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Forensic Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MD · On-site

$92K/yr

... forensic social work services, including eighteen months of experience completing assessments ... Professional working fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or any other language is a plus. 1. ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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

See salary details

$36.5K

$78.9K

$127.5K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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 is a forensic social worker?

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker 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 $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Forensic Social Worker 1 - Norristown State Hospital

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA • Hybrid

$55K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

THE POSITION Are you ready to support individuals navigating court-ordered treatment with professionalism and care. Step into the role of Forensic Social Worker 1 at Norristown State Hospital and help patients move toward stability and progress. This position allows you to coordinate communication, organize essential documents, and collaborate with a dedicated treatment team.

You will support clear planning, responsible decision-making, and safe transitions for individuals involved in legal and clinical processes. Take this opportunity to make a strong impact on each patient's path forward-apply today. DESCRIPTION OF WORK This role focuses on coordinated case-management, communication, and documentation for patients involved in court-ordered treatment.

You support clinical and legal processes while maintaining professional boundaries. As a Forensic Social Worker 1, you will perform the following duties: Case Management: Coordinate communication with attorneys, courts, county staff, families, and community providers Assessment Duties: Complete psychosocial assessments and organize findings in the electronic health record Admission Tasks: Complete required admission documents such as releases, rights forms, and eligibility paperwork Team Participation: Contribute social work recommendations during multidisciplinary team meetings Discharge Coordination: Prepare discharge memos, notify forensic security, and assemble referral packets Professional Conduct: Maintain boundaries, follow security procedures, and meet documentation standards Interested in learning more. Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information: Full-time employment, 37.5 hours per week Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch. This may change based on operational needs. Overtime and travel as operationally necessary Telework: You will not have the option to telework in this position

Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable. FREE parking. You will receive further communication regarding this position via email.

Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS Minimum Experience and Training Requirements: A bachelor's or master's degree in social work or social welfare. Applicants will be considered to have met the educational requirements once they are within 3 months of graduating with a qualifying degree.

Other Requirements: You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines. You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Legal Requirements: A conditional offer of employment will require a medical examination and drug screening. This position falls under the provisions of the Older Adult Protective Services Act. Under the Act, a conditional offer of employment will require submission and approval of satisfactory criminal history reports, including but not limited to, PA State Police and FBI clearance.

How to Apply: Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements

Unofficial transcripts are acceptable. Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.

Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position. All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant's own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only.

Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information. Veterans: Pennsylvania law (51 Pa.

C.S. 7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS): 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals). If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date. The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam). Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.

Your score is valid for this specific posting only. You must provide complete and accurate information or: your score may be lower than deserved. you may be disqualified.

You may only apply/test once for this posting. Your results will be provided via email.


Commonwealth of Pennsylvania logo

About Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is not a traditional company but rather a state government entity headquartered in Middletown, Pennsylvania, United States. Through its official website pa.gov, the government provides a broad range of services to its residents, including but not limited to, health services, education, transportation, and regulatory functions. Founded in 1787, the Commonwealth holds a rich history dating back to the foundation of the United States itself. The government's core mission is to serve and improve the lives of Pennsylvanians, fostering a more prosperous, informed, and secure state.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Harrisburg, PA, US

Year founded

1787