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Investigative Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DC Government Careers

Social Worker

Washington, DC · On-site

$82K - $103K/yr

Job Summary Social Workers are responsible for providing the full range of direct, professional ... Investigations- This administration plays an important role in responding to a variety of child ...

County of Shasta

Social Worker Supervisor I/II

Redding, CA · On-site

$68K - $95K/yr

The supervisor is responsible for ensuring Unit compliance with various mandates including, but not limited to, timely initiation and conclusion of investigations, social worker interviews with youth ...

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Investigative Social Worker information

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$124.5K

How much do investigative social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 6, 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 is an investigative social worker?

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 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.

How do I get into forensic social work?

To become an investigative social worker in forensic social work, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, followed by a master's degree in social work (MSW). Licensing or certification is often required, and gaining experience in criminal justice, mental health, or child welfare settings can be beneficial. Specialized training or certifications in forensic assessment or criminal justice can enhance your qualifications.

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.
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What job categories do people searching Investigative Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Investigative Social Worker jobs are:
Investigative Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Investigative Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,995 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Master's of Social Work (MSW) Intern

Office of the Public Defender 15th Judicial Circuit Palm Beach County

West Palm Beach, FL • On-site

Internship

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Palm Beach County Public Defender's Office, 15th Judicial Circuit, is a client-centered, dynamic advocacy office providing representation to people whose lives and liberty are at stake.
The office handles close to 30,000 cases per year and has approximately 200 employees including lawyers, investigators, social workers, and support staff. The main office, housing the trial and appellate divisions, is in downtown West Palm Beach and there are four branch offices in other areas of the county.
Divisions include: County Court; Felony; Mental Health; Major Crimes; Youth Defense; Appeals; and Investigative & Social Services' Units.
Social services members at the PD-15 Judicial Circuit assist attorneys and clients in many ways, which varies based on the client's needs, availability of community services, the number of face-to-face meetings with each client, and the offense.
PD-15's unpaid/volunteer social work interns are typically local university MSW students, who work with the office for the academic year in order to establish and maintain a relationship with clients. MSW may receive credit for their participation. To expose first-year MSW student interns to the field of social work, interns learn case management, interviewing, and assessment skills through shadowing one of PD-15's mental health social workers. Interns also work with juvenile probation cases to motivate offenders to complete the requirements of probation and ideally achieve early termination of their probation early.
  • We accept two, first-year MSW students throughout the year.
  • We have MOUs with FAU, LSU, and Tulane University. Prior approval from the school is necessary.
  • Students may receive academic credit.
  • Interns are unpaid/volunteer.
  • A student of any other College or University is welcome to apply. Prior approval from the school is necessary.
  • A minimum of 16 hours a week is mandatory.
  • We also accept volunteers if program is not filled by students, no college credit is earned.

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