of this job, absent undue hardship. Signature Health may revise this Success Profile at any time, with or without advanced notice. 


All employees of Signature Health are required to comply with the Signature Health Annual Influenza Vaccination Policy. This policy requires employees to obtain an annual flu vaccination. A medical and/or religious exemption may be submitted for review by the Signature Health Review Committee. Exemption requests are not guaranteed to be approved. Signature Health is a drug-free workplace. After receiving a conditional job offer, all applicants must successfully pass a pre-employment drug screen.


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