1

Forensic Unit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit Job Type: Fulltime, Exempt Schedule: Mountain View Unit Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit Job Type: Fulltime, Exempt Schedule: Mountain View Unit Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit Job Type: Fulltime, Exempt Schedule: Mountain View Unit Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit Job Type: Fulltime, Exempt Schedule: Mountain View Unit Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit, Mountain View 4th floor Job Type : Fulltime Days Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 330pm Sign on Bonus : $10,000 Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health ...

Therapist, Forensic Unit

Holyoke, MA ยท On-site

$62K - $84K/yr

Therapist, Forensic Unit, Mountain View 4th floor Job Type : Fulltime Days Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 330pm Sign on Bonus : $10,000 Your experience matters Valley Springs Behavioral Health ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Forensic Unit information

See salary details

$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic unit jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic unit 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 is a forensic unit?

A Forensic Unit is a specialized department within law enforcement or criminal justice agencies responsible for the collection, preservation, and analysis of physical evidence from crime scenes. The team typically includes forensic scientists, crime scene investigators, and technicians who use scientific methods to help solve crimes. Their work supports investigations by providing objective, scientific findings that can be used in court. Forensic Units may analyze fingerprints, DNA, drugs, trace evidence, and more. Their findings can play a crucial role in identifying suspects, exonerating the innocent, and securing convictions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a forensic unit?

Working in a Forensic Unit requires a solid background in forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, forensic analysis software, and chain-of-custody systems is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong written and verbal communication skills help professionals accurately process evidence and present findings. These competencies ensure the integrity of investigations and contribute to the fair administration of justice.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by professionals working in a forensic unit?

Professionals in a forensic unit often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, adhering to strict evidence handling protocols, and maintaining objectivity under pressure. The work can be emotionally demanding, particularly when dealing with sensitive or graphic crime scene materials. Additionally, collaboration with law enforcement and legal teams is crucial, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to clearly explain technical findings in both written reports and courtroom testimony.

What is the difference between Forensic Unit vs Forensic Technician?

AspectForensic UnitForensic Technician
CredentialsForensic science degree, certifications in crime scene analysisForensic science or criminal justice degree, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, crime scenes, hospitalsCrime scenes, laboratories, law enforcement agencies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, government agencies, crime labsLaw enforcement, crime labs, forensic laboratories
Job FocusOverseeing forensic investigations, managing teamsCollecting evidence, analyzing samples, supporting investigations

The Forensic Unit typically involves overseeing forensic investigations and managing teams, requiring advanced credentials. In contrast, Forensic Technicians focus on evidence collection and analysis, often with similar educational backgrounds but less managerial responsibility. Both roles are essential in forensic science and often work closely within law enforcement and crime labs.

What does a forensic unit do?

A forensic unit investigates crimes by collecting, analyzing, and preserving physical evidence such as fingerprints, DNA, and trace materials. Forensic professionals often work in labs or crime scenes, using specialized tools and techniques to support criminal investigations and court cases.
More about Forensic Unit jobs

What states have the most Forensic Unit jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forensic Unit jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forensic Unit job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

$62K - $84K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Position: Therapist, Forensic Unit, Mountain View 4th floor

Job Type: Fulltime Days

Schedule: Monday - Friday 7am - 330pm

Sign on Bonus: $10,000

Your experience matters 

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital is operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Baystate Health. We are driven by a profound commitment to prioritize your well-being so you can provide exceptional care to others. As a Therapist joining our team, you're embracing our promise to provide superior patient care that exceeds industry standards as well as patient expectations. Join us on this meaningful journey where your skills, compassion and dedication will make a remarkable difference in the lives of those we serve.

More about our team 

Valley Springs Behavioral Health Hospital offers compassionate, high-quality inpatient and outpatient mental health and co-occurring treatment for teens, adults, and seniors. We provide a full-range of evidence-based medical and clinical services in a state-of-the-art, 150-bed hospital operated jointly with Lifepoint Behavioral Health and Baystate Health, in Holyoke, MA. Programs include inpatient mental health and co-occurring treatment, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP).

Essential Functions

  • Conducts individual and group therapy sessions to educate patients regarding psychological, emotional, or substance abuse problems

  • Displays active involvement in treatment planning process

  • Provides family session counseling to all patients to ensure appropriate communication and involvement of family members and support groups

  • Actively communicates with clients, families, and outside referral sources

  • Demonstrates proactive communication with those involved with the patient's treatment

  • Works well with the interdisciplinary team including physicians, utilization review and nursing staff members

  • Demonstrates active communication with team members

  • Effectively communicates to UR on treatment and LOS issues

  • Completes appropriate paperwork for clients in a timely, accurate and complete manner

  • Demonstrates appropriate crisis intervention and de-escalation skills

  • Acts as a member of team with crisis situation occurs, assisting others to ensure patient safety

  • Completes accurate assessments of patients utilizing clinical skills

  • Assists care coordination department as requested

  • Completes all documentation thoroughly, timely, and in accordance with hospital standards

  • Displays a thorough knowledge of confidentiality

  • Completes releases appropriately

  • Demonstrates knowledge of HIPAA regulations and abides by those standards

  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of all clinical regulations, including TJC, Medicaid, and state and federal laws

  • Displays active involvement in the discharge, transition, and after-care planning treatment processes other duties as assigned

 Why join us 

We believe that investing in our employees is the first step to providing excellent patient care. In addition to your base compensation, this position also offers: 

  • Comprehensive Benefits: Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
  • Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
  • Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
  • Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
  • Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.

Education and License:

  • Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, or equivalent required
  • Current clinical or social work license by state regulations required
  • CPR/BLS certification and Handle with Care within 30 days.

Salary range: $62,816.00 - $84,801.60 per year

EEOC Statement:

"Lifepoint Behavioral Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Lifepoint Behavioral Health is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."

Lifepoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.