What Does a Forensic Social Worker Do?

What Do Forensic Social Workers Do?

Forensic social workers apply their social work training to the criminal justice system. According to the National Organization of Forensic Social Work, their responsibilities include assessing and treating criminal defendants, facilitating child custody issues, and connecting juvenile offenders with resources.

For example, a forensic social worker may create a treatment plan for a juvenile offender, make recommendations considering a child's best interests, and evaluate law enforcement officers.

This career path requires training in legal procedures, social work evaluation, and social work values. Forensic social workers make recommendations to the court and serve as expert witnesses. They may also consult with lawmakers or lawyers about social welfare issues in the legal system.

As a specialized social work job, forensic social work requires strong program development, mediation, advocacy, and policy analysis skills. These professionals also rely on clinical social work training. Forensic social workers develop training programs for criminal justice professionals, advocate for offenders, and conduct behavioral science research.

Where Do Forensic Social Workers Work?

Forensic social workers find employment in different settings. For example, many work for law-related social services organizations. These social workers can practice in child and family services agencies to focus on juvenile offenders or family violence.

Forensic social workers also work within the court system, advocating for clients and connecting clients with resources. Forensic social workers also practice in outpatient mental health clinics, correctional settings, and healthcare facilities. Individuals who specialize in children and youth services may also work in schools.

Steps to Become a Forensic Social Worker

Forensic social workers devote several years of educational and experiential preparation to their careers. Like clinical social workers, a social worker with a forensic specialization typically needs a master's degree and field experience. Candidates must also pass licensing exams, pursue specialty credentials, and undertake continuing education. This section walks through the process of launching a forensic social work career.

1. Earn a Master's Degree in Social Work

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. Some programs offer advanced standing options for applicants with bachelor of social work (BSW) degrees. Degree-seekers can pursue online BSW or online MSW degrees.

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 the legal studies, juvenile justice, and corrections. Common courses in forensic social work include:

2. Complete Forensic Fieldwork Hours

MSW students complete supervised clinical hours. Forensic fieldwork introduces degree-seekers to the practical skills needed for careers in forensic social work. Most programs require a minimum of 900 hours of supervised fieldwork, which each graduate student completes while working towards their master's degree.

Field placements help learners gain practical experience and meet licensure requirements. Forensic social work students can meet their fieldwork hours in several settings. They may undertake internships in legal offices, work at courthouses, or complete supervised hours at correctional facilities.

3. Earn Social Work State Licensure

In every state, forensic social workers must hold a license to practice. The process and requirements vary depending on the state. For example, some states license social workers with bachelor's degrees, while others only license social workers with MSWs.

Licensure candidates must meet state education, professional experience, and practicum hours requirements. Candidates must also pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) licensing exam required by their state.

ASWB offers different exams based on degree level and focus area, with an advanced clinical exam or advanced generalist exam. The license typically remains valid for two years.

4. Earn Certified Forensic Social Worker Credentials

Social workers can demonstrate specialized training with voluntary professional credentials. The National Association of Social Workers' (NASW) specialty certification program, for example, 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 help forensic social workers stand out on the job market. Both certifications require an MSW degree.

5. Pursue Continuing Education

Licensed forensic social workers must renew their credentials every two years. As part of the renewal process, they must complete continuing education requirements.

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.

Forensic Social Worker Professional Organizations