Special Agent: Psychology/Counseling Background

Role overview

This FBI special agent position is aimed at professionals with a psychology or counseling background who can bring strong judgment, analytical thinking, and calm decision-making to federal law enforcement work. The role supports national security and public safety investigations involving violent crime, cyber threats, fraud, terrorism, and other evolving risks.

The position has been exempted from the federal civilian hiring freeze. It offers the chance to apply specialized experience in a broader investigative setting, with room to grow, competitive compensation, and a benefits package designed to support long-term career development.

How your background applies

Your experience in psychology, counseling, psychotherapy, mental health support, crisis intervention, behavioral analysis, early childhood education, or applied behavior analysis can translate into investigative work. The FBI is looking for people who can identify patterns, interpret complex information, and turn observations into actionable insight.

In this role, the skills you have developed in understanding behavior, drawing conclusions from incomplete information, and handling sensitive situations are used in a law-enforcement context where your analysis can influence outcomes.

Key duties

• Investigate possible violations of federal law, including matters tied to cybersecurity and public safety.
• Apply sound judgment, flexibility, and initiative when handling investigative assignments.
• Build and sustain working relationships with law enforcement partners at the federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and international levels.
• Keep physically fit so you remain ready for the demands of law enforcement work.

Application instructions

Applicants are expected to complete the FBIJobs application process step by step. A resume is required and should clearly show relevant work history with start and end dates. The resume must be no longer than two pages.

Supporting documents may be needed, including college transcripts if education is being used to qualify or if a positive education requirement applies. Veterans should submit DD 214, while disabled veterans should provide DD 214, SF-15, and a VA letter dated 1991 or later. All degrees must be confirmed through transcript verification.

Compensation

The stated pay range for this position is $103,236 to $133,200. Final pay is based on base pay, locality pay, and availability pay.

Equal opportunity

The FBI states that it is an equal opportunity employer and will consider qualified applicants without discrimination based on protected characteristics or other non-merit factors, unless otherwise authorized by law.