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Forensic Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Colorado

Social Worker

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$5.5K - $7.9K/mo

The Licensed Social Worker is the first level within the social worker series wherein employees are oriented to the role of mitigation, case management release planning, and forensic social work in a ...

State of Colorado

Social Worker

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$5.5K - $7.9K/mo

The Licensed Social Worker is the first level within the social worker series wherein employees are oriented to the role of mitigation, case management release planning, and forensic social work in a ...

State of Colorado

Social Worker

Colorado Springs, CO · On-site

$5.5K - $7.9K/mo

The Licensed Social Worker is the first level within the social worker series wherein employees are oriented to the role of mitigation, case management release planning, and forensic social work in a ...

State of Maryland - DPSCS DPP West Region

MD · On-site

... and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment in the Department of Public ... Employees in this classification do not supervise other Social Workers. Employees in this ...

State of Maryland - DPSCS DPP West Region

MD · On-site

... and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment in the Department of Public ... Employees in this classification do not supervise other Social Workers. Employees in this ...

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Forensic Social Worker information

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$36.5K

$78.9K

$127.5K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic social worker in the United States is $78,890.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, criminal justice knowledge, and a master's degree in social work (MSW), often with state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, court documentation systems, and risk assessment tools is typically required. Exceptional communication, critical thinking, and cultural competency are vital soft skills for building trust with clients and collaborating with legal professionals. These abilities are crucial for effectively advocating for clients, navigating complex legal systems, and ensuring ethical, evidence-based interventions.

What are forensic social workers?

Forensic social workers are professionals who apply social work principles to issues related to the law and legal systems. They often work with individuals involved in the criminal or civil justice systems, such as victims, offenders, and families. Their responsibilities can include assessments, providing expert testimony in court, creating treatment plans, and advocating for clients’ rights. Forensic social workers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between social services and legal processes, ensuring that the social and psychological needs of those involved in legal matters are considered.

What Does a Forensic Social Worker Do?

As a forensic social worker, your responsibilities are to gather information about criminal defendants. You may work on behalf of law enforcement, a court system, defense attorneys, or a state agency, such as child services, to make an assessment of the defendant’s mental status and develop a sentencing plan or alternative form of incarceration for the defendant. Your duties are to interview defendants, diagnose behavioral and mental health issues related to criminal behavior, and make policy recommendations to state agencies and judges. You may also act as an expert witness in a trial.

How do forensic social workers typically collaborate with legal professionals and other agencies in their daily work?

Forensic social workers often serve as a crucial bridge between the legal system and social services. They work closely with attorneys, judges, correctional staff, and community organizations to assess clients, provide expert testimony, and develop intervention plans. Daily responsibilities may include conducting psychosocial evaluations, preparing court reports, and advocating for client needs within legal proceedings. Collaboration and clear communication are essential, as forensic social workers must balance legal requirements with ethical social work practices to support both clients and the justice system effectively.
More about Forensic Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Social Worker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Social Worker jobs? The most popular types of Forensic Social Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Forensic Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Social Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Social Worker jobs are:
Forensic Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
Forensic Social Worker

Forensic Social Worker

Behavioral Health Network, Inc.

Northampton, MA • On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Are you an experienced Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with expertise in substance use disorder and crisis evaluations? Join our team and play a critical role in protecting individuals, families, and communities by conducting Section 35 court-ordered evaluations.
This unique position focuses on evaluating individuals whose substance use may place themselves or others at serious risk. Your clinical expertise will directly inform judicial decisions regarding involuntary commitment for substance use treatment under Massachusetts law.
What You'll Do
The primary responsibility of this position is conducting Section 35 evaluations for the Massachusetts court system.
In this role, you will:
  • Conduct comprehensive, court-ordered Section 35 evaluations to determine whether an individual meets the legal criteria for involuntary commitment for substance use treatment.
  • Interview respondents, family members, treatment providers, police officers, and other collateral contacts to gather relevant clinical information.
  • Assess substance use severity, risk of harm, mental health status, and treatment history.
  • Prepare objective, timely, and well-supported forensic reports for District and Superior Courts.
  • Provide expert testimony and clinical recommendations during court proceedings.
  • Consult with judges, attorneys, probation officers, court personnel, hospitals, law enforcement, and behavioral health providers regarding clinical findings and treatment recommendations.
  • Coordinate placement of individuals ordered into treatment and collaborate with section 35 treatment providers to facilitate appropriate care.
  • Maintain accurate, timely documentation in accordance with legal, regulatory, and organizational standards.

Other Duties
  • Conduct court-ordered section 12 evaluations to determine whether an individual is at substantial risk of harm to self or others due to mental illness.
  • Conduct court-ordered aid in sentencing evaluations.

Qualifications
We're looking for clinicians who are passionate about forensic behavioral health and substance use treatment.
Qualified candidates will have:
  • Master's degree in Social Work.
  • Current Massachusetts LICSW required.
  • At least 3-5 years of experience working with adults with substance use disorders, preferably with co-occurring mental health conditions.
  • Experience conducting forensic, crisis, emergency, or court-related behavioral health assessments strongly preferred.
  • Excellent clinical assessment, report writing, and courtroom communication skills.
  • Ability to make sound clinical judgments in complex, high-stakes situations.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally.

PAY RANGE: $40.00 - 45.00 per hour
HOURS: 20 per week
This position will be located in the Northampton District Court, and the role primarily involves evaluations for the District Courts in Hampshire and Franklin Counties (Northampton, Eastern Hampshire District/Belchertown, Greenfield, and Orange).
How do I apply?
If you are interested in this opportunity, please click "Apply for Job" below or visit our website at www.bhnworks.org and click on "Browse All Jobs" to apply! You can also email your resume to Elisa Auker at elisa.auker@bhninc.org.
BHN is committed to social justice and diversity and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
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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