Forensic Social Worker

Position Summary

The Forensic Social Worker is a full-time, exempt, regular position reporting to the Co-Executive Director Operations & Programs that supports the organization’s vision of keeping youth in school and out of prison by carrying out essential duties that promote advocacy, safety, and systemic change across education, mental health, and justice systems. This professional role operates with a high degree of autonomy and requires the consistent application of advanced knowledge in behavioral health, adolescent development, and the youth criminal injustice system.

The Forensic Social Worker serves as a primary point of coordination across legal, clinical, and community systems while maintaining strong, trust-based relationships with youth and families. This is a small and highly collaborative work environment. This role will work closely with the Youth Care Coordinator.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments and independently determine appropriate interventions
• Develop, implement, and adjust individualized service plans based on professional judgment
• Manage a caseload with minimal day-to-day supervision while maintaining alignment with organizational goals
• Evaluate risk, progress, and changing circumstances to inform service delivery decisions
• Engage and build partnerships to provide wrap around services

• Utilize a holistic, client-centered approach to identify biopsychosocial needs and incorporate them into mitigation and service planning
• Conduct in-depth interviews, gather records, and collaborate with families and support networks to develop mitigation narratives that uplift each youth’s life story and contextualize system involvement
• Partner with attorneys to support mitigation efforts related to bond hearings, case negotiations, and sentencing, contributing to equitable and treatment-oriented outcomes
• Prepare written summaries, reports, and supporting documentation for legal stakeholders
• Help youth and families understand court processes, expectations, and requirements

• Attend court proceedings and serve as a consistent support to youth throughout legal involvement
• Coordinate with public defenders, district attorneys, probation officers, and court personnel
• Translate court requirements into actionable steps for youth and families
• Advocate for diversion, alternatives to detention, and community-based interventions

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with youth and families using a trauma-informed approach
• Provide coaching and guidance to support behavioral change, emotional regulation, and decision-making
• Partner with caregivers to strengthen family systems and support long-term stability

• Independently assess and respond to crisis situations in community settings
• Develop and implement safety plans
• Connect youth to appropriate behavioral health services and determine appropriate levels of care

• Conduct field-based work, including home visits, school meetings, and community appointments
• Connect youth to treatment, transportation, educational supports, employment resources, and pro-social opportunities
• Coordinate services to reduce barriers to court compliance and promote stability
• Build and maintain partnerships with local providers and community organizations

• Support the development and maintenance of community partnerships that strengthen holistic
• Supervise or mentor interns, as applicable
• Contribute to data tracking, documentation, and reporting efforts to demonstrate program impact and support funding requirements

• Maintain timely, accurate, and compliant case records
• Prepare reports for internal, legal, and funding purposes
• Ensure confidentiality and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards

• Use de-escalation strategies and conflict-reduction techniques whenever possible
• Exercise sound judgment in emotionally charged or…