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Forensic Social Worker Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Child Abuse Pediatrician

Rochester, NY · On-site

$167K - $217K/yr

... forensic interviewers, law enforcement investigators, family advocates, counselors, and attorneys ... The candidate will work closely with teams of advanced practice providers, nurses, social workers ...

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Survivor Advocate

Newark, NY · On-site

$23.50/hr

... social work support. 6. Implement motivational interviewing strategies to encourage resilience and ... for Sexual Assault Forensic Exams (SAFE) within 45 minutes of the request (as needed). 10. ...

Forensic Social Worker information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$36K

$77.8K

$125.8K

How much do forensic social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic social worker in Rochester, NY is $77,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $92,300.00 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 are the most commonly searched types of Forensic Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY? The most popular types of Forensic Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY are:
What are popular job titles related to Forensic Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY? For Forensic Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Forensic Social Worker jobs? Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Forensic Social Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Forensic Social Worker job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $77,838 per year, or $37.4 per hour.

Licensed Social Worker / Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Professional Care Medical Practice

Rochester, NY • On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Description:

Professional Care Medical Practice P.C. is currently looking for a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Social Worker (LMSW or LCSW) to work as a Behavioral Health Professional in the medical department at the Monroe County Jail in Rochester, NY


This is a full-time position, working Monday-Friday 1:00pm-9:30pm.


Responsibilities:

In this role the clinician is responsible for the clinical monitoring, coordinating and implementing of the mental health program in accordance with NCCHC standards and will serve as the mental health liaison between the medical unit and facility staff. Primary job responsibilities include:

  • Conduct clinical assessments based on referrals and self-referrals. Assessments include documentation of findings, including at a minimum a mental status examination and case conceptualization, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Makes referrals to psychiatry when appropriate.
  • Risk assessments are to be conducted utilizing structured interviews and risk assessment tools. Inmates at risk for suicide and / or engaging in self-harm are managed utilizing existing protocols according to current policy and procedures.
  • Serve as the PCM mental health liaison for mental health services, outside the facility.
  • Facilitates admission and placement of inmates/patients to forensic hospitals when necessary.
  • Monitors all mental health services provided.
  • Monitors clinical services to ensure that standards of care are in accordance with NCCHC and accepted psychiatric/ psychological standards.
  • Is a member of the Quality Assurance Committee.
  • Develops and conducts in-service education programs according to annual in-service calendar.
  • Collects data and prepares monthly reports, which reflect performance.


Benefits:

Professional Care believes in offering a competitive compensation and benefits package to all their employees! Standard benefits for full-time employees include:

  • Salaries are negotiable and commensurate based on experience. Annual Salary range is $65,000.00- $75,000.00
  • Health care (i.e., medical, dental, vision, and elective health savings account (i.e., HSA).
  • Elective options for life insurance, as well as short & long-term disability.
  • Paid time off will accrue for a maximum accrual of ten (10) days (or 80 hours) per year. In addition, you will also receive six (6) floating holidays, pro-rated within your first year of employment as dictated by your effective hire date. You are also eligible to accrue “sick and safe” leave benefits under the New York State Sick Leave Law (i.e., NYSSL). NYSSL accrues at a rate of one (1) hour for every thirty (30) hours of straight time worked, for a maximum annual accrual of fifty-six (56) hours.
  • 401k retirement with discretionary company match.
  • Clinical supervision hours provided at no cost - and more!


Summary:

Correctional mental/behavioral health care provides a challenging and exciting world of opportunities for Professional Counselors and Social Workers today. We provide full-spectrum mental/behavioral health care - including substance abuse/MAT (i.e., medicated assisted treatment) counseling & therapy. Each day is both challenging and rewarding, serving a vulnerable & underserved patient population.


PCM is dedicated to our employees and we will provide the knowledge and training necessary to administer premier mental/behavioral health care within a correctional environment.


For a full job description, click here:

http://www.primecaremedical.com/wp-content/uploads/JD.NY-Behavioral-Health-Professional.pdf

Requirements:
  • Must be licensed as a LMHC, LMSW, or LCSW in the state of New York.
  • Must hold a Master’s degree or greater in Social Work, Psychology, or related Human Service field with a concentration in clinical course work, training and/or experience.
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license & have reliable transportation.