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Forensic Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

St. Bonaventure University

Adjunct - Social Work

NY · On-site

Applicants who meet the qualifications below with expertise in medical social work practice, geriatric practice, community organizing, forensic social work practice, family therapy, and work with ...

State of Maryland

MD · On-site

$92K/yr

... forensic social work services, including eighteen months of experience completing assessments, formulating diagnostic impressions, treating mental disorders and other conditions or providing ...

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How much do forensic social work jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic social work 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 the difference between Forensic Social Work vs Clinical Social Work?

AspectForensic Social WorkClinical Social Work
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), licensure, often specialized training in forensic settingsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), licensure, clinical training
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, forensic hospitals, legal settingsHospitals, mental health clinics, private practices
Employer & IndustryLegal system, criminal justice, forensic agenciesHealthcare, mental health services, community agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Forensic Social Work focuses on legal and criminal justice settings, often involving assessments for courts or correctional facilities. Clinical Social Work emphasizes mental health treatment in healthcare or community settings. While both require an MSW and licensure, their work environments and client populations differ significantly.

How does a forensic social worker typically collaborate with legal professionals and other multidisciplinary teams?

Forensic social workers frequently work alongside attorneys, law enforcement, psychologists, and court personnel to provide comprehensive assessments and recommendations. They may conduct client interviews, prepare written reports, and offer expert testimony in court. Effective collaboration requires strong communication skills, the ability to maintain professional boundaries, and an understanding of both social work ethics and legal procedures. This teamwork ensures that clients’ psychosocial needs are considered within legal contexts, contributing to fairer and more informed outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forensic social worker?

To thrive as a Forensic Social Worker, you need a solid background in social work, a master's degree in social work (MSW), and state licensure, along with specialized knowledge of the legal and criminal justice systems. Familiarity with case management software, court documentation processes, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to remain objective under pressure help professionals excel in this role. These skills are essential for advocating effectively for clients, navigating complex legal contexts, and ensuring ethical, evidence-based interventions.

What is forensic social work?

Forensic social work is a specialized field of social work that deals with the intersection of social work and legal systems. Forensic social workers provide services such as assessments, expert testimony, counseling, and case management for individuals involved in legal matters, including criminal, civil, and family courts. They may work with victims, offenders, families, or organizations to address issues like child custody, mental health evaluations, and rehabilitation. Their expertise helps inform legal decisions and promotes social justice within the legal system.

What can you do as a forensic social worker?

A forensic social worker assesses individuals involved in legal cases, providing evaluations related to mental health, competency, or risk. They often work in criminal or family court settings, collaborating with legal professionals and using social work skills to inform case decisions. Certification and knowledge of legal procedures are important in this role.
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Forensic Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Work job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.

Forensic Social Worker

Chatham County Government

Savannah, GA

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Discover the best of suburban and urban living in Chatham County, Coastal Georgia. This welcoming community offers an excellent balance for living, working, and enjoying life. As the fifth-oldest county in Georgia and the largest outside of Atlanta, Chatham County has a lot to offer.

You'll love our beautiful riverfront, which includes the city of Savannah and a three-mile beach on Tybee Island. Chatham County Government is supported by over 2,100 diverse team members across 40 departments, all dedicated to serving the county. We draw talent nationwide by providing outstanding benefits, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities.

Join Team Chatham today. Description Part-time grant-funded position. 24 Hours per Week.

The Chatham County Juvenile Court has an opening for a part-time Forensic Social Worker. This position is responsible for program administration, data management, and service coordination to promote positive youth outcomes and program sustainability. In this role, you will coordinate programs which may include Multisystemic Therapy, Thinking for a Change (T4C), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Examples of Duties Assess and evaluate clients' psychological, social, and physical needs and coordinate resources, referrals, and services to meet those needs and share appropriate information with courts, agencies, and community providers. Review all program referrals from juvenile court probation officers and screen for program eligibility. Review appropriate documentation, including clinical and mental health records, forensic reports, school records, and treatment reports.

Compile and submit grant reporting data and administration of grants. Identify community-based services and coordinate connection with families based on risk and need. Serve as liaison between court, service providers, and community stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Forensic Science, or a related field, and At least two (2) years of field experience providing services to minor children or related field experience, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or related field.

Experience with Chatham County social services and social service entities and familiarity with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities policies and procedures. Experience working with clients with addictions and mental health issues. Experience with Juvenile Court dependency actions.

Supplemental Information The successful candidate will be knowledgeable of judicial processes, court procedures, the criminal justice system, case management and crisis intervention practices, mental health treatments and medication, and social work theories and ethics. During emergencies and disasters affecting Chatham County, you may be required to report to work as part of a disaster operations team. In accordance with the Department of Transportation, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and those employed in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing.

Candidates with direct and relevant experience may receive an offer of up to 10% above the minimum salary that is posted, reflecting their exceptional qualifications. Chatham County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, or military/veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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