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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 ...

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All JobsForensic Social Work Jobs

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 9, 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.
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 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.
Assistant Instructional Professor - Social Work

Assistant Instructional Professor - Social Work

Pittsburg State University

Pittsburg, KS • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Pittsburg State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

192nd of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Job Description
Pittsburg State University is accepting applications for a position as Assistant Instructional Professor in Social Work. The successful applicant will teach 4 classes (12 credits) each semester in our on-campus BSW and MSW programs. The appointment will begin in August 2026. This is an on-site, in-classroom position located at Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kansas.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Social Work
  • Provide service to the university, college, and school
  • Exhibit a commitment to student success
  • Engagement in professional development
  • Participation in recruitment and retention efforts

Education and Experience
Required Education and Experience - Time of Hire
  • Master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
  • A social work license at the master's or clinical level
  • Minimum of two (2) years full-time post-MSW experience in a social work practice setting

Candidate's must hold a Master's degree in social work discipline. This degree requirement is necessary for accreditation purposes and to ensure candidates possess the specialized knowledge, skills, and abilities that can only be attained through a formal educational program at this level.
Preferred Education and Experience -
  • Doctoral degree or ABD in Social Work or closely related field
  • Social Work licensure at the clinical level
  • One or more years teaching at the university level, with both in-person and online delivery
  • One or more years with forensic social work and/or the addictions field
  • Five or more years full-time post-MSW experience in a clinical social work practice setting

Job Type: Unclassified, Faculty, Non-Tenure Earning
Screening Services (Background Checks): Your employment with Pittsburg State University is contingent on a satisfactory criminal background and sex offender check.
Position Start Date: August 10, 2026
Application Documents Required*:
  • Letter of Application
  • Curriculum Vita/Resume
  • Teaching Philosophy statement
  • Names and contact information (address, email and phone) of three references.

*Consolidate documents into a maximum of 2 to upload.
First Consideration Date: February 20, 2026
Search Committee Chair: Dr. Staci Wolfe (spwolfe@pittstate.edu)
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire, as the university does not provide visa sponsorship for this position.
PSU will only accept applications submitted through this process.
Pittsburg State University is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
About Us
About Pittsburg State University
Founded in 1903, Pittsburg State's 373-acre campus is a beautiful blend of historic buildings and modern facilities, including state-of-the-art athletics, arts, and research facilities.
Its residential and online undergraduate and graduate student population of nearly 6,000 is guided by an exceptionally talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and administrative team.
Pitt State's hands-on learning environment and engagement by alumni working in a variety of professional sectors creates incredible academic, internship, and employment opportunities for students. Academic programs often bring home national honors.
The university enjoys a close relationship with Pittsburg residents as well as city and business leaders. Throughout town, you'll see gorilla statues in front lawns and red and gold Gorilla spirit at local businesses. Students, faculty, and staff are highly engaged in the local school district and with service projects, and in turn the community is highly supportive of and engaged in university activities.
Faculty, staff, and students have access to many amenities, including discounts and free access to concerts, plays, athletic events on campus as well as discounts on meals and services off campus.
Pitt State has developed unique partnerships in downtown Pittsburg, 1.4 miles north of the main campus. There, Block22 and the historic Hotel Besse offer innovative student housing options and the new Kelce College of Business building, scheduled to open in July 2026, will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, collaboration spaces, and space for professional development and public events.
The university has earned institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission and two elite classifications from the Carnegie Foundation.

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