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Forensic Social Worker Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

Lead Forensics

Recruiter - Internal

Atlanta, GA

$55K - $65K/yr

Recruiter (Internal) Atlanta, Georgia (flexible in‑state working available) Salary: $55,000-$65 ... Proactively source talent using LinkedIn Recruiter, social platforms, referrals, direct outreach ...

dekalbcsb

Jail In-Reach PEER Specialist

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) provides peer support services to assist in release ... Knowledge of and experience working with local behavioral health, social services and criminal ...

dekalbcsb

Jail In-Reach PEER Specialist

Atlanta, GA

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

JOB SUMMARY The Forensic Peer Mentor (FPM) provides peer support services to assist in release ... Knowledge of and experience working with local behavioral health, social services and criminal ...

All JobsForensic Social Worker JobsForensic Social Worker Jobs in Decatur, GA

Forensic Social Worker information

See Decatur, GA salary details

$35.6K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic social worker in Decatur, GA is $77,023.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,600.00 and $91,300.00 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.
More about Forensic Social Worker jobs
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Social Worker jobs in Decatur, GA? For Forensic Social Worker jobs in Decatur, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Forensic Social Worker jobs in Decatur, GA look for? The top searched job categories for Forensic Social Worker jobs in Decatur, GA are:
What cities near Decatur, GA are hiring for Forensic Social Worker jobs? Cities near Decatur, GA with the most Forensic Social Worker job openings:
Forensic Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in Decatur, GA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 41% Full Time, and 59% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,023 per year, or $37 per hour.
Lead Forensic Specialist

Lead Forensic Specialist

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta

Atlanta, GA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Children's Healthcare Of Atlanta rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 124 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

295th of 877 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Note: If you are CURRENTLY employed at Children's and/or have an active badge or network access, STOP here. Submit your application via Workday using the Career App (Find Jobs).
Work Shift
Day
Work Day(s)
Monday-Friday
Shift Start Time
8:00 AM
Shift End Time
4:00 PM
Worker Sub-Type
Regular
Children's is one of the nation's leading children's hospitals. No matter the role, every member of our team is an essential part of our mission to make kids better today and healthier tomorrow. We're committed to putting you first, and that commitment is at the heart of our company culture: People first. Children always. Find your next career opportunity and make a difference doing what you love at Children's.
Job Description
Provides oversight and supervises Forensic Specialist, Child Protection Family Advocate, and Child Protection Intake Coordinator roles. Performs developmentally and culturally appropriate forensic interviews with children and adolescents alleging abuse, neglect, or having witnessed a crime. Coordinates, collaborates, advocates, and testifies on behalf of children and families. Closely works with Child Protection Medical Director and Practice Manager to develop and implement initiatives that enhance patient care and support operations.
Experience
  • 5 years of experience in postgraduate social work with children and families in the field of child protection, criminal justice/law enforcement, healthcare, mental health, or social services
  • Practiced at least 2,000 clock hours over a minimum of two years following clinical social work licensure
  • Demonstrated experience within the court system and testifying
  • Demonstrated experience in forensic interviewing

Preferred Qualifications
  • 3 years of experience in a pediatric medical setting
  • 1 year of supervisory experience

Education
  • Master's degree in social work from an accredited graduate school
  • Completion of ChildFirst Georgia training course from the Anna Crawford Children's Center in partnership with the National Child Protection Training Center, within 1 year of employment

Certification Summary
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Demonstrated professional knowledge of child abuse and neglect
  • Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
  • Must possess strong oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to operate computer systems including Microsoft Office, Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and other computer systems as applicable
  • Knowledge of age-appropriate treatment and practice
  • Organization and analytical skills
  • Broad use of independent judgement and responsibility

Job Responsibilities
  • Supervises Child Protection Family Advocate, Child Protection Intake Coordinator, Forensic Specialists, and graduate-level MSW interns.
  • Leads a team including interviewing, hiring, training, developing, directing work and processes, managing performance, recognizing, and engaging employees.
  • Shares expectations and monitors staff performances of time and attendance, appropriate work behavior, productivity, internal and external customer service and overall performance.
  • Provides Practice Manager and Medical Director with feedback on staff performance, educational needs, and workflow status.
  • Coaches and mentors staff to include alignment of practice and productivity goals, sharing goal progress and working with the team on methods to improve.
  • Consistently exhibits appropriate leadership behavior and holds self accountable to expectations.
  • Coordinates the ongoing process of social work service delivery to patients and families, including outcome measures and feedback, to ensure effective and efficient services.
  • Serves as a member of the clinic's Practice Leadership Team; collaborates with other leaders on process improvement projects and new initiatives.
  • Serves as Administrator of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta's Munchausen by Proxy team.
  • Ensures compliance with state and national level accreditation and regulatory requirements and participates in re-accreditation efforts.
  • Oversees the scheduling of all forensic interviews and medical examination appointments and coordinates back-up coverage to ensure seamless continuation of referral processing and appointment scheduling.
  • Processes information to determine appropriateness of forensic interview referrals and whether an additional forensic interview of a child is warranted.
  • Acts as an advocate for children and families to create and support high standards for child abuse investigations.
  • Provides expert testimony in criminal and/or juvenile court proceedings.
  • Conducts forensic interviews with children and adolescents who are suspected victims of abuse, neglect, or having witnessed a violent crime.
  • Conducts psychosocial assessments with children and their caretakers to screen for child protection, custody, mental health, and other safety concerns.
  • Provides training, education, and assistance both within the organization and to community agencies and professionals.
  • Coordinates program services with interagency partners, including law enforcement, Division of Family and Children Services, mental health, hospital, medical providers, juvenile court, districts attorney's office, child advocates, and other agencies acting on behalf of a case.
  • Participates in staff meetings, case review, multidisciplinary team meetings, and child fatality review.
  • Maintains accurate, up-to-date resource and referral information.
  • Demonstrates understanding and compliance with documentation procedures.
  • Maintains skill level and relevant knowledge base through supervision, case review, research, and professional growth.

Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, age, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic covered by applicable law.
Primary Location Address
35 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE
Job Family
Social/Emotional/Spiritual Support

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