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Forensic Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

State of Maryland

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. ...

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

... 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

... 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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$36.5K

$78.9K

$127.5K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 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 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.

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.

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.

Who hires forensic social workers?

Forensic social workers are typically hired by criminal justice agencies, courts, law enforcement organizations, mental health facilities, and correctional institutions. They may also work for government agencies, private law firms, or non-profit organizations involved in legal and forensic cases, often requiring knowledge of legal procedures and assessment tools.
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Forensic Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,890 per year, or $37.9 per hour.

Forensic Social Worker

Chatham County Government

Savannah, GA • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Discover the best of suburban and urban living in Chatham County, Coastal Georgia. This welcoming community offers an excellent balance for living, working, and enjoying life. As the fifth-oldest county in Georgia and the largest outside of Atlanta, Chatham County has a lot to offer.

You'll love our beautiful riverfront, which includes the city of Savannah and a three-mile beach on Tybee Island. Chatham County Government is supported by over 2,100 diverse team members across 40 departments, all dedicated to serving the county. We draw talent nationwide by providing outstanding benefits, competitive salaries, and growth opportunities.

Join Team Chatham today. Description Part-time grant-funded position. 24 Hours per Week.

The Chatham County Juvenile Court has an opening for a part-time Forensic Social Worker. This position is responsible for program administration, data management, and service coordination to promote positive youth outcomes and program sustainability. In this role, you will coordinate programs which may include Multisystemic Therapy, Thinking for a Change (T4C), and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Examples of Duties Assess and evaluate clients' psychological, social, and physical needs and coordinate resources, referrals, and services to meet those needs and share appropriate information with courts, agencies, and community providers. Review all program referrals from juvenile court probation officers and screen for program eligibility. Review appropriate documentation, including clinical and mental health records, forensic reports, school records, and treatment reports.

Compile and submit grant reporting data and administration of grants. Identify community-based services and coordinate connection with families based on risk and need. Serve as liaison between court, service providers, and community stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Forensic Science, or a related field, and At least two (2) years of field experience providing services to minor children or related field experience, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) or related field.

Experience with Chatham County social services and social service entities and familiarity with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities policies and procedures. Experience working with clients with addictions and mental health issues. Experience with Juvenile Court dependency actions.

Supplemental Information The successful candidate will be knowledgeable of judicial processes, court procedures, the criminal justice system, case management and crisis intervention practices, mental health treatments and medication, and social work theories and ethics. During emergencies and disasters affecting Chatham County, you may be required to report to work as part of a disaster operations team. In accordance with the Department of Transportation, Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders and those employed in safety-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing.

Candidates with direct and relevant experience may receive an offer of up to 10% above the minimum salary that is posted, reflecting their exceptional qualifications. Chatham County provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, or military/veteran status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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