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Forensic Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland - DPSCS-DPP Support Headquarters

MD

... 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 Jun 15, 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.

Can social workers work in forensics?

Forensic social workers are trained professionals who apply social work skills within the criminal justice system, often working with offenders, victims, or in correctional settings. They typically hold a master's degree in social work, obtain licensure, and may need specialized training or certifications related to forensic practice. These roles involve assessments, counseling, and collaboration with legal professionals in a structured environment.

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.

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

Forensic social workers typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, with top earners in specialized roles or with extensive experience reaching around $100,000. Earning $200,000 is uncommon in the field and usually requires advanced positions, additional certifications, or private practice work. High salaries are more often associated with managerial or consulting roles in related fields.

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.

How to become a Forensic Social Worker?

To become a forensic social worker, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, followed by a master's degree in social work (MSW). Licensure or certification is often required, and gaining experience in mental health, criminal justice, or forensic settings can enhance job prospects. Strong communication, assessment skills, and knowledge of legal processes are also important.

What does forensic social work do?

Forensic social workers assess and evaluate individuals involved in legal cases, such as criminal or family court matters. They provide expert testimony, develop treatment plans, and work within legal settings to support case outcomes, often requiring knowledge of mental health, law, and social services. These professionals may collaborate with attorneys, law enforcement, and mental health providers to ensure appropriate interventions and assessments.
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Forensic Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.
Forensic Social Worker

Forensic Social Worker

Golden Gate Regional Center

San Rafael, CA

$63K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Forensic Social Worker

Starting Salary Range: $63,011 - $75,613

GGRC is looking to hire a Forensic Social Worker whosupports and educates social workers in all client legal matters which may involve court appearances, assessments, court reports, 6500 petitions, and other related reports which may be requested from the legal system.  This position acts as the liaison to locked facilities (Porterville Developmental Center, Canyon Springs), STAR Homes, and Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes, and provides enhanced case management services to individuals who benefit from a higher level of support.

Responsibilities

  • Agency resource
    • Serve as a resource for the Agency of specialized knowledge and skill in the area of forensics
    • Understand the various roles (district attorney, public defender, etc.) and structures (probation department, etc.) within the court system
    • Keep up-to-date with new policies and laws that impact forensics
    • Maintains a database of information that is easily accessed by others
    • Develop and conduct trainings internally for social workers; coordinate opportunities to bring in outside experts to share information and educate staff on the legal system and the basics of criminal court
    • Educate staff on the Legal System and the basics of court proceedings
    • Conduct and further develop existing training material for court officials to build positive relationships between the legal and regional center systems
    • Understand the policies and deadlines for the Enhanced Behavioral Support Homes and STAR Homes and maintain paperwork and deadlines appropriately
  • Social worker support
    • Work with social workers to problem solve cases with the intent of reaching outcomes for clients
    • Partner with social workers in court related cases; serve as lead in court appearances as needed
  • Client and family support
    • Educate and inform clients and families as to what to expect in a court situation
    • Manage court assessments and cases and keep clients informed throughout process
  • Project oversight and paperwork
    • Manage deadlines for court dates and ensure that all paperwork is processed and handled in a timely manner
    • Coordinate and organize all paperwork associated with court cases and reports
    • Write reports with detailed and accurate information
    • Miscellaneous paperwork
  • Outreach
    • Develop a network of expertise within the legal community to have access to information not easily accessible
    • Collaborate with attorneys regarding cases; gather information and legal advice
    • Develop relationships with judges and court officials and learn what is needed to be successful
    • Educate community and individuals within the legal system regarding the Regional Center's mandates and responsibilities
  • Advocate for client/family to reach a reduced court time, lesser sentence, get placed in a particular program, etc.
  • Organizational Support
    • Participate in staff and other internal meetings and task forces as assigned
    • Participate in community meetings and activities
  • Participate in special projects, and assist with additional duties or tasks, as assigned
  • Maintain all client information as confidential in compliance with the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the California Lanterman Act
  • For Positions designated as 'Bilingual':
    • Fluency in specified languages to perform the outlined responsibilities of the position including:
    • Thorough knowledge of colloquial and relevant technical/functional terminology
    • Ability to be speak clearly and be understood by native speakers of specified languages
    • Ability to understand relevant spoken/written dialects in specified languages, as appropriate

Requirements

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related human services field
  • Professional experience gained in working in the legal system

Skills

  • Knowledge of judicial issues such as those pertaining to 6500 petitions, and penal codes 1369, 1822 and 2020.410 to 2020.440
  • Knowledge of the legal system as it relates to client cases
  • Oral communication: strong public speaking skills; ability to convey complex information and ideas in a clear, concise and professional manner
  • Written communication: ability to write with legal terms, do accurate report writing, and develop standard business communications, using proper grammar, spelling and punctuation
  • Ability to operate basic office equipment
  • Basic familiarity with MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Outlook or similar software applications

Competency Traits

  • Ask a series of probing questions and seek information to get at the root of a situation or problem; call on others (internal or external to the Agency) to get their perspective, experience, etc.
  • Establish credibility as a practical resource of specialized knowledge or skill within the Agency; use this expertise to help others solve problems and/or to broaden their own knowledge, perspective or specific technical capability
  • Build partnerships and trust through collaboration, active listening and an openness to new ideas
  • Think ahead and suggest new programs or ways of doing things that will take advantage of upcoming opportunities or will minimize future problems
  • Establish high productivity, ethical, conflict of interest, quality and service standards which exceed the industry baseline (legal mandates, state practices, internal policy, etc.)
  • Gain enrollment by ensuring buy-in and cooperation of clients, families, community agencies and peers
  • Advocate for clients and families to reach outcomes that are person centered
  • Respect others and demonstrate cultural awareness; effectively manage own reactions even in difficult situations
  • Demonstrate flexibility in adapting to crisis, new timelines, etc

Desired Qualifications

  • Work experience with developmentally disabled
  • Case Management experience
  • Experience in multi-cultural settings and/or multi-lingual capacity

Benefits

What are the benefits to working with GGRC?

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including Medical and Dental benefits with a generous employer contribution and additional employer paid Life, Disability and Vision coverage

10% employer contribution to a 403(b) retirement account to help you save for the future!

GENEROUS TIME OFF BENEFITS!!!

No really, we mean generous:

13 vacation days, 15 sick days, 11 paid holidays, 6 personal holidays, and up to 5 paid days for continuing education

What makes GGRC so special?

GGRC values diversity, we believe in creating an environment where people of all backgrounds can collaborate to find solutions to complex problems. We are community minded and passionate.

GGRC values each person as a full, robust, and unique individual and interacts with each person in a manner that is respectful and responsive. We endeavor to place each person at the center of his, her or their own life. We approach each person as an expert on his, her or their own life and identity with a clear and attentive inquiry into what is important to, as well as important for, that one person (whether coworker or person-served, family member or other stakeholder).

How to apply:

GGRC values diversity; people of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Please complete the application and submit your most recent resume. If you feel that the questions do not accurately capture what you have to offer Golden Gate Regional Center, you are also welcome to attach a cover letter. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis so we encourage you to submit yours soon. We look forward to reading your application.

Golden Gate Regional Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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