Legal Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan's leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General SummaryAnnual Salary- $102,718-$137,622
This position is on site.
Are you a licensed psychologist ready to apply your expertise in a meaningful, service-driven role within the justice system? The Psychologist Senior position in the Circuit Court Department offers the opportunity to provide high-level psychological services that directly support judicial decision-making and improve outcomes for individuals and families involved in court proceedings. In this role, you will conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations, deliver expert clinical insights, and collaborate with multidisciplinary professionals to ensure informed, ethical, and evidence-based recommendations for the court.
What You'll Do
Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations and assessments in accordance with court standards and professional guidelines.
Prepare detailed, well-supported written reports and provide clear, objective expert testimony when required.
Collaborate with judges, attorneys, and multidisciplinary professionals to inform court-related decisions.
Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and professional requirements.
Why You'll Love This Job
You will apply your clinical expertise in a role where your evaluations directly inform important judicial decisions.
You will engage in intellectually challenging work that draws on advanced assessment and diagnostic skills.
You will collaborate with dedicated legal and behavioral health professionals in a mission-driven environment.
You will serve in a position that upholds high professional standards and emphasizes ethical, evidence-based practice.
If you are seeking a role that combines clinical rigor with meaningful public service, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a measurable impact within the court system.Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. a. Possess a full Doctoral license as a Psychologist from the Michigan Department of Community Health; OR

b. Possess a Ph.D. and a limited Doctoral license as a Psychologist from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

NOTE: An applicant who possesses a license as a psychologist from a state other than Michigan may be certified for appointment and, if offered the position, must apply for Michigan licensure. Employment while receipt of license is pending will be under the supervision of a licensed psychologist. An applicant who possess a limited Doctoral license must pass the state exam for full licensure prior to completion of the six-month probationary period. Successful completion of the six-month probationary period is contingent upon receipt of the appropriate licensure from the Michigan Department of Community Health.

2. Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of Country driver's license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver's license before the hire date.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Administers and scores psychometric and/or projective tests to determine the intellectual, emotional, and social functioning of the client. Provides the court and caseworkers written reports of the findings from the evaluation.

Assists Chief of Clinical Services in developing inservice training and educational seminars for caseworkers and attorneys, including new research, techniques and therapy used in handling psychological disorders which cause abuse and neglect, in order to improve the skills of County staff and legal counsel handling clients with disorders.

Provides consultation and recommends treatment plans to the Court to assist them in providing effective service to children under their supervision.

Testifies in court regarding evaluations and treatment recommendations for clients.

Consults with other agencies, such as schools, the Department of Health and Human Services, and treatment agencies, regarding children under Circuit Court/Family Division jurisdiction to determine the most appropriate treatment and/or placement.

Assesses clients in an office setting, as well as in juvenile detention and adult correctional facilities.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

Ability to type or dictate psychological evaluation reports.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a typical office environment, as well as periodically in a juvenile detention facility and an adult correctional facility.

May be required to travel to other locations during the course of work.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience in completing forensic evaluations, including competency and criminal responsibility for juveniles, as well as abuse/neglect and delinquency for both juveniles and adults.

2. Considerable ability to communicate under adverse conditions with distressed people.

Considerable ability to cope with difficult and/or emergency situations requiring immediate decisions in accordance with departmental policies and objectives.

Considerable ability to prepare and present technical written and oral reports.

Considerable ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with clients, professional, paraprofessional, and clerical employees, and the general public.

Considerable ability to interpret departmental programs and procedures to officials, community agencies, civic groups, and the general public.

Considerable ability to develop and implement effective inservice training programs.

Considerable knowledge of mental health policies, procedures, and programs.

9. Considerable knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of clinical psychology, including the administration and interpretation of psychometric and projective tests and the theories of psychotherapy.

10. Reasonable knowledge of Circuit and Probate Court policies, procedures and legal requirements, child neglect and delinquency programs, and social casework policies and practices.

11. Reasonable knowledge of legal procedures, forensic psychology, family law, and child neglect and delinquency programs as they pertain to Circuit Court Family Division.

12. Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and Internet software.

13. Reasonable knowledge of substance use disorder and treatment practices.

C. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Employees of this class must maintain licensure as a Psychologist as issued by the Michigan Department of Community Health.

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

N/A

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.