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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 ...

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Forensic Social Work information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic social work jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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, and why are they important?

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.
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What cities are hiring for Forensic Social Work jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Social Work job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Social Work jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Social Work jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Social Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Social Work jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Social Work jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Social Work jobs are:
Forensic Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Work job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Forensic Social Work Practice Supervisor

Forensic Social Work Practice Supervisor

New York County Defender Services

Manhattan, NY • On-site

$10/hr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

New York County Defender Services is an elite public defense firm serving New York City's most vulnerable communities since 1997. The goal of NYCDS has always been to provide the highest quality criminal representation for those ensnared in the criminal justice system. A mission like this requires an unyielding desire to serve. With a staff of attorneys, social workers, investigators, paralegals and administrative staff, we strive to provide the greatest good for our clients which not only includes legal representation but also assistance with an array of social services. To learn more about our organization, please visit our website: www.nycds.org.
The office seeks a highly competent supervisor to co-supervise the forensic social work unit. The forensic social work unit is comprised of a dynamic team of social workers and client advocates who work with the Trial Division, the Youth Advocacy Unit, the Re-entry Unit, and the Homicide/Major Crimes Unit. Through a client-centered representation lens, the social work unit is responsible for conducting client assessments, making referrals to treatment programs and social service providers, drafting pre-pleading and pre-sentencing memoranda, and working with attorneys at various phases throughout the duration of the criminal case. The office employs a team-based client-centered representation model that incorporates outstanding interdisciplinary work and strategic decision-making.
Essential duties include:
  • Assist in evaluating current social work practices and developing new protocols and strategies to respond to changing needs.
  • Provide professional, supportive, equitable and culturally conscious direct supervision of social workers in the unit.
  • Schedule one on one meetings on a regular basis with supervisees to evaluate workload, monitor referrals and conference cases.
  • Assign cases and coordinate monthly social worker on-call schedules.
  • Schedule regular team meetings where social workers can support and learn from other unit members and presenters as appropriate.
  • Monitor compliance with Legal Server, the office's internal case management system.
  • Review, provide constructive feedback and workshop supervisees' written and oral advocacy.
  • Foster collaboration and regular communication between team members, including between attorneys and social workers as cases progress.
  • Implement and ensure maintenance of NYCDS' best practices, including creating processes to promote in-person client meetings with incarcerated clients.
  • Maintain a positive and professional work environment
  • Carry a limited caseload when appropriate.
  • Collaborate with NYCDS Training Director to implement social work onboarding for new employees, as well as, addressing the professional development needs of both new and current social workers by Identifying national and local training opportunities for unit members.
  • Ensure that new social workers attend trainings as needed or mandated.
  • Collaborate with social work supervisor in supervising NYCDS re-entry services including criminal court re-entry services and discharge planning for clients being released from Rikers. May be responsible for recordkeeping and reporting for relevant re-entry grants.
  • Assist with training new attorneys and advocates in identifying client issues, trauma-informed interviewing, and making appropriate social work and community referrals.
  • Provide coverage for co-supervisor and team when needed.

Qualifications:
  • Master of Social Work from an accredited Graduate School of Social Work
  • New York State License in Social Work (LMSW or LCSW)
  • Minimum of five years of public defense social work experience and/or experience working in and with racially and socioeconomically marginalized communities targeted by carceral systems.
  • Knowledge and expertise on the effects of trauma, substance use disorders, mental health diagnoses, and family dynamics.

Candidates must also demonstrate:
  • Passion for racial justice work.
  • A commitment to inclusivity and diversity within the unit and the office at large.
  • Strong engagement, interpersonal, teaching, communication, and analytical skills.
  • An interest in mentorship with an eye towards professional development and growth of forensic social workers.
  • Ability to effectively and respectfully communicate, collaborate, and connect with people with various backgrounds, gender and sexual identities, ethnicities, experiences, and areas of expertise.
  • Knowledge of current forensic social work best practices.
  • Effective verbal and written advocacy skills.
  • Supervisory and leadership skills and the ability to both provide and receive intentional and constructive feedback in group settings and one-on-one.
  • As a member of the leadership team, offer and exchange ideas in meetings with peers and direct reports with diplomacy.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, and confidentiality with sensitive matters.
  • Spanish language speaker is a plus.
Salary Range: $100,000- $130,000 commensurate with experience.
If interested, please e-mail cover letter, resume, and two writing samples.
New York County Defender Services is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to inclusive hiring, and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, orientations, experiences, and communities to apply.

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