Forensic Social workers are some of the unsung heroes of America.
They work in social service organizations, court organizations, independently, and in various other settings to provide community services and support to individuals and families in crisis.
If providing tangible support to families and community members in crisis to help them improve the quality of their lives sounds like your dream job, becoming a Forensic Social Worker could be the ideal career pathway for you to follow.
Gain insights into the multi-faceted role of today’s Forensic Social workers, learn what they do, how much they earn, and how to become a Forensic Social worker in the step-by-step guide below!
Forensic Social Worker Job Description
Forensic Social Workers spend much time interviewing clients and families to evaluate their most pressing needs for emotional, financial, and social support.
The ultimate goal of Forensic Social Workers is to help families achieving long-term self sufficiency and to eliminate behaviors and actions that detract from their quality of life.
While general Social Workers end their duties by providing direct support to families and community members, the role of Forensic Social Workers continues on to engage and interact with key law enforcement officials, court officials, attorneys, and testifying as expert witnesses in legal cases involving the clients and families they serve.
Job Duties of Forensic Social Workers
- Evaluating The Mental, Physical, Financial, and Emotional Health of Clients
- Providing Counseling Support and Links to Community Resources
- Developing Comprehensive Treatment Plans for Families and Individuals
- Testify in Legal Cases as Expert Witnesses
- Collaborating with Legal Officials and Law Enforcement Agencies
- Assess Financial Damages in Legal Cases
Forensic Social Worker – Salary
Forensic Social Workers providing services in local social services organizations, criminal courts, civil courts, and other appointed locations make an intermediate annual salary.
The average annual salary of Forensic Social Workers totals out to be around $57,210.00 per year.
FSWs on the lower end of the salary scale bring in around $46,024.00 every year.
Higher earning workers top out the earnings scale with an average annual income that falls just over $70,000.00 annually.
The average annual salary of Forensic Social Workers includes base compensation and benefits packages along with salary boosts and bonuses.
Aspiring FSWs seeking to earn higher incomes should consider factors like years of experience on the job, number of years of education, specialized credentials, certifications, employer size, employer type, and geographical work locations as determining factors.
Salary Information by State
| State | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 390 | $80,140 | $38.53 | $102,090 | $46,650 |
| Alaska | 390 | $68,670 | $33.02 | $110,100 | $43,890 |
| Arizona | 1,760 | $66,580 | $32.01 | $101,670 | $42,440 |
| Arkansas | 670 | $60,940 | $29.30 | $99,380 | $39,690 |
| California | 7,470 | $72,320 | $34.77 | $120,870 | $41,060 |
| Colorado | 2,600 | $58,520 | $28.14 | $90,310 | $40,890 |
| Connecticut | 390 | $72,710 | $34.96 | $103,250 | $50,990 |
| Delaware | 160 | $79,940 | $38.43 | $111,340 | $49,840 |
| District of Columbia | 280 | $94,250 | $45.31 | $123,740 | $55,540 |
| Florida | 4,360 | $59,390 | $28.55 | $96,620 | $36,230 |
| Georgia | 1,280 | $77,160 | $37.10 | $118,960 | $39,200 |
| Hawaii | 280 | $87,420 | $42.03 | $121,890 | $50,740 |
| Idaho | 210 | $65,320 | $31.40 | $96,620 | $42,850 |
| Illinois | 1,730 | $67,390 | $32.40 | $101,500 | $38,200 |
| Indiana | 430 | $73,800 | $35.48 | $96,620 | $49,310 |
| Iowa | 300 | $70,290 | $33.80 | $102,940 | $39,350 |
| Kansas | 210 | $85,680 | $41.19 | $100,820 | $69,100 |
| Kentucky | 730 | $62,670 | $30.13 | $99,380 | $37,110 |
| Louisiana | 700 | $60,810 | $29.24 | $96,620 | $30,780 |
| Maine | 650 | $59,850 | $28.78 | $82,830 | $44,410 |
| Maryland | 1,310 | $74,120 | $35.63 | $109,890 | $47,050 |
| Massachusetts | 620 | $81,530 | $39.20 | $108,700 | $49,000 |
| Michigan | 1,350 | $67,240 | $32.33 | $101,940 | $38,230 |
| Minnesota | 3,790 | $71,080 | $34.17 | $94,760 | $47,580 |
| Mississippi | 260 | $74,470 | $35.81 | $99,380 | $39,180 |
| Missouri | 1,280 | $58,970 | $28.35 | $93,890 | $37,660 |
| Montana | 450 | $52,330 | $25.16 | $85,570 | $35,710 |
| Nebraska | 270 | $65,640 | $31.56 | $96,240 | $34,870 |
| Nevada | 530 | $88,870 | $42.73 | $131,370 | $44,350 |
| New Hampshire | 80 | $93,910 | $45.15 | $111,800 | $77,730 |
| New Jersey | 880 | $66,490 | $31.97 | $103,250 | $37,740 |
| New Mexico | 530 | $68,890 | $33.12 | $99,380 | $52,000 |
| New York | 2,450 | $81,550 | $39.21 | $104,980 | $59,030 |
| North Carolina | 1,550 | $68,270 | $32.82 | $103,540 | $43,740 |
| North Dakota | 150 | $70,050 | $33.68 | $93,870 | $45,230 |
| Ohio | 2,630 | $62,190 | $29.90 | $94,890 | $36,240 |
| Oklahoma | 300 | $91,090 | $43.79 | $110,160 | $69,100 |
| Oregon | 2,480 | $63,300 | $30.43 | $84,010 | $44,540 |
| Pennsylvania | 1,720 | $68,380 | $32.88 | $104,980 | $35,110 |
| Rhode Island | 140 | $93,520 | $44.96 | $111,800 | $77,730 |
| South Carolina | 430 | $78,120 | $37.56 | $102,150 | $38,550 |
| South Dakota | 140 | $80,980 | $38.93 | $99,530 | $59,380 |
| Tennessee | 2,020 | $55,880 | $26.86 | $98,840 | $29,860 |
| Texas | 2,530 | $81,230 | $39.05 | $121,080 | $38,890 |
| Utah | 580 | $62,990 | $30.29 | $106,020 | $39,420 |
| Vermont | 100 | $74,980 | $36.05 | $104,920 | $48,940 |
| Virginia | 880 | $78,630 | $37.80 | $109,890 | $44,620 |
| Washington | 730 | $90,580 | $43.55 | $113,780 | $64,230 |
| West Virginia | 410 | $73,120 | $35.16 | $104,350 | $41,150 |
| Wisconsin | 2,720 | $60,050 | $28.87 | $84,240 | $41,710 |
| Wyoming | 170 | $73,750 | $35.46 | $114,170 | $50,000 |
| Puerto Rico | 460 | $50,330 | $24.20 | $90,830 | $24,300 |
| Virgin Islands | 60 | $58,620 | $28.18 | $83,840 | $37,090 |
Annual Average Salary: Top 10 States
The top earning state in the field is District of Columbia, where the average salary is $94,250.
These are the top 10 earning states in the field:
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
How to Become a Forensic Social Worker: Step-by-Step
Becoming a Forensic Social Worker means committing to completing the required educational coursework and on-the-job training needed to apply for licensing in your state.
While each FSW will ultimately follow their career path in their timeframe, the following is an example guide that highlights crucial steps needed to become a Forensic Social Worker in the US.
Step One – Meet Foundation Age and Education Requirements
The pathway to becoming a Forensic Social Worker begins with reaching the minimum acceptable age of 18 and completing foundational education requirements.
Incoming workers must have completed a high school diploma or its equivalent to become eligible to enroll in secondary training and specialized certification programs.
Step Two – Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
Prospective Forensic Social Workers meeting the minimum age and foundational education requirements are ready to move on to the next step of selecting and enrolling in a Bachelor-level social work program that teaches them the fundamentals of human behavior, social work, psychology, and legal ethics.
Most incoming workers opt to earn the BSW degree, which is widely recognized as a foundational degree that teaches new workers the key fundamentals needed to work independently or build a foundation for continuing education.
Incoming social work students with no prior college credits can expect to spend between three to five years earning their Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
Step Three – Earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work
While a few entry-level social work roles are available to bachelor’s degree holders, those seeking to make a career in forensic social work will need to take their education a step further by earning a Master’s degree in social work.
Master’s degree level education teaches Forensic Social Workers advanced clinical techniques, introduces the legal system, and prepares recruits to become licensed clinical social workers in their state or region.
Step Four – Apply for Licensure as an LCSW
Forensic Social Worker trainees who have completed accredited bachelor’s and master’s degree programs are ready to move on to the next step of applying for the LCSW in their state.
Earning the LCSW license opens up an entirely new world where social workers can bill insurance companies for services rendered, provide unsupervised clinical assessments, conduct independent mental health evaluations, provide expert testimony in legal proceedings, and become independent practitioners in states where independent practice is allowed.
**Important Note: Incoming social workers must complete between 2000 and 4000 hours of mandatory supervised clinical experience after earning a Master’s of social work degree from a CSWE-accredited program before becoming eligible to apply for an LCSW license.
Step Five – Earn Forensic Social Worker Credentials
Your chances of standing out as an expert in your field and landing the job you desire are greatly increased when you apply with specialized credentials.
Serious career seekers should earn forensic social worker certification by completing specialized education.
Some advanced-level Master’s degree programs offer Forensic Social Work specializations as electives or secondary degree options.
Forensic Social Workers in training can apply for certification via graduate certificate programs or through nationally recognized agencies lin the National Organization of Forensic Social Work.
The NOFSW offers basic, intermediate, and advanced certificates in forensic social work.
Step Six – Apply for Forensic Social Worker Jobs
Once you have completed all of the previous steps, you’re ready to officially find a Forensic Social Worker job.
While many FSWs find employment through educational programs, career services offered through degree programs, or take on long-term roles with employers after completing clinical internships, others find work on their own.
Use resources and specialized groups or forums like the NOFSW to learn about job openings, career fairs, and networking opportunities in your area.
Apply for related roles in legal and criminal justice systems to begin working as a Forensic Social Worker in your area.
Related Job Titles
- Forensic Social Worker
- Court Liason
- Mental Health Evaluator
- Victims Advocate
Where to Apply
- Criminal Courts
- Civil Courts
- Correctional Facilities
- Child Advocacy Centers
- Psychiatric Hospitals
- Social Services Organizations
Step Seven – Maintain Forensic Social Worker Certification through Continuing Education
Working as a Certified Forensic Social Worker means periodically taking a series of continuing education courses or participating in related activities that count towards continuing education credits.
Gain insights on the latest trends, updates, and emerging practices in Forensic Social Work by contacting your degree-issuing institution or the NOFSW that offers continuing education credits for maintaining Forensic Social Worker certifications.
Forensic Social Worker – Education
Getting the right education and training is a crucial step on the pathway to becoming a Forensic Social Worker.
Incoming candidates are required to complete high school education, a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, and earn an LCSW credential before becoming eligible to work as unsupervised FSWs.
The following are examples of educational requirements at each level and sample courses.
Bachelor’s Level Social Work Programs
All Forensic Social Workers must get foundational career education that typically begins by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work.
This foundational degree teaches prospective social workers the basics needed to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field.
- Ethics and Professional Conduct
- Field Education in Social Work
- Diversity and Cultural Competence
- Human Behavior in the Social Environment
- Introduction to Social Work
- Social Work Research Methods
- Organizational Behavior
- Tax Accounting
Master’s Level Forensic Social Work Programs
Earning a master’s degree in social work is the step that opens up the door to licensure and unsupervised practice options for incoming forensic workers.
Master’s-level social work programs build on the foundational knowledge gained in bachelor ’s-level coursework and introduce new, more complex concepts that can include some or all of the following.
- Advanced Social Work Practices
- Criminal Justice and Corrections
- Forensic Social Work Practice
- Psychopathology and Mental Health Law
- Research Methods and Program Evaluation
- Social Welfare Policy and Advocacy
- Social Work Ethics and Law
- Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders
Certification Level Education for Forensic Social Workers
Career-oriented social workers seek advanced certification credentials like the Advanced Forensic Social Work certificate programs offered by the NOFSW.
Although not required by every employer, holding Forensic Social Work credentials issued by well-respected national organizations immediately demonstrates competency in the field and job readiness.
Example Coursework
- Forensic Social Work for Criminal, Family, and Immigration Systems
- Ethical Decision-Making in Dual-Role Scenarios
- Trauma-Informed Approaches in Legal Settings
- Forensic Social Work Best Practices
- Legal System Terminology for Social Workers
LCSW Education
Master’s degree-level Forensic Social Workers become eligible to earn a license upon completing their degree and following the series of steps required by individual states.
While each state has its eligibility requirements, general requirements to apply for the LCSW typically include the following.
- Completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Work
- 2000-4000 Hours of Clinical Experience
- Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam
- Submit LCSW Application and Fees to the State Licensing Authority
- Pass a Criminal Background Check and Drug Screen
Forensic Social Worker Licensing and Certification Requirements
Becoming a Forensic Social Worker requires a commitment to acquiring the education and credentials needed to work in the field
Prospective workers should note that a minimum of a Master’s degree is required to work as an FSW, as incoming workers are required to maintain state licensure as the LCSW credential.
Each state maintains individual licensing requirements for earning the LCSW and practicing independently.
It is crucial to verify your state’s specific educational and occupational requirements for working as a Forensic Social Worker.
Most prospective Forensic Social Workers will need to complete between 2000-4000 hours of supervised clinical experience to become eligible to take the LCSW exam after earning a Master’s degree in Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program.
Earn specialized Forensic Social Work certifications by applying for programs offered through graduate certificate programs or national agencies with widely respected programs like the NOSFW.
While earning additional certification through graduate-level certificate programs or specialized programs offered by the NOFSW is not always required, having specialized credentials is recommended to help you stand out from other applicants.
Learn more about state-specific licensing requirements by visiting the official website of your local LCSW licensing authority.
Job Outlook for Forensic Social Workers
If you’re considering starting a lifelong career with sustainable job growth, the role of a Forensic Social Worker could be ideal.
Online job data reports from expert sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the need for competent social workers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations at around 7% between now and 2033.
This bodes well for aspiring Forensic Social Workers as the need for implementing and managing diversion programs, trauma-informed care systems, and community policy reforms appears to remain constant.
Should You Become a Forensic Social Worker?
Deciding whether to become a fraud-investigating Social Worker is a very personal choice that includes consideration of your personality type, desired career role, income, and work style.
If you are a passionate individual who is serious about implementing social justice and social change for the betterment of your community and society as a whole, for an average annual salary, you may want to become a Forensic Social Worker.
Overall Satisfaction
FSWs are life changers who take on high-level roles in helping families and communities maintain or improve their quality of life.
This is a challenging yet highly rewarding career where workers make lifelong differences in the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of their community members.
Average Salary
Most Forensic Social Workers who take on these life-changing roles aren’t in it for the money.
However, what the role of Forensic Social Work doesn’t provide in annual income, it makes up for in meaning.
The average annual salary of Forensic Social Workers falls between $50,000.00 to just over $70,000.00 per year.
Job Growth Outlook
The future looks bright for new Forensic Social Workers entering the field.
New workers can expect to have steady job opportunities.
America’s BLS predicts the job market for Social Workers is expected to grow at a pace slightly faster than the average for all measured occupations.
They predict at least a 7% jump in social work jobs until 2033.
Education Duration
Each individual foraging a path to becoming a Forensic Social Worker will complete their mandatory educational requirements, clinical practice hours, and state licensing requirements at their own pace.
Generally, a Forensic Social Worker Can Expect to Spend:
- 3-5 Years Earning a Bachelor of Social Work Degree.
- 12 – 36 Months Earning a Master of Social Work Degree
- 2-4 Years of Supervised Clinical Experience Required for Licensure
Factors that can affect how long it takes to complete the educational requirements needed to become a Forensic Social Worker include participation in accelerated degree programs, full-time or part-time student status, online and self-paced educational options, and participation availability for working students.
Talk to your student advisor to learn about the best options for completing forensic social work educational requirements in a way that makes sense for you.
Personal Skills Needed
- Above-average research and Investigation Skills
- Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills
- High Levels of Integrity
- Legal Knowledge of Rules and Processes
- Emotional Intelligence
- Fact-Checking and Organizational Skills
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you have to go to school to become a Forensic Social Worker?
Aspiring Forensic Social Workers can expect to spend up to four years earning a Bachelors’ degree in Social Work.
An additional two to fours years completing a masters degree, and around two to four years completing the mandatory supervised clinical experience education required to apply for LCSW licensure.
How much money does a Forensic Social Worker make a year?
US-based Forensic Social Workers typically earn between $50,000 – $70.,000 per year on average.
Social Workers with more experience, credentials, and on the job experience can typically command higher salaries than their counterparts with lesser experience.
Employer size, type, and geographical work locations are also factors that make a difference in FSW salaries.
What skills do you need to become a Forensic Social Worker?
Top skills for Forensic Social Workers include emotional intelligence, empathy, and excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills as a foundation.
Additional Skills Required Can Include:
- Administrative Office Skills
- Clinical Assessment and Interviewing Skills
- Legal Knowledge and Courtroom Etiquette
- Research and Investigative Analysis Skills
- Strong Verbal Communication and Empathy
- Trauma-Informed Care and Emotional Intelligence Skills
Are Forensic Social Workers in high demand?
Yes!
The increasing need to help restore America’s fractured families by introducing community-oriented programs and trauma-informed care is driving the need for more highly skilled Forensic Social Workers who can implement new policies and social change from within the justice system.
What kind of education do you need to be a Forensic Social Worker?
Forensic Social Workers need to have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and LCSW license to work in an official capacity.
Career-oriented workers can also opt to take Forensic Social Worker certifications that provide more in-depth training in the field.
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