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Forensic Counselor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As an experienced digital forensics examiner, serves as a source of technical counsel and advice for junior analysts and technicians and possesses the ability to lead forensic investigations in the ...

Forensic Psychologist

Bridgewater, MA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life insurance * Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA) * Wellness program featuring fitness ...

Forensic Psychologist

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$150K - $175K/yr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life insurance * Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA) * Wellness program featuring fitness ...

Forensic Psychologist

Centennial, CO · On-site

$110K - $140K/yr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life insurance * Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA) * Wellness program featuring fitness ...

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Forensic Counselor information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic counselor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic counselor in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Forensic Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, often with a relevant master's degree and licensure, along with knowledge of criminal justice systems. Familiarity with assessment tools, case management software, and legal documentation processes is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries are crucial for building trust and effectively helping clients in the justice system. These skills ensure ethical, effective intervention and support for individuals navigating the intersection of mental health and the legal system.

How long does it take to be a forensic therapist?

Becoming a forensic counselor typically requires earning a relevant master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, which generally takes 2 to 3 years. After completing education, gaining supervised clinical experience and obtaining licensure can take an additional 1 to 2 years, making the total pathway approximately 3 to 5 years.

What is the difference between Forensic Counselor vs Forensic Psychologist?

AspectForensic CounselorForensic Psychologist
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, licensureDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure, often board-certified
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, mental health clinicsCourts, correctional facilities, research settings
Employer & Industry UsageLegal settings, mental health agenciesLegal, clinical, research, and assessment settings
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in legal and mental health contextsMore focused on psychological assessment and diagnosis

While both Forensic Counselors and Forensic Psychologists work within legal and mental health settings, Forensic Counselors typically hold a master's degree and focus on counseling and rehabilitation. Forensic Psychologists usually have a doctoral degree and conduct psychological assessments, research, and expert testimony. The choice depends on the level of education and specific job functions desired.

How does a Forensic Counselor typically collaborate with legal and correctional staff in their daily work?

Forensic Counselors frequently work alongside legal professionals, probation officers, and correctional staff to assess, counsel, and support individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Their day often includes conducting psychological evaluations, preparing reports for court, and providing therapy or rehabilitation programs tailored to clients’ legal circumstances. Effective communication and interdisciplinary teamwork are essential, as Forensic Counselors must balance client advocacy with legal and public safety requirements. This collaborative environment helps ensure clients receive appropriate care while meeting judicial or institutional expectations.

What is a forensic counselor?

A forensic counselor is a mental health professional who works within the criminal justice system to assess, treat, and provide therapy to individuals involved in legal cases. They often evaluate psychological conditions, provide expert testimony, and work with offenders, victims, or law enforcement agencies. Certification or specialized training in forensic psychology or counseling is typically required for this role.

What degree do you need to be a forensic therapist?

To become a forensic counselor, a minimum of a master's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or a related field is typically required. Licensure or certification is often necessary, and specialized training in forensic or criminal justice settings enhances job prospects.

Is it hard to get hired as a forensic psychologist?

Getting hired as a forensic psychologist can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field, which often requires advanced degrees, licensure, and relevant experience. Strong skills in psychological assessment, report writing, and understanding legal procedures can improve employment prospects, but the job market varies by region and demand for forensic services.
More about Forensic Counselor jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Counselor jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Counselor job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Counselor jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Counselor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Counselor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Counselor jobs are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Counselor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 7% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Overview
JOB TITLE: Forensic Analyst I
AGENCY SUPPORTED: U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) - MEGA 6 Automated Litigation Support
POSITION TYPE: Full-Time, Contingent Upon Award
LOCATION: Remote
CLEARANCE: Public Trust - Candidates do not need to be cleared at the time of application but must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance prior to starting.
BENEFITS: Health, Dental and Vision, 401(k), Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), 11 Paid Federal Holidays, 3 weeks' Paid Time Off
ITC Federal, LLC (ITC) connects technology advancements in automation and AI, customer experience, and financial services to solve government mission challenges, enabling smoother operational efficiency and bolstering national security. We leverage the latest technology innovations and proven approaches to better serve the mission and support the DHS, DOJ, and DoW workforce, customers, and programs, regardless of scale or complexity. ITC is located in Fairfax, VA and offers an outstanding compensation and benefits plan and a challenging and rewarding professional work environment.
We are seeking an experienced Forensic Analyst I to support ITC Federal's work for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the anticipated MEGA 6 automated litigation support (ALS) program. This is a fully remote position supporting DOJ's complex litigation mission.
Important: This opening is being established in connection with the MEGA 6 contract vehicle award itself. ITC Federal must still be awarded individual task orders under the vehicle before employees can be onboarded. Accordingly, this position is full-time and contingent upon both contract award and the award of the applicable task order.
POSITION OVERVIEW:
Operates at a mid-level, applying industry accepted digital forensic principles in acquiring, collecting, preserving, and processing structured and unstructured data per established industry best practices and laboratory procedures and protocols.
PROGRAM CONTEXT:
This position supports the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) under the anticipated MEGA 6 procurement. MEGA 6 is expected to continue DOJ's multiple-award contract vehicle for automated litigation support (ALS) services, following the structure of the MEGA 5 contract. These contracts are designed to provide DOJ offices, boards, divisions, and other federal agencies with information technology, professional services, and litigation support tools to manage complex legal proceedings efficiently.
Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Responsible for working digital forensics examinations through the data acquisition, examination, presentation and disposition phases.
  • Provides identification and seizure support, forensic data acquisition/imaging; forensically-sound and non-forensic collection/capture of electronically stored information (ESI) from some file structures and sources (i.e., Windows, MAC-based desktop/laptop computer systems, files share servers and cloud-based storage; mobile devices and tablets (Android, iOS, Windows, and Blackberry operating systems), and related digital storage media.
  • Uses knowledge and experience of a limited variety of computer and mobile technologies and forensic theories to conduct partial forensic examinations that includes processing of allocated space, scripted recovery of deleted files, and conducting Internet history analyses with the goal of developing forensically sound evidence.
  • Responsible for performing medium-scale digital forensic examinations to include collection of file shares in a live client-server environment utilizing validated forensic software.
  • Recovers data and correlates information, prepares clear and comprehensive notes and reports of findings, and provides oral and written communications to legal staff concerning results of examinations to include legal declarations for investigations and litigations.
  • Utilizes industry accepted forensic and non-forensic tools such as EnCase, FTK, Harvester, Cellebrite UFED, and NUIX.
  • Researches and maintains proficiency in tools, techniques, and trends.
  • As an experienced digital forensics examiner, serves as a source of technical counsel and advice for junior analysts and technicians and possesses the ability to lead forensic investigations in the field.
  • Reviews and approves reports, notes, and case files of junior technicians.
  • Collaborates with other forensic analysts and technicians, law enforcement officers, and legal experts to recommend methods and procedures for recovery, preservation, and presentation of computer evidence.
  • Provides technical guidance and assistance to legal staff while ensuring that proper precautions are taken in the preservation and prevention of spoliation of electronic evidence.
  • Complies with standards, policies, and procedures established for the forensics laboratory including accreditation requirements, supplements, criteria, and interpretations as it applies to digital evidence.

Qualifications
REQUIRED:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Public Trust clearance prior to start (candidates are not required to be cleared at the time of application).
  • Authorized to work in the United States.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fully remote environment.
  • Undergraduate degree in Digital Forensic Science, Computer Science/Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Mathematics, Criminal Justice, or a related field and 4 to 7 years current digital forensics collection and processing experience is required; The Contracting Officer may consider 5 years of current industry related Digital Forensics experience as a substitute for degree.
  • Must possess and maintain at least 1 of the following certifications: CompTIA™ A+, CompTIA™ Network+, CompTIA™ Server+ certification; or IACIS® Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE), ISFCE Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) , or similar non-vendor specific certification; or EnCase® Certified Examiner (EnCE), AccessData Certified Examiner (ACE), Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner (CCME) Certification (CCME), or similar vendor specific certification.
  • Must possess experience in forensics collections and processing across Windows and Mac operating systems and related hardware and software architectures (e.g., computers, mobile devices, file share servers).
  • Must have demonstrated mid-level experience in the use of forensic tools such as EnCase® Forensic and Enterprise Editions, Forensic Toolkit®, NUIX Investigator, Cellebrite UFED, etc. and be able to articulate, in detail, the processes being conducted by these forensic tools.
  • Must have knowledge of LAN/WAN/MAN network environments.
  • Must have demonstrated experience in dead box, live, and hybrid data acquisition methodologies.
  • Must have demonstrated experience in the automated reconstruction of a RAID array.
  • Must have experience processing medium data volumes.
  • Must have demonstrated working knowledge of and ability to apply the Federal Rules of Evidence (FRE) as they apply to electronic evidence as well as demonstrated experience in applying these rules to the framework of an investigation or litigation.
  • Must have demonstrated experience preparing affidavits and declarations.
  • Must have demonstrated ability to multitask and manage several projects at any given time.
  • Moderate travel required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
  • This is a fully remote position; work is performed from a home office.
  • Must be located in or near the Washington, DC area and available for short-notice on-site meetings.
  • Work is primarily sedentary, performed while using a computer for extended periods of time.

ITC Federal is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any application for employment on the basis of age, race, color, gender, national origin, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, disability, or sex including pregnancy and childbirth or related medical condition or on any other basis prohibited by law.