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Forensic Interview Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Forensic Interview information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$60.6K

$93.7K

How much do forensic interview jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic interview in Virginia is $60,631.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $68,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a forensic interviewer do?

A forensic interviewer conducts interviews with children or vulnerable individuals to gather information about suspected abuse or neglect. They use specialized techniques to obtain accurate, detailed accounts while ensuring the interview is non-leading and developmentally appropriate, often working closely with law enforcement and child protective services.

What is a Forensic Interview job?

A Forensic Interview job involves conducting structured conversations with individuals, often children or vulnerable adults, who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or witnessed a crime. The goal is to gather accurate and reliable information in a neutral and non-leading manner to assist in legal or investigative proceedings. Forensic interviewers typically work for law enforcement agencies, child advocacy centers, or social service organizations. They receive specialized training in interviewing techniques, psychology, and trauma-informed practices to ensure interviews are conducted ethically and effectively.

How much does a forensic interviewer make?

In Texas, forensic interviewers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and the employer. The role often requires specialized training in interviewing techniques and knowledge of child advocacy or criminal justice environments.

What is the highest paid forensic job?

The highest paid forensic jobs are often senior roles such as forensic science directors or chief forensic officers, who oversee forensic laboratories and investigations. These positions typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, with salaries reaching six figures or more depending on the organization and location.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Forensic Interview position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Interviewer, you need expertise in psychology, criminal justice, and specialized interviewing techniques, often supported by a relevant degree or certification in forensic interviewing or child advocacy. Familiarity with digital recording equipment, case management systems, and protocols such as the National Children’s Advocacy Center (NCAC) model is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, active listening, and the ability to build trust and rapport are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills are vital to conducting effective, legally sound interviews while supporting the emotional well-being of vulnerable individuals involved in investigations.

How do you become a forensic interviewer?

To become a forensic interviewer, individuals typically need a background in social work, psychology, or criminal justice, along with specialized training in interviewing techniques and child development. Certification from recognized organizations and experience working with vulnerable populations are often required or preferred.

What are typical daily responsibilities for a Forensic Interviewer?

A Forensic Interviewer's day typically involves preparing for and conducting interviews with children or vulnerable adults in a sensitive and legally compliant manner, documenting findings, and collaborating closely with law enforcement, child protective services, and medical professionals. They also participate in case reviews, write detailed interview reports, and may occasionally testify in court regarding interview procedures and findings. The role often requires maintaining up-to-date knowledge of best practices through ongoing training. This collaborative and multidisciplinary environment provides the opportunity to make a significant impact in both investigative outcomes and client support.

What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Interview jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Forensic Interview jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Forensic Interview job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 62% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,631 per year, or $29.1 per hour.
Forensic Mental Health Specialist

Forensic Mental Health Specialist

State of Virginia

Falls Church, VA • On-site

$46 - $73/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

12th of 50 rated states


Job description

Forensic Mental Health Specialist

Apply now Job no: 5105832
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Falls Church, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Forensic Mental Health Specialist

State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III

Hiring Range: Starting salary $46, 073

Pay Band: NV 3

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Northern VA Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/nvmhi/careers/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

To promote the organizational objective of the psychology department via the provision of quality psychological evaluation, assessment, and treatment services, in collaboration with other disciplines, thereby fostering adaptive functioning and improving the welfare of individuals served. Provide therapeutic interventions demonstrating use of best practices in mental health treatment and adherence to a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy of care Facilitate individual and group Competency Restoration sessions, Community Meetings, Escorted Grounds Walks, Escorted Community Reintegration Outings, individual behavioral supports, and other forensic or direct care tasks as assigned. Demonstrate good written and oral communication skills in team/unit meetings and progress notes. Demonstrate understanding of the legal code, departmental instructions, and department policies and procedures for individuals with forensic legal status , Abide by ethical and professional standards of practice in an inpatient setting Participate in training and educational opportunities as assigned. Therapeutic milieu management Group & 1:1 Individualized interventions Community reintegration outings Crisis De-escalation Behavioral Supports Appropriate documentation in medical record Training and educational opportunities Demonstrated comprehension of and adherence to a person-centered, strengths-based philosophy of care Ability to conduct personal interviews and group discussions Basic knowledge of behavioral intervention techniques Good written and oral communication skills Understanding of the legal code, departmental instructions, and department policies and procedures for individuals with forensic legal status Familiarity with relevant ethical and professional standards of practice in an inpatient setting. Good written and oral communication skills .Other forensic or direct care tasks as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of best practices in mental health treatment
Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel
Direct care experience required

Additional Considerations

Inpatient psychiatric experience
Experience working with forensic populations preferred

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Northern Virginia Mental Health Instituteonly accepts online applications via PAGEUP. Resumes and other documents may accompany the application but will not serve as a substitute for an application. Faxed, e-mailed or mailed applications will not be accepted. Please refer to your PAGEUP account for the status of your application and this position. This posting will remain open for a minimum of five (5) business days.
Commonwealth's Alternate Hiring Process:In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their Certificate of Disability (COD) provided by a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor within the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS). Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS to get their Certificate of Disability. If you need to get a Certificate of Disability, use this link:https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx
Contact Pathways
Led by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, the Career Pathways grant will help nearly 500 Virginians with disabilities, including young adults and veterans, gain new skills and credentials through Career Pathways to seek employment in competitive, high-demand, high-quality occupations.
www.vadars.org
or call DARS at 800-552-5019.
Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (HR Rep phone #)for assistance. Minorities, Individuals with disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.
Northern Virginia Mental Health Instituteis an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities are open to all regardless of race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status, political affiliation, genetics or disability.
DBHDS is a healthcare organization and must comply with the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (federal CMS) guidance on Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care staff Vaccination Regulation which requires vaccination of all employees or an exemption.A job offer of employment is contingent upon the candidate meeting these guidelines as a condition of employment.
Agency website https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/nvmhi/careers/

Contact Information

Name: Sue Upadhyay

Phone: 703 207 7204

Email: sudipta.upadhyay@dbhds.virginia.gov

In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.

Advertised: 04 Jun 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close:

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