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Investigative Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Investigative Social Workers provide vitally important information to Attorneys about our clients. Investigators are responsible for visiting clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital ...

Be Seen First

Investigative Social Workers provide vitally important information to Attorneys about our clients. Investigators are responsible for visiting clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital ...

Social Worker

Washington, DC · On-site

$66K - $76K/yr

CLC social workers consult and collaborate with attorneys to identify clinical needs, inform investigative strategies and strengthen advocacy. They independently assess and provide recommendations ...

The Social Worker works in identifying and providing for each resident's social, emotional and ... Must pass drug screening, criminal background investigation, and reference inquiry. Avalon Health ...

Social Worker/Social Worker Date Posted: 7/6/2026 Location: Troy Middle School Date Available: 2026 ... Investigation Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the ...

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Investigative Social Worker information

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$64K

$124.5K

How much do investigative social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for investigative social worker in the United States is $63,995.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Investigative Social Workers?

Investigative Social Workers are professionals who assess reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving children, adults, or vulnerable populations. They conduct thorough investigations to determine the safety and well-being of individuals and work closely with law enforcement, medical professionals, and other agencies. Their primary goal is to ensure protection for those at risk and to provide necessary interventions or services. These social workers document their findings, make recommendations, and may testify in court regarding their investigations.

How does an Investigative Social Worker typically collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies during a child welfare investigation?

Investigative Social Workers regularly work alongside law enforcement, healthcare providers, and educational professionals to ensure the safety and well-being of children. They participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to share information, coordinate efforts, and develop intervention plans. Effective communication and clear documentation are crucial, as these professionals must balance confidentiality with the need to protect vulnerable clients. Building strong working relationships with external agencies is essential for gathering accurate information and providing comprehensive support throughout the investigation process.

Can you work for the FBI as a social worker?

Investigative social workers can work for the FBI in roles such as victim specialists or behavioral analysts, often requiring a background in social work, psychology, or related fields. These positions typically require security clearances, specialized training, and experience in criminal justice or law enforcement environments.

What is the highest paying social worker role?

The highest paying social worker roles are often in healthcare, such as clinical or psychiatric social workers, or in administrative and managerial positions. These roles typically require advanced degrees, licensure, and specialized skills, and can offer salaries exceeding $70,000 annually depending on experience and location.

What do investigative social workers do?

Investigative social workers assess and investigate reports of abuse, neglect, or other concerns related to individuals or families. They gather evidence, interview clients and witnesses, and collaborate with law enforcement or legal agencies to determine appropriate actions and ensure safety. This role often requires strong communication skills, knowledge of social services, and adherence to legal and ethical standards.

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

Investigative social workers typically earn salaries below $200,000, with most earning between $50,000 and $80,000 annually. Achieving a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying sectors such as healthcare administration or private consulting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Investigative Social Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Investigative Social Worker, you need a solid background in social work, crisis intervention, and case assessment, usually supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work and relevant state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and standards such as Child Protective Services protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural sensitivity, and analytical thinking are crucial soft skills for building trust with clients and making informed decisions. These competencies are vital to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals while complying with legal and ethical standards.
More about Investigative Social Worker jobs
What job categories do people searching Investigative Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Social Worker jobs are:
Infographic showing various Investigative Social Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,995 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Investigative Social Worker

Children's Advocacy Group, Inc.

San Bernardino, CA • On-site

$70K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

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Job description

*BILINGUAL CANDIDATES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY*

Fast paced San Bernardino based law firm is seeking a compassionate and highly motivated Investigative Social Worker to assess risk, safety, along with the developmental, psychosocial and educational needs of children of all ages.

Strong investigative skills are also a must as conducting home assessments and forensic interviews of children are primary responsibilities.

Investigative Social Workers provide vitally important information to Attorneys about our clients. Investigators are responsible for visiting clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital settings, and other locations, to gather information from and about our clients. This includes information about the conditions of the home, health and safety concerns, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, service needs and family relationships.

Investigative Social Workers should have a working knowledge of the various types of child abuse including but not limited to neglect, physical, emotional & sexual abuse, along with a working knowledge of child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Investigators must have an ability to connect with children and gain their trust. They must be able to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, races, ethnicities, sexual orientations and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Duties include, and are not limited to:

  • Visit with clients, caretakers and others in order to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients
  • Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, in order to observe and document the children’s current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing
  • During client contact, the investigator is expected to note any services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review
  • Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family
  • Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed
  • Assist attorneys with client interviews
  • Serve as duty day investigator in the office
  • Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client
  • With general direction from the attorney, attend Individual Education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings and Regional Center conferences
  • Manage and maintain caseload.

Frequently exercise discretion and independent judgment while in the field, and at meetings, conferences and hearings attended as the sole representative of the law firm.

Investigative Social Workers work under limited day-to-day supervision of Investigator Supervisor and Attorneys. Within a very short turn-around time, the Investigative Social Worker is responsible for annotating the client file with all observation notes and information obtained from the interview, and when necessary makes recommendations to the case-carrying attorney.

They immediately respond to any inquiries regarding case status from their supervisors and seek assistance from supervisors when prudent or required. Investigators attend and participate in training sessions, and attend staff meetings.

Investigative Social Workers are to be flexible, have a team player attitude and be willing to assist other Investigators as requested by supervisors. They are to be professional, patient, and understanding when interacting with clients, caregivers, colleagues and supervisors. Investigative Social Workers are to have a pleasant demeanor in the office and demonstrate effective communication with colleagues and supervisors.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • The desired candidate will possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work or a related field and at least 2+ years of social services experience. Some experience with Juvenile Dependency Court is preferred but not required.

This is a full-time position. Salary will commensurate with experience. We offer employees a complete benefits package.

Additional Requirements in order to be considered for the position, candidates must possess the following qualifications:

  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills;
  • Ability to multi-task; Excellent organizational skills;
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
  • Ability to build rapport with clients (primarily children);
  • Ability to provide empathetic support while maintaining professional boundaries;
  • Proven work experience as a social worker or related field;
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate clients’ progress and modify treatment plans accordingly;
  • Offer information and recommendations regarding the best course of action based on client evaluation and best interest;
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and report on clients’ status in timely manner;
  • Must possess a valid California Driver's License and good driving record.
  • Must be willing to submit to background checks;

We offer competitive compensation packages and opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of others and meet the requirements listed above, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding position as an Investigative Social Worker.

  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday