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Forensic Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

State of Maryland - DPSCS-DPP Support Headquarters

MD · On-site

... and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Employees in this classification provide clinical and ...

State of Maryland - DPSCS-DPP Support Headquarters

MD · On-site

... and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Employees in this classification provide clinical and ...

State of Maryland - DPSCS-DPP Support Headquarters

MD · On-site

... and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment in the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Employees in this classification provide clinical and ...

State of Maryland - DJS Lower Eastern Shore Children's Ctr

MD

... forensic social work services. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited college or universityfor up to one year of the required experience.\r ...

State of Maryland - DJS Lower Eastern Shore Children's Ctr

MD · On-site

... forensic social work services. \r\nNotes: \r\n1. Candidates may substitute a Doctorate degree in social work from an accredited college or universityfor up to one year of the required experience.\r ...

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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 4, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 50% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 29% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Unlicensed Clinician- Forensic Program 377

Unlicensed Clinician- Forensic Program 377

Telecare

Pleasanton, CA • On-site

$48.72 - $60.18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Telecare Corporation rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

298th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

** Sign On Bonus: $10,000
Benefited Full Time Opening
"They made it easier for me to live, breathe, eat, and stay clean. Without them, I'd be waiting somewhere, waiting for someone to give me a chance to live..." - Client from Telecare
What You Will Do to Change Lives
The Clinician (Correctional Setting) conducts responsible psychiatric social work with and on behalf of mentally, physically, or developmentally disabled persons; conducts psychosocial assessments and summarizes case information for use in diagnosis, treatment (level of care), and dispositional release; diagnoses and/or collaborates in the formulation of a diagnosis; develops, monitors, and modifies treatment plans in collaboration with the full health care service delivery team; maintains order and supervises the conduct of inmates; protects and maintains the safety of persons and property; and does other related work.
Sign On Bonus: Fulltime: $10,000
Shifts Available:
Tuesday to Saturday
PM | 3pm-11:30pm
Expected starting wage range is $48.72 - $60.18. Starting pay is commensurate with relevant experience above the minimum requirements.
What You Bring to the Table (Must Have)
  • Registered with CA Board of Behavioral Science or Board of Psychology (ASW, AMFT, APCC, RPA)
  • Master's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or equivalent from an accredited college or university
  • One (1) year of experience in mental health setting

What's In It for You*
  • Paid Time Off: For Full Time Employee it is 16.7 days in your first year
  • Nine Paid Holidays & Shift differentials for hourly staff (6% for PM Shift, 10% for Overnight Shift). Weekend Shift differentials for hourly staff (5% for Weekend AM Shift, 11% for Weekend PM Shift, 15% for Weekend Overnight Shift)
  • Free CEUs, free Supervision for BBS Associate License, coaching, and mentorship
  • Online University Tuition Discount and Company Scholarships
  • Medical, Vision, Dental Insurance, 401K, Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • For more information visit: https://www.telecarecorp.com/benefits

Join Our Compassionate Team
Telecare's mission is to deliver excellent and effective behavioral health services that engage individuals in recovering their health, hopes, and dreams. Telecare continues to advance cultural diversity, humility, equity, and inclusion at all levels of our organization by hiring mental health peers, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and all belief systems.
The Alameda County CA Santa Rita Jail (located in Dublin, CA) is a medium-security detention center operated locally by the Alameda County Sheriff's Office and holds inmates awaiting trial or sentencing or both. Most of the sentenced inmates are held there for less than two years. The Santa Rita Jail holds about 4000 inmates housed in one of eighteen modern housing units. It is considered a "mega-jail" and ranks as the third largest facility in California and the fifth in the nation. It is recognized as one of the most technologically innovative jails in the world.
EOE AA M/F/V/Disability
*May vary by location and position type
Full Job Description will be provided if selected for an interview.
Justice Involved, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Social Work, Associate Clinical Social Worker, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, Associate Professional Clinical Counseling, Licensed Psychologist
If job posting references any sign-on bonus internal applicants and applicants employed with Telecare in the previous 12 months would not be eligible.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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About Telecare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Founded in 1965, Telecare is a rapidly growing mental health care company dedicated to making a difference for our clients, the community, and our employees. We offer an array of mental health services to adults with serious mental illness. We partner with public sector entities and behavioral health organizations and have over 155 programs and over 4,300 employees across the country. And we're growing all the time! When you work at Telecare, you help to empower thousands of individuals every day in their journeys of recovery.

Industry

Offices of mental health practitioners

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Alameda, CA, US

Year founded

1965

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