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Forensic Hospital Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Psychiatrist

$100 - $300/hr

In this role, you will apply your clinical and forensic acumen in environments such as prisons, state hospitals, and court systems, while contributing directly to the training of advanced AI models ...

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How much do forensic hospital jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic hospital in the United States is $61,011.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,500.00 and $72,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What careers can you do with forensics?

With a background in forensics, careers include forensic scientist, crime scene investigator, forensic toxicologist, and forensic psychologist. These roles involve analyzing evidence, collecting data at crime scenes, and providing expert testimony, often requiring specialized training and certifications in forensic science or related fields.

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

To thrive as a professional in a forensic hospital, you need expertise in mental health assessment, crisis intervention, and forensic psychology, typically supported by a relevant degree and licensure (such as RN, LCSW, or psychologist credentials). Familiarity with electronic medical record (EMR) systems, risk assessment tools, and safety protocols is crucial for daily operations. Strong observational skills, emotional resilience, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working with patients who may have complex behavioral or legal issues. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure patient and staff safety, provide accurate assessments, and support rehabilitation within a secure clinical environment.

What is a forensic hospital?

A forensic hospital is a specialized medical facility that provides psychiatric care and treatment to individuals who are involved with the criminal justice system, typically those found not guilty by reason of insanity or deemed incompetent to stand trial. These hospitals offer secure environments where patients can receive mental health evaluations, therapy, and rehabilitation. The primary goal is to treat mental illness while ensuring public safety and supporting legal proceedings as needed.

What is the difference between Forensic Hospital vs Forensic Psychiatrist?

AspectForensic HospitalForensic Psychiatrist
CredentialsVaries; often includes nursing, psychology, or medical licensesMedical degree (MD or DO) and board certification in psychiatry
Work EnvironmentSecure facilities providing inpatient care for mentally ill offendersClinical settings, courts, or hospitals assessing and treating patients
Employer & IndustryState or federal correctional health systems, hospitalsHospitals, courts, forensic units, mental health facilities
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for roles in forensic mental health careSpecialized medical professionals in forensic settings

While a forensic hospital provides inpatient mental health services within secure environments, a forensic psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health assessments and treatment within forensic settings. The hospital employs various professionals, including forensic psychiatrists, to deliver comprehensive care. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify career paths and job expectations in forensic mental health.

What is the highest paying forensic job?

The highest paying forensic jobs are often forensic pathologists and forensic psychiatrists, who typically hold medical degrees and specialized training. These roles can earn six-figure salaries, especially with experience and board certifications, due to their advanced expertise and the critical nature of their work in legal and medical investigations.

Do hospitals have forensic departments?

Forensic hospitals often have specialized forensic departments that handle the assessment and treatment of individuals involved in the criminal justice system, such as those with mental health issues who require forensic evaluation or custody. These departments typically employ mental health professionals, security staff, and may work closely with law enforcement and legal entities.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a forensic hospital setting?

Professionals in forensic hospitals often encounter unique challenges such as managing patients with complex mental health needs who may also have a history of criminal behavior. Balancing therapeutic care with safety and legal requirements is essential, which can sometimes create high-pressure situations. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and legal staff—is key to providing effective treatment and ensuring a secure environment. Continuous training in crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques is also a regular part of the job to address unpredictable situations safely.

What does a forensic hospital do?

A forensic hospital provides mental health treatment to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, often those who have committed crimes but are deemed mentally ill. Staff, including psychiatrists and psychologists, assess and treat patients, ensuring public safety and legal compliance. Forensic hospital jobs typically require knowledge of mental health, security procedures, and relevant certifications.
More about Forensic Hospital jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Hospital jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Hospital job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Hospital jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Hospital jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Hospital jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Hospital jobs are:
Forensic Hospital jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Hospital job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 78% Full Time, and 19% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,011 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Psychologist-Forensic Evaluator- Utah State Hospital

Utah Division of Human Resource Management

Provo, UT • On-site

$54.90 - $66.79/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Psychologist-Forensic Evaluator- Utah State Hospital
If you have a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with a passion for Forensic Evaluation, come shape the future of justice and mental health by joining Utah's Forensic Evaluation Program. Become an integral part of a dedicated team of professionals at the Utah State Hospital (USH), Division of Services for People With Disabilities (DSPD), and Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services within the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
FT / PT Status - Full-Time
Salary - $54.90 - $66.79 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office - In-Office / On-SiteRecruiter - Keera Johnson keerajohnson@utah.gov 801.344.4211
Key Responsibilities
Principal Duties:
The Psychologist - Forensic Evaluators at the Utah State Hospital are responsible primarily for Forensic Evaluations throughout Utah in coordination with the Utah State Hospital (USH), Division of Services for People With Disabilities (DSPD), Division of Juvenile Justice and Youth Services (JJYS) Competency Program, and District and Juvenile Courts requesting the forensic evaluations.
In addition, this may include input on training, inter-agency communication, service coordination, data collection and outcome evaluation. The Psychologist in this position performs the following tasks:
  • Assesses, opines, and generates reports on competence to proceed, guilty with a mental condition, diminished capacity, malingering, and juvenile competency to proceed.
  • Selects, administers, and interprets psychological tests and assessments.
  • Reports results, findings or recommendations.
  • Acts as an expert witness. Gives testimony and/or recommendations in court cases and/or hearings.
  • Consults with members of a cross-disciplinary team to discuss new or unusual situations, findings, options, and recommendations on client/patient cases.

Qualifications
Minimum/preferred qualifications:
The model candidate for this position is someone who has:
  • A License as a Psychologist in the State of Utah or is eligible to practice in the State of Utah.
  • At least one year of experience (either in graduate school, predoctoral internship, or postdoctoral fellowship/training) in conducting forensic evaluations (e.g., competency to proceed, mental state at time of the offense).
  • Training in adolescent brain development, intellectual disability, and related conditions (e.g. Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury).
  • Training or experience in written and oral communication with legal personnel, such as attorneys and Judges.
  • Training or experience in providing courtroom testimony.
  • Knowledge of human behavior and performance, mental processes, psychological research, or assessment, methods, and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas clearly, and concisely, in writing.
  • The ability to read and understand information presented in writing.
  • The ability to enter, transcribe, record, store, or maintain information in either written or electronic form.

About the Role
Great Opportunities!
  • Opportunity to participate in forensic didactics presented by licensed and practicing forensic psychologists, multi-day trainings in forensic evaluation presented by national experts, a weekly journal club focused on case law and other forensic issues, and an annual mock trial.
  • Opportunity to provide supervision and training within predoctoral internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs.
  • Support can be offered for research in orensic evaluation and treatment related topics.

Preferences
Preference may be given to candidates who:
  • Are licensed two years or more, have board certification, are board eligible, or have a clear path towards board certification in Forensic Psychology.

Location -
1300 East Center Street
Provo, Utah, 84603
United States
Background Check Required - Yes
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B - Competitive Career Service
Why You Should Join Our TeamIn Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:
  • Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
  • Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
  • Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

This is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to apply your specialized skills in a mission-driven environment. You will be a valued member of a team dedicated to supporting one of Utah's most important healthcare institutions. In addition to a competitive salary, the State of Utah provides a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family.
Health Insurance: Multiple medical plan options, including a High Deductible Health Plan with an associated Health Savings Account. Opt-out cash benefit available.
Dental & Vision: Multiple dental and vision plan options available.
Paid Leave: Accrue 4 hours of annual leave and 4 hours of sick leave per pay period, with accrual rates increasing with state longevity. 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: A generous 10% employer contribution to your Utah Retirement Systems (URS) account (Tier II). Options include a Pension/401(k) Hybrid Plan or a Defined Contribution Plan.
To review the full benefits summary and access a Total Compensation Calculator, please visit the main state benefits page here.
Additional Benefits:
Access to a UTA Bus Pass.
Cafeteria on site with meals, snacks and drinks available for purchase.
Access to the Utah State Hospital Disc Golf Course.
Access to comfort rooms while on campus, as well as other mental wellness benefits.
The Agency
The Utah State Hospital is a state-of-the-art psychiatric facility, fully accredited from the Joint Commission and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare, certifying the high quality of the Hospital's environment and treatment programs. Our beautiful campus is situated at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, conveniently close to all the best recreation Utah Valley has to offer. For more information about the Utah State Hospital, our philosophy, mission, and treatment programs, we invite you to browse our website.
EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.

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