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Per Diem Forensic Psychologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Forensic Evaluator State Role Title: Psych III/Psychology Assoc III Hiring Range: $123,326.00 ... or interview processes per the American with Disabilities Act. If you are a person with a ...

Master's Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, Counseling, Psychology or related ... One (1) floating holiday per year * Paid Parental Leave* * Sick Leave Retirement Savings Benefit ...

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Per Diem Forensic Psychologist information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do per diem forensic psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for per diem forensic psychologist 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.

How does working as a per diem forensic psychologist differ from a full-time position in terms of responsibilities and work environment?

As a per diem forensic psychologist, you typically work on a flexible, as-needed basis rather than adhering to a regular full-time schedule. Your responsibilities often include conducting psychological assessments, providing expert testimony, and preparing reports for courts or legal teams; however, you may be called upon for specific cases or evaluations rather than maintaining a steady caseload. This arrangement allows for greater autonomy and variety, but it may also mean less predictability in your workload and less integration with a single team. Collaboration is still frequent, as you often coordinate with attorneys, law enforcement, and other mental health professionals depending on the case requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a per diem forensic psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Forensic Psychologist, you need a doctoral degree in psychology, state licensure, and specialized training or experience in forensic assessment and testimony. Familiarity with psychological assessment tools, report writing software, and legal documentation systems is typically required. Excellent critical thinking, objectivity, and strong written and verbal communication skills help set professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate evaluations, effective communication with legal professionals, and ethical, unbiased contributions to the justice system.

What is a per diem forensic psychologist?

A Per Diem Forensic Psychologist is a mental health professional who works on an as-needed basis, providing psychological assessments, expert testimony, and consultation in legal cases. Their work often involves evaluating individuals involved in the legal system, such as defendants or witnesses, to assess competency, mental state, or risk. Unlike full-time employees, per diem psychologists are typically hired for specific cases or short-term assignments, offering flexibility to both the professional and the employer. This role is crucial in helping courts make informed decisions about mental health issues related to criminal or civil proceedings.
More about Per Diem Forensic Psychologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Forensic Psychologist jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Forensic Psychologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Psychologist jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Psychologist jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Forensic Psychologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Forensic Psychologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Forensic Psychologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

State of Virginia

Danville, VA

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


State Of Virginia rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 50 rated states


Job description

Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

Apply now Job no: 5109104
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Danville, Virginia
Categories: Health and Human Services

Title: Psychologist III - Forensic Psychologist

State Role Title: 49213

Hiring Range: $126,321 - $166,723

Pay Band: 6

Agency: Dept Behavioral Health/Develop

Location: Southern Va Mental Health Inst

Agency Website: https://dbhds.virginia.gov/facilities/svmhi/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Job Duties

Come Join our Psychology team that makes a difference!
$8,000 sign-on bonus for candidates that are new to state service and remain employed with the facility for one year.
Exceptional State Benefits Include:
13 paid holidays, 12+ paid vacation days, 8 paid sick days and 4+ paid family personal days per year; Family Medical Leave, Short- and Long-term disability coverage; Low-cost, comprehensive Anthem or AETNA health insurance benefits; Group life and optional life insurance, and Flexible Reimbursement accounts.
Other state benefits include:
Referral Bonuses
Virginia 529 College Savings Plan may be available for this role
State Employee Discounts and More!
Are you looking to be part of a dynamic team of engaged and dedicated professionals while putting your forensic assessment and clinical skills to work? Are you looking to increase your exposure to forensic psychology cases with opportunities for assessment, diagnosis, and legal experience? As a forensic psychologist working for Virginia's Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), you will have access to psychological referral questions across a wide range of legal codes, diagnoses, and patient presentations. You will also have access to educational resources to include didactic training, webinars, and expert consultation.
Southern Virginia Mental Health Institute is seeking a forensic psychologist to assist patients in their recovery and answer mental health questions for the courts and jails. We are a 72-bed state psychiatric hospital located in Danville, VA with most of our patient population being forensic. The forensic psychologist works with individuals acquitted not guilty by reason of insanity, as well as defendants ordered for competency restoration, and inmates ordered for pre- and post-trail treatment. The forensic psychologist also answers referral questions and provides treatment update reports to jails, attorneys, and courts.

Minimum Qualifications

Doctoral degree in psychology (e.g. Ph.D., Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body recognized by the Virginia licensing board, as required for licensure eligibility.
Completion of a predoctoral internship accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or an equivalent accrediting body, as required for licensure eligibility as outlined in Code of Virginia Regulation 18VAC125-20-54E.
Experience as a doctoral degree psychologist in working with forensically involved individuals with mental illness.
Must currently hold or be able to obtain license through the Virginia Department of Health Professions as a Licensed Clinical Psychologist within 12 months of hire and maintain such licensure throughout employment in this role.
Must currently hold or be able to complete the DBHDS forensic certification through the Institute of Law Psychiatry and Public Policy (ILPPP) within 12 months of hire.
This position will also require:
Comprehensive knowledge of psychological principles, practices, and ethical standards as evidenced by rigorous, accredited training programs.
Strong skills in diagnostic evaluation, treatment planning, and psychotherapy, typically acquired through APA-accredited doctoral programs and internships.
Proficiency in the administration and scoring of basic psychological testing instruments.
Proficiency in assessing and treating individuals with a variety of clinical presentations.
Familiarity with psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery model.
Strong oral and written communications skills.
Ability to analyze behavior patterns and develop behavioral assistance plans.
Ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary treatment team.
Strong crisis management skills.
Ability to present/testify well in court.
Previous basic computer skills (word processing, computerized test scoring, etc.).
This position requires adherence to the highest standards of professional practice, as demonstrated by training in programs meeting national accreditation standards for psychology.

Additional Considerations

Forensic certification by Virginia's Institute of Law, Psychiatry, and Public Policy. Board certification in forensic psychology.
Veterans and people with National Service.

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.

Applicants must list all relevant experience that you wish to be considered for this position. Applicants will be provided confirmation of receipt when your application and/or resume is submitted. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
A successful fingerprint-based criminal history check, drug screen, and reference checks are required for the selected candidate for this position. Under Virginia Code 37.2-314 and 37.2-408.1, the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services is prohibited from employing or using as volunteers, persons who have been convicted of specific "barrier" crimes or persons who may be the subject of pending "barrier" charges.
Employees may be required to disclose immunization status for purposes of infection prevention and/or management of outbreaks. Upon acceptance of a job offer, new recruits will be asked to disclose their vaccination status (and for those fully vaccinated, proof of vaccination) during the pre-employment process. If you have any questions, contact the Office of Human Resources.
Commonwealth's Alternate Hiring Process: In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, individuals with disabilities are encouraged 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 with the Department of Aging and 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. To obtain a Certificate of Disability go to: https://www.vadars.org/drs/cpid/PWContact.aspx, or call DARS at 800-552-5019. Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during the application and/or interview process per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact Human Resources at (434) 773-4208 for assistance.
DBHDS is 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. Minorities, Individuals with Disabilities, Veterans, and people with National Service experience are encouraged to apply. EEO/AA/TTY.
SVMHI uses Form I-9 and E-Verify in the verification of eligibility for employment.
SVMHI is a smoke and vape-free facility in all buildings and outside facility grounds.

Contact Information

Name: Human Resources

Phone: 434-421-3060

Email: svmhihr@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: 07 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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