What Does a Forensic Social Worker Do?
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Forensic social work combines social welfare, mental health, and diagnosis in a legal setting. They may testify in court one day and advocate for juvenile defenders the next.
A forensic social worker may also make recommendations to correctional facilities and courts, develop law enforcement training programs, or evaluate child survivors of domestic violence.
Find out how to become a forensic social worker, including job duties and key skills.
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Steps to Become a Forensic Social Worker
To become a forensic social worker, you need to obtain a social work license. For this, you first need a master’s in social work degree (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program with at least 900 hours of fieldwork. You also need to maintain your license with continuing education.
Find out more about each of these steps.
- 1
Earn a Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
A forensic social worker typically holds a master of social work (MSW) degree. Before enrolling in graduate school, each candidate needs a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related human services field, like psychology. Some programs offer advanced standing options for applicants with bachelor of social work (BSW) degrees. Advanced standing allows students to graduate in half the time.
During an MSW program, social work students complete coursework in social work practice, social welfare research, and clinical social work. Graduate students also pursue specialized coursework in their focus areas, such as forensic social work.
While not all MSW programs offer forensic social work concentrations, degree-seekers can often create a concentration by choosing electives in legal studies, juvenile justice, and corrections. Common courses in forensic social work include:
- Forensic social work foundations
- Family law and criminal law
- Forensic practice
- Child and family social work
- Community corrections case management
- 2
Complete Field Work in Forensic Social Work
Social workers must satisfy two levels of field experience requirements to qualify for licensure: mid-program practicum and post-graduate fieldwork.
For a program to hold accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), it must include at least 400 hours of supervised fieldwork at the BSW level and at least 900 hours at the MSW level. These mid-program practicums expose you to different social work positions, allow you to put theory to practice, and offer mentorship opportunities.
Post-graduate fieldwork requirements vary by state and licensure, but they typically range between 1,500-4,000 hours of supervised clinical work. During this period, you’ll work as a clinical social worker in a professional setting while under the supervision of a licensed clinical social worker. You work with clients face-to-face, while also completing essential non-clinical tasks.
- 3
Earn State Social Work Licensure
While the specific requirements for social work licensure vary by state and licensure, you typically need the following:
- CSWE-accredited BSW and a CSWE-accredited MSW
- Post-graduate supervised clinical experience
- A passing score on the clinical Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam
- A completed application and application fees
Most states require that you complete a criminal background check. Some states require a jurisprudence exam. Certain states also have minimum age and specific course prerequisites as part of the licensure conditions.
- 4
Complete Continuing Education
Licensed forensic social workers must renew their credentials every one to three years, depending on their state’s requirements. As part of the renewal process, social workers must complete 3-45 continuing education (CE) hours for licensed master social workers. States require 15-45 CE credits for LCSWs. Some states require continuing education in specific subjects, such as law and ethics.
Many professional associations offer continuing education opportunities. For example, NASW offers resources on requirements, including approved courses and a continuing education tracker. These requirements vary by state, so social workers should research their specific renewal conditions.
- 5
Consider Earning Social Work Certifications
Social workers can demonstrate specialized training with voluntary professional credentials. For example, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) specialty certification program grants credentials to experienced and licensed social workers.
NASW does not offer a specialized forensic social work credential. However, Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager and Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker credentials may help forensic social workers stand out in the job market. Both certifications require an MSW degree.
What Do Forensic Social Workers Do?
According to the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, forensic social workers apply social work expertise and practice to legal matters. These professionals may work with child custody, abuse, and neglect cases, as well as separation and spousal abuse cases.
Forensic social workers work with law enforcement personnel, lawyers, and lawmakers. They offer insight, consulting, and education services within the court, correctional, and juvenile justice systems. They can also participate in mediations, serve as expert witnesses, and diagnose and treat various parties.
While general social work degrees prepare you for most social work careers, the forensic social worker field typically requires specialized knowledge of the law and criminal justice systems. Additionally, you may need specialized expertise and experience with certain clientele or legal situations.
Where Do Forensic Social Workers Work?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), individual and family services employ the highest numbers of social workers, followed by local and state governments. Educational and community rehabilitation services also employ large groups of social workers.
Forensic social workers, in particular, can work in for-profit and nonprofit legal centers, correctional facilities, and healthcare services. They might also work with government agencies or consulting firms specializing in forensic social work issues.
Your field of expertise will impact the types of opportunities available to you, and your place of work will affect the responsibilities you have. Depending on your path, you could work directly with clients, partake in criminal justice proceedings, or develop policies and programs.
Skills Needed for Forensic Social Work
Forensic social workers bring many different hard and soft skills to their careers. In addition to upholding social work values, they rely on compassion and communication skills to connect with clients emotionally. Social workers also draw on their case management, assessment, and treatment abilities to help clients.
Forensic Social Worker Skills
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Leadership
- Patience and empathy
- Problem-solving
Hard Skills
- Legal knowledge
- Counseling
- Case management
- Diagnosis and assessment
- Treatment plan creation
Forensic Social Worker Salary and Career Outlook
According to the BLS, the average annual salary for social workers is $62,880, as of May 2023. The mean annual wage for all other social workers, the category under which forensic social workers fall, is $68,800. The BLS projects 7% growth for all social work fields between 2022 and 2032, an addition of nearly 54,000 jobs during that time.
However, salaries and job growth can vary considerably depending on your license, location, role, and experience. For example, the range of salaries between the lowest 10% and highest 10% of earners is $39,580-$104,580, reports the BLS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forensic Social Workers
Social workers assist all people and communities, while forensic social workers specialize in law and legal-related matters.
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