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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 Jul 26, 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 is the highest paid social work job?

In social work, forensic social workers and clinical social workers with advanced licenses and specialized expertise tend to have the highest salaries. Senior roles in healthcare, mental health, or government agencies often offer higher compensation, especially for those with extensive experience and certifications such as LCSW or ACSW.

How hard is it to become a Forensic Social Worker?

Becoming a forensic social worker typically requires earning a master's degree in social work (MSW), gaining relevant experience in social services or mental health, and obtaining licensure or certification as required by the state. Additional training in forensic methods and knowledge of the legal system can enhance job prospects, but the pathway involves standard educational and professional steps similar to other social work careers.

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.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Forensic social workers with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized certifications can potentially earn salaries approaching or exceeding $200,000, especially in high-cost areas or with supervisory roles. However, most social workers earn less, with median salaries typically ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on location, employer, and level of experience.

What can you do as a Forensic Social Worker?

A forensic social worker evaluates individuals involved in legal cases, providing assessments related to mental health, competency, and risk. They often work in criminal, juvenile, or family courts, collaborating with legal professionals and using skills in interviewing, report writing, and case management. Certification or training in forensic practice can enhance their effectiveness in this specialized field.
More about Forensic Social Work jobs
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Adjunct - Social Work

Adjunct - Social Work

St. Bonaventure University

NY • On-site

Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Salary: $4,000.00 Annually
Location : St. Bonaventure, NY
Job Type: Part Time
Job Number: 202200589
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Social Work
Opening Date: 04/23/2026
Description
St. Bonaventure University is excited to begin accepting adjunct faculty applications to support course instruction in the Master of Social Work (MSW) distance education program. This new program is currently a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with an anticipated accreditation status being granted in July 2027. Our fully asynchronous program allows adjunct faculty positions to be 100% remote.
The MSW program has a trauma-informed, social justice, clinical focus. As a clinical degree program, we aim to prepare our students to engage in socially justice practice across a wide range of settings and positions. We are particularly interested in faculty who are passionate about supporting student development and who have a history of successful design and delivery of asynchronous graduate social work courses. 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 veterans are particularly encouraged to apply.
St. Bonaventure University is excited to begin accepting adjunct faculty applications to support course instruction in the Master of Social Work (MSW) distance education program. This new program is currently a candidate for accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) with an anticipated accreditation status being granted in July 2027. Our fully asynchronous program allows adjunct faculty positions to be 100% remote.
The MSW program has a trauma-informed, social justice, clinical focus. As a clinical degree program, we aim to prepare our students to engage in socially justice practice across a wide range of settings and positions. We are particularly interested in faculty who are passionate about supporting student development and who have a history of successful design and delivery of asynchronous graduate social work courses. 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 veterans are particularly encouraged to apply.
Examples of Duties
Responsibilities: Course Instruction
  • Facilitate a positive, engaging, and meaningful learning environment via asynchronous instruction.
  • Emphasize problem-based learning, critical thinking, and evidence-informed clinical judgment.
  • Evaluate student performance using clear criteria and provide students with substantive feedback to support knowledge and skill development.
  • Maintain clear communication and regular presence in the online classroom (e.g. weekly online office hours)
  • Collaborate with course lead on maintenance and development of courses

Compensation:
Instructors are compensated at a rate of $4,000 per 3-credit hour course, equivalent to $1,333 per credit hour, depending on course assignment
Typical Qualifications
Responsibilities: Course Instruction
  • Facilitate a positive, engaging, and meaningful learning environment via asynchronous instruction.
  • Emphasize problem-based learning, critical thinking, and evidence-informed clinical judgment.
  • Evaluate student performance using clear criteria and provide students with substantive feedback to support knowledge and skill development.
  • Maintain clear communication and regular presence in the online classroom (e.g. weekly online office hours)
  • Collaborate with course lead on maintenance and development of courses

Compensation:
Instructors are compensated at a rate of $4,000 per 3-credit hour course, equivalent to $1,333 per credit hour, depending on course assignment.
About the Program
The St. Bonaventure University Master of Social Work program is a fully online, synchronous program. Courses are 7-weeks long and 15 weeks long for all the Practicum Seminar courses and the Integrated Clinical Assessment course. Faculty are part of a mission-driven team dedicated to preparing future trauma-informed, social justice clinical social work practitioners.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
To apply, please submit:
  1. A cover letter outlining your areas of expertise, clinical experience, online teaching experience, and teaching interest
  2. Curriculum vitae
  3. Contact information for three professional references

About St. Bonaventure University
St. Bonaventure University is located in the scenic Enchanted Mountain region of Western New York, approximately 75 miles south of Buffalo, New York, with easy access to major metropolitan areas. A close-knit and caring community guided by its values of compassion, wisdom and integrity, St. Bonaventure is dedicated to academic excellence as informed by its Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The university is committed to developing an inclusive community and preparing leaders dedicated to ethical conduct and compassionate service.
The university currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 1,000 graduate students in its schools of Arts and Sciences, Business, Education, Communication, and Health Professions. U.S. News & World Report ranks SBU in the top 15% of regional universities in the North, for both value and overall. St. Bonaventure is a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference (NCAA Division I), with athletes participating in 20 sports.
To view benefits offer to part-time SBU employees, click the link below:

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