1

Forensic Social Worker Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

The Psychiatrist will evaluate, diagnose, and treat adult patients, including forensic populations ... psychologists, social workers, nurses, and allied healthcare professionals. • Review patient ...

Psychiatrist

Madison, IN · On-site

$160 - $175/hr

Adult Psychiatric / Forensic Population Position Summary We are seeking a Board-Certified or Board ... Collaborate with psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, physicians, and other health ...

Forensic Social Worker information

See Indiana salary details

$34.7K

$75.1K

$121.3K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic social worker in Indiana is $75,069.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,100.00 and $89,000.00 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 in Indiana are hiring for Forensic Social Worker jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Forensic Social Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,069 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Forensic Clinician

St. Joseph County, IN

South Bend, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

POSITION: Forensic Clinician

DEPARTMENT: Juvenile Justice Center

JOB CATEGORY: SO (Special Occupation)

SALARY: Up to $71,786 based on qualifications

STATUS: Full-time

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

DATES: Until filled

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.

Incumbent serves as a Forensic Clinician (FC) for the Mental Health/Social Service Department of the St. Joseph Probate Court/Juvenile Justice Center, and is responsible for providing assistance in meeting the mental and emotional needs of youth within the court system. The incumbent will possess the ability to perform any tasks necessary and requested for the overall operation of the agency.

Benefits

Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Plans

Paid Time Off (PTO) with generous accruals

Employer Paid Life Insurance coverage

Short-Term and Long-Term Disability (STD/LTD)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care

Gym Membership Discounts to encourage wellness

Employer-Funded PERF (Public Employees' Retirement Fund)

Access to additional voluntary benefits and resources

Responsibilities

  • Administer and score assessment tools. (Note: An incumbent with a Master degree in Psychology and psychometric experience will be asked by the Psychologist to administer psychological testing.)
  • Conduct Mental Health Intake Interviews and Assessments, with appropriate same day documentation, as assigned
  • Develop treatment plans and care plans, as assigned
  • Provide follow-up contact with residents, with appropriate and same day documentation, as assigned
  • Develop therapeutic groups as assigned. Topics may include pro-social skills, substance abuse, life skills, parenting, etc.
  • Facilitate group and family therapy, with same day documentation, as assigned
  • Provide consultation to probation officers
  • Attend meetings as assigned

Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of criminogenic causes of delinquent behavior
  • Must be capable of writing individual treatment plans
  • Adept at handling crisis situations
  • Knowledge of risk and need assessments
  • Working knowledge of the DSM 5 and its application within a juvenile justice setting

Education/Experience

  • Must hold a Masters Degree or higher in Social Work, Psychology or Counseling from an accredited university.
  • Possess current HSPP, LCSW, or LMHC in the state of Indiana or in the process of attaining licensure.
  • Experience in working with children, youth and families preferred. Excellent assessment skills required.

Physical Requirements

Duties will take place within the St. Joseph County Probate Court/Juvenile Justice Center. Some responsibilities will take place within the locked and secured Detention area. Youth served are engaged with the court system for a variety of delinquent offenses including but not limited to violent and aggressive behaviors. The safety of the community as well as our staff and other residents depends on the ability of staff to react quickly, fairly, consistently, and with control. Inaccurate assessments could significantly impact the health and wellbeing of the community, youth detained, and facility staff. Work is performed on carpeted and tiled floors. There will be a considerable amount of walking to various parts of the facility. Duties may require some amount of physical fitness with regard to personal protection and assisting staff in the restraint of a resident.