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Job outlook for criminal justice social workers in the United States
Criminal justice social worker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected criminal justice social worker job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 64,000 new jobs for criminal justice social workers are projected over the next decade.
Criminal justice social worker salaries have increased 7% for criminal justice social workers in the last 5 years.
There are over 9,424 criminal justice social workers currently employed in the United States.
There are 85,917 active criminal justice social worker job openings in the US.
The average criminal justice social worker salary is $51,984.
Are criminal justice social worker jobs in demand?
Criminal justice social worker job and salary trends over time
Criminal justice social worker jobs over time
Criminal justice social worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 9,424 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 11,444 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 11,068 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 10,885 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 11,019 | 0.00% |
Average criminal justice social worker salary over time
Criminal justice social worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $51,984 | $24.99 | +4.9% |
| 2025 | $49,571 | $23.83 | --3.0% |
| 2024 | $51,117 | $24.58 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $50,178 | $24.12 | +2.9% |
| 2022 | $48,761 | $23.44 | +2.9% |
Criminal justice social worker jobs by state
Most common states for criminal justice social workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 307 | 23% |
| 2 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 162 | 23% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 195 | 22% |
| 4 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 369 | 19% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 175 | 18% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,240 | 17% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 521 | 17% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 667 | 16% |
| 9 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 286 | 16% |
| 10 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 275 | 16% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,257 | 15% |
| 12 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 887 | 15% |
| 13 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 303 | 15% |
| 14 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,486 | 14% |
| 15 | Tennessee | 6,715,984 | 970 | 14% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 805 | 14% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 500 | 14% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,348 | 13% |
| 19 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 665 | 13% |
| 20 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 155 | 12% |
Most common cities for criminal justice social workers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phoenix | 1 | 0% | $62,349 |
Criminal Justice Social Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of criminal justice social worker experts
East Carolina University
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Chatham University
The University of Texas Permian Basin
University of Nevada - Reno
University of Illinois-Springfield
Northern Kentucky University
Campbellsville University
California State University Northridge
Alabama State University
University of Maryland
Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Florida Atlantic University
Molloy College
Lancaster Bible College | Capital Seminary & Graduate School
Tuskegee University
North Carolina State University
Boise State University
NYU Silver School of Social Work
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Social Worker?
Logan Kennedy PhD: One of the most important things I can state is that many agencies have started to value graduate education within recent years, meaning that they may have step-ladder salary increases for those possessing a Master's or some other type of graduate degree. I am an advocate for going to graduate school for a number of reasons, including the possibility of having a higher salary down the line. I also believe it makes applicants more competitive in the field, and it's not just about possessing the degree, but also possessing numerous skills that come along with obtaining a graduate degree. Tying somewhat into the last question, going to graduate school can help graduates with their time management, organization, and problem-solving skills. These types of skills are invaluable and going through graduate school can help graduates to balance heavier workloads, meet firmer deadlines, and also approach problems that have arisen in different ways than they might have been used to from an undergraduate perspective. Most importantly, they learn to have more independence, which is incredibly beneficial when entering the workforce.
What Criminal Justice Social Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Logan Kennedy PhD: I would tell recent graduates to follow their passion. As cliche as that might sound, working with people impacted by the criminal justice system can be emotionally taxing, as many of them are dealing with some of the worst moments of their lives. Doing something that you believe in can make a huge difference in how those interactions go, especially for those who are committed to helping others. Many of our students go into advocacy work to help those who may have been impacted by the system or have been victimized in some way. Having a passion for that type of work is pivotal in jobs that can be emotionally challenging.
What will help Criminal Justice Social Workers increase their earning potential?
Logan Kennedy PhD: I firmly believe that writing is a timeless skill in criminal justice. Writing clearly and succinctly can make all the difference for someone working in the criminal justice field. For instance, police officers often have to write case reports about something that has happened in the field, and an entire case can hinge on these types of reports being accurate, so it's essential that they are as clear and concise as possible.
Dr. Roxanne Ruiz-Adams
What Criminal Justice Social Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Roxanne Ruiz-Adams: In the evolving landscape of social work, the importance of digital literacy cannot be overstated. Proficiency in digital tools and platforms for communication, data management, and service delivery is crucial as technology becomes more embedded in social work practice. Additionally, as societies grow more diverse, cultural competence becomes essential, necessitating an understanding of cultural sensitivities, biases, and their impact on client interactions. The field of social work is increasingly intersecting with healthcare, education, and criminal justice, highlighting the value of skills in interdisciplinary collaboration and understanding the roles of other professionals. Furthermore, with the rising awareness and de-stigmatization of mental health issues, there is a growing demand for social workers skilled in mental health support and intervention. Finally, the ability to integrate research evidence into practice, making informed decisions based on the latest findings, underscores the growing emphasis on evidence-based practice. These evolving competencies are shaping the future of social work, making it imperative for professionals in the field to adapt and thrive.
Dr. Lisa Jones Ed.D.
Professor - Multicultural EducationUniversity of Houston - Clear Lake
Intercultural/Multicultural And Diversity Studies
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Social Worker?
Dr. Lisa Jones Ed.D.: I believe that you should not go into any career to "make money". However, you can maximize your salary potential by: * Loving what you do and expressing it through your constant professionalism. Employees do notice the small gestures and commitment to the field. * Being your authentic self. For example, if you do not know something, say so. It's okay to not know and to be vulnerable. That is how we learn. * Improving upon your skill(s) set. Seek ways to get more training, credentials, certificates, or professional development. * Being patient....you will have "character building" experiences that you should not let define you, but help you grow in the field. * Seeking out a mentor to help you navigate the field in the beginning. Later on, help others in the same manner. While trying to maximize your salary potential is a very practical goal, be mindful to guard your mental health. In most cases, salary increases involve much more work and time. If getting that salary increase requires you to sacrifice your mental health, is it really worth it? Alex, I know that my last statement may not be germane to the topic of maximizing salary potential, but I think it is extremely important. You may choose to delete it.
What will help Criminal Justice Social Workers increase their earning potential?
Melissa Bell: We're facing a significant labor force shortage in social work, and available jobs are projected to see above-average growth. Social workers can anticipate working with an aging clientele in the future, particularly in addressing issues such as social isolation, mobility challenges, and health management among senior clients. Child and family social workers equipped with skills to enhance family stability are expected to experience a rise in demand. Additionally, there's already a pronounced shortage of mental health professionals. Tangible skills like short-term treatment modalities, including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, will be increasingly in demand to address these growing needs. Finally, social workers, through their direct interaction with vulnerable clients, are aware of the systemic impacts of disparities and act as advocates. Social work advocacy encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, including analyzing data to gain a clearer understanding of needs and evaluation of program effectiveness.
Sam Terrazas Ph.D.
Professor and Academic Chair Department of Social WorkThe University of Texas Permian Basin
Department of Social Work
What hard/technical skills are most important for Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Sam Terrazas Ph.D.: Social workers practice in various areas of practice and organizational auspices that may differ in the hard/technical skills that are most important. In general, the hard/technical skills most important can be categorized based on the level of education-BSW (Bachelors of Social Work) versus MSW (Masters of Social Work).
BSW's practice in a range of organizations providing various types of services; however, in general practice in the realm of case management that requires that ability to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, develop an alliance with clients, apply NASW and a state's ethics and professional standards of practice, conduct assessments, and to develop plans to meet a client's goals.
MSW's practice in many areas such as administration, clinical, public policy and advocacy, child welfare, public safety, and health care. Each of these practice areas requires specific technical skills; however, in general, MSW's are trained to assess individuals, families, groups, and communities. To that end, MSW's must understand the cultural context and how socio/economic local, state, federal policies impact social welfare problems such as poverty, intimate partner violence, and mental illness. MSW's must possess strong engagement skills/therapeutic alliance-building, diagnostic/evaluation skills, ethical application of interventions and therapeutic approaches, and advocacy skills.
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.
Associate DeanUniversity of Nevada - Reno
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Criminal Justice Social Worker resumes?
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.: Social workers are at the forefront of providing health and mental health services in the nation. There are many specializations that social workers can work in, and the skills that stand out on a resume are dependent on the type of social worker. For example, for a clinician, some top skills to include would be:
-clinical experience (therapeutic skills)
-ability to work with individuals, families, and groups from different ethnicities and backgrounds.
-case management
-resource management
-advocacy
-documentation
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Social Workers possess?
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.: Social workers need to be prepared to work in integrated health and multidisciplinary settings and act as change agents across systems of care. They work with various communities and people, and therefore soft skills are very important to their success. Some of the most important soft skills include:
-Teamwork. ...
-Communication Skills
-Problem-Solving Skills
-Ethics
-Flexibility/Adaptability
-Leadership skills
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Social Workers possess?
Youngjin Kang Ph.D.: I believe that interpersonal skills (e.g., communication) are the most important skills. Human services professionals work with people from diverse backgrounds. They play an important role in the lives of those in need, between parties (e.g., court systems and agency), and make positive changes in a broader context as an advocate. To be able to do so, communication skills are essential. These skills include but are not limited to active listening, responding with influence, showing empathy and respect, knowing how to say no when there are boundaries, expressing the needs of the client in a professional manner, sending and responding to emails in a professional manner, using various communication methods properly, and using both verbal and nonverbal languages appropriately.
What skills will help Criminal Justice Social Workers earn the most?
Youngjin Kang Ph.D.: Self-care skills. It is imperative for human services professionals to practice self-care regularly. Human services jobs are emotionally and physically draining and challenging, although they are rewarding. If you do not know how to take care of yourself and your needs, how can you take care of others? If you do not practice self-care regularly, you are likely to experience burnout - no resilience to go back to your highest ability to help others. Many helping professionals put their client's needs first and neglect their needs, but in the long run, this is not a smart thing to do.
Katherina Nikzad-Terhune Ph.D.
Associate Professor, MSW Program Director, School of Social WorkNorthern Kentucky University
College of Health and Human Services
What soft skills should all Criminal Justice Social Workers possess?
Katherina Nikzad-Terhune Ph.D.: Regarding soft skills, we look for skills that are essential foundational skills within the profession. These include empathy, active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, to name a few. These are essential for effective alliance-building with our clients and for making unbiased and ethical decisions. As social workers, we are often in the business of communication. Rarely do we work in isolation, as much of our work involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and individuals in other professional domains. As such, effective communication, organization, time management, and collaborative skills are necessary.
Dr. Dianna Cooper
Associate ProfessorCampbellsville University
Carver School of Social Work
What skills will help Criminal Justice Social Workers earn the most?
Dr. Dianna Cooper: Individuals who complete a master's degree in social work (MSW) are likely to earn higher pay than individuals with a bachelor's degree (BSW). MSWs are also desirable in many settings, including hospitals and medical settings, schools, mental health counseling centers, police departments, probation offices, in-home therapeutic service agencies, and private practice. Most states now require social workers to be licensed. MSWs who want to bill insurances for direct service to clients must be licensed at the clinic level where they practice to credential with insurance companies.
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University Northridge
Department of Social Work
What experience really stands out on Criminal Justice Social Worker resumes?
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.: Experience is valued in social work. Taking advantage of opportunities like internships and volunteer work is smart. Training and certification in an evidence-based program/practice (EBP), curricula, or intervention is a plus, although if there is a particular EBP used by a hiring agency, the agency usually pays for the time and cost of the training once a social worker is hired. Any additional skills relevant to the specific job- software skills, electronic recordkeeping, language proficiency - are worthy of highlighting in a resume. Grant writing skills also add value to resumes.
The reason most industries advertise with the statement, "will train the right person" is that we know (based on research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center) that interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills (so-called "soft skills") make up 85% of job success and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge. Interpersonal skills can probably be highlighted best in the cover letter and in the interview. Show up and let them see who you are - your warm, authentic, and empathic essence.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.: The coronavirus epidemic completely changed the work environment for social workers. While some were considered essential workers and continued in-person services, most had to shift to virtual services and become proficient in various online platforms as well as understand and work within the legal and ethical parameters surrounding telehealth (that is, the provision of health/mental health services remotely employing telecommunications technology). Further, building trusting relationships and creating caring communities is what social workers do and are the foundation of providing quality services, so finding creative ways to remotely connect to clients - individuals, families, groups, and communities - has been paramount.
Social workers are trained to create trauma- and resilience-informed systems (e.g., an organizational culture, structure, and treatment framework built on understanding, recognizing, and responding to all kinds of trauma) and practices (e.g., safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment). Now more than ever, these skills are valuable since everyone has been impacted by the double pandemic of racial discrimination amid coronavirus disease. The opportunity in this crisis is that we are moving away from pre-contemplation ("not thinking about it") and contemplation ("thinking about it") to preparation ("planning to make change") and action ("taking steps to make change"). These are exciting steps forward based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change (stages of change). While managing these stages, we can anticipate the stages that come later, which are maintenance ("maintaining the change") and relapse ("falling back into former patterns of behavior").
It is evident that front-line workers, like social workers, are intensely impacted by consistently responding to clients and patients who are affected by trauma. Building resilience is critical at the individual, family, community, institutional, and professional levels. We all need it now. Social work is sustainable in that our efforts to care for others are balanced with caring for ourselves, where no one is neglected or left behind.
Brenda Gill Ph.D.
Professor, SociologyAlabama State University
Department of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Brenda Gill Ph.D.: Yes, there will be several positive and negative effects of the pandemic on students. Some negative effects are:
- Lack of sufficient interaction with their peers on campus. This interaction is necessary for them to really enjoy the “college” experience.
- Freshmen may be denied the face-to-face interaction with juniors and seniors and may miss learning some of the things they should as they journey through the academy.
- Some students will miss the opportunity to meet and socialize with professors. Several skills and knowledge that such meetings afford may be missed.
- Some graduates (especially transfer students) may have lost the opportunity to really make close contacts with other students and hence miss the opportunity to really establish long-lasting networks.
- Some graduates may be homeless after graduation from the university. Some may be unable or unwilling to return home.
On the positive side of things, the pandemic:
- Has prepared most graduates for virtual work. Most have developed skills with computing, accessing the internet, submitting assignments, and finding things virtually. Still others have mastered the use of learning interfaces such as Blackboard and Canvas and this may better prepare them for work at the graduate level.
- Others have learned how to better read and follow instructions.
- Several learned how to work better with others.
- Listening skills improved
- Problem-solving skills definitely improved for most.
- Time management skills have improved.
- Several graduates have learned how to create videos, most have learned how to prepare and give presentations virtually, and so on.
- Moreover, the pandemic has forced several graduates to learn more quickly how to navigate the school system since they did not have all of the offices available on campus; most learned how to complete forms and sign forms using PDF, Adobe, and other interfaces.
- Generally, the pandemic has made students even learn how to use their cellular phones more efficiently. The importance of having a cellular phone and knowing how to adequately use the apps and so on was a necessity.
- Some graduates returned home and learned the importance of family and maintaining healthy relationships with parents and others.
What type of skills will young Criminal Justice Social Workers need?
Brenda Gill Ph.D.: Young graduates must have the ability to:
- Use the computer and access the internet efficiently
- Think independently and make decisions.
- Know how to conduct research and find support for decisions and suggestions they make
- Read and follow instructions correctly.
- Work with others to achieve a common good
- Write and use the rudiments of writing correctly
- Develop proposals, conduct research, and understand findings
- Create charts and graphs
- Navigate Microsoft Office Suite efficiently to complete tasks
- Send and receive emails.
- Great time management skills
- Lead and assume leadership roles
- Take and give helpful criticisms
- Respect authority and follow rules and regulations
- Think critically
- Compete with others and have well-rounded socialization and exposure
- Speak more than one language
- Be culturally sensitive and accepting
What experience really stands out on Criminal Justice Social Worker resumes?
Brenda Gill Ph.D.: - International experience
- Competency with computer software programs
- Completing a well-rounded college experience (not just a high GPA)
- Obtaining some form of internship in a field of study/past experience
- Having some social science background
- Outstanding communication and writing skills
- Holding some form of office/leadership position
- Community engagement and participation
- Volunteerism
- Study abroad program participation
- A history of working well with others
- Great time management skills
- Problem-solving skills
Richard Barth Ph.D.
Professor and Chair, Executive Committee of the Grand Challenges for Social WorkUniversity of Maryland
School of Social Work
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Richard Barth Ph.D.: The coronavirus pandemic will have a lifelong impact on many social work graduates. I expect that all will have a deeper grasp of the fragility of our public health and the special vulnerability of our Black and brown communities and those with pre-existing vulnerabilities. They are likely to have greater skills in using technology for learning and delivering social work interventions. Too many will have lost a loved one before their time. Some will have lost learning opportunities through direct work in homes, clinics, and communities.
What type of skills will young Criminal Justice Social Workers need?
Richard Barth Ph.D.: Young graduates will continue to need skills in understanding how to assess the needs of individuals, groups, and communities and how to implement evidence-informed practices that build on the strengths of those who they partner with. They will continue to need skills to deliver social work interventions through a range of modalities, including work with individuals, couples, families, neighborhoods, and organizations, online and face-to-face.
What experience really stands out on Criminal Justice Social Worker resumes?
Richard Barth Ph.D.: Experience that shows engagement with clients at all levels; delivery of standard interventions as well as innovative ones; and commitment to evidence-informed, anti-racist, multi-level social work interventions will be very important to demonstrate. This is difficult for any new social worker to show, but demonstrating that you are on the way to competency in these areas is key.
Rodger Benefiel Ph.D
Assistant ProfessorBloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Criminal Justice Social Worker job market given the pandemic?
Rodger Benefiel Ph.D: The pandemic has slowed down hiring, but positions are still out there. In part because law enforcement retires earlier and there was a lot of hiring in the late 1990s/early 2000s, there is still a market – it’s just more competitive. For many going into law enforcement, their biggest competition is the military, and often they have the advantage of preferential hiring (such as with the federal government). The trick is to demonstrate to an agency that you possess the traits, the skills, and the abilities they are looking for
What Criminal Justice Social Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rodger Benefiel Ph.D: I recommend to that graduates thinking about taking a gap year should try to find a job that will add experience to their resume and help them be more marketable when they finish graduate school. It is also a good idea to stay current and spend some time working toward your ultimate goal. If you intend on applying for law school, then prepare for the LSAT. If you are thinking about graduate school, stay current in your discipline, and prepare for the GRE if necessary. The idea is to do something you enjoy while still keeping your ultimate goal in mind. .
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Social Worker?
Rodger Benefiel Ph.D: When I speak with students looking for jobs after graduation, I give them this advice: One - expand your search. If you are putting in for local police jobs, put in for several. If you want to be a State Trooper, put in for surrounding States. If you are putting in for a federal job, be willing to relocate. If you want to get into probation/parole work, put in for several counties and the State. The more applications you complete, the greater your chance of getting hired. Two - not everyone lands their dream job right out of school. Generally, a new graduate has very little experience, so you may not get the dream job you want right out of school. However, any job that gives you experience will help you become more marketable. You also have to be willing to start at the bottom. Police chiefs were once officers, and directors of large agencies were once young staff members right out of school. Three - What truly matters is not the type of degree you obtain but what skills did you learn from it. It is the soft skills, the ability to read, write, think critically, and deal with difficult people that is what is going to help you succeed. I used to say that I can train an officer on the basics of the job, but I cannot teach them how to think or how to stay calm when the situation is not. That comes from inside you, and it comes from combining your training and your education. Your degree gives you the ability to see things from many sides and relate the theories you were taught to the situations you are confronted with. You are better at this than you think, so be patient and work hard. You'll get there.
Seth Fallik Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Undergraduate Program CoordinatorFlorida Atlantic University
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice College of Social Work and Criminal Justice
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Criminal Justice Social Worker job market given the pandemic?
Seth Fallik Ph.D.: The pandemic coincided with a period of great social unrest. While there is certainly a conversation to be had about divesting in the criminal justice system (e.g., defund the police), the greater focus of these discussions has been placed on where or what to reinvest resources. Communities and education can inhibit criminal events are a natural fit. To that end, I think we will see greater employment opportunities in spaces that emphasize crime prevention. Additionally, I envision greater emphasis on victim-centered responses to crime than enforcement. A militarized police force, for example, has rubbed people the wrong way, and agencies appear to be shifting toward hiring social workers and licensed professional counselors to engage crime victims.
What Criminal Justice Social Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Seth Fallik Ph.D.: The criminal justice system is overwhelmingly a service industry. So garnering skills that allow you better to serve clients would be best. To that end, language skills will get you far, as well as experience/training in complementary fields, like social work. Regardless of where they diversify their knowledge, skills, or abilities, they should seek forms that are documentable in the form of achievement levels, certificates.
What general advice would you give to a Criminal Justice Social Worker?
Seth Fallik Ph.D.: First of all, congratulations on the new gig. If you are interested in the advancement, there is no substitute for hard work. Take initiative that looks like the job you want (not the job you have). Develop a network and a team of collaborators with mutual interests. Get a mentor. When the time comes, they will advocate for you or at least not get in your way. Finally, don’t be shy about self-promotion or being an advocate for your advancement.
What experience really stands out on Criminal Justice Social Worker resumes?
Melissa McCardle Ph.D.: Although I am not currently in a position to review resumes, what we tend to hear from the field is that graduates who are able to think critically and demonstrate experience in handling challenges with clients or in agencies are the strongest. In our social work program, we strive to prepare our students for the complex and ever-changing world we are all in, and this requires an ability to be continuously self-reflective, flexible, and open to change. Ideally, graduates of social work will have acquired skills in working with a range of stakeholders, including individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. I would be looking for a broad range of skills and experiences that demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage in many different constituent groups.
How do you envision technology impacting Criminal Justice Social Workers in the next 5 years?
Melissa McCardle Ph.D.: Technology has always been an important part of the work of record keeping and, to a smaller degree, with regard to telehealth and tele-behavioral health. However, the impact of COVID-19 has been very significant, and I believe will have a lasting effect. Although the current shift to remote social work practice may be temporary for many organizations, I do believe that we are training our social work graduates to use this form of client engagement in new and exciting ways. While I do not foresee social workers switching to remote practice in full, it is very interesting to see the way that remote telehealth appointments can supplement practice and allow for engagement with those clients who might be unable to attend, for a variety of reasons, or with those high-risk clients who are missing appointments, etc. I think there are a number of examples of how we are preparing our graduates to improve the practice they will be doing in the field through supplementing with technology.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Melissa McCardle Ph.D.: Our students have all been through so much and have certainly had their experience in higher education greatly impacted. I also think that the coronavirus pandemic has changed our society in many ways, some of which we do not yet even know. We are facing elevated levels of grief, trauma, unemployment, education inequity and access issues, hunger, and many other issues. Our social work graduates will be entering this profession in a time of extreme need for the types of services they will be providing. People are in great need of support, services, resources, and policy changes to address these impacts of the pandemic. Social workers who are entering the field now will have much work ahead but will also be playing a very important role in the healing of our society for a very long time as we move forward.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Social Workers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Kurt Miller: What is exciting about the profession of social work is that they can be found in all countries. They work in rural and urban settings. They advocate in public, private, and non-profit organizations. They engage all types of communities. They collaborate with many other professionals. Rather than considering a specific locale for job opportunities, it is crucial to consider how social workers respond to all social contexts. Social workers are needed everywhere.
What are the best companies to work for a Criminal Justice Social Worker?
Dr. April Jones: The feedback from business leaders is that they wish to see a balanced mix of new graduates' skills. An unexpected gift mentioned is the ability to use spreadsheets, such as Excel. Companies do not expect to train new employees to use spreadsheets, though it turned out that spreadsheets are widely used (at varying levels of complexity) at all levels in organizations. An assumption here is that if a graduate already has good spreadsheet skills, then the graduate should also have the ability to quickly pick up on other, more complex business IT skills required by the organization.
Businesses also need to know if their new employees can effectively interact with internal or external audiences. In this regard, excellent presentation skills are the minimum expectation from businesses. Presentation skills (both formal and informal) include the ability to read people, communicate, and convey information appropriately to the different types of audiences they may encounter - and these may sometimes include bored, skeptical, adversarial, or even hostile audiences.
Every organization also requires graduates to show that they are good team-players. In addition to that, it is a significant advantage if graduates can also demonstrate good leadership skills in the context of teamwork. This is because new employees with leadership potential are viewed as those who are willing to go the extra mile, able to function with minimum supervision, can roll with the punches to jump back into the fray, and trusted to welcome (instead of to avoid) new assignments or challenges. Leadership skills are also seen as closely aligned with the possession of a corporate entrepreneurial mindset. Such employees are more willing to challenge the status quo, come up with out-of-the-box ideas, and help lead transformation efforts to guide the organization in the future.
Dr. Karen Bullock Ph.D.
Professor and HeadNorth Carolina State University
School of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Criminal Justice Social Worker job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Karen Bullock Ph.D.: Healthcare jobs, which includes mental health practitioners, are in high demand during the pandemic. However, this trend is not a new phenomenon. COVID19 has illuminated the stark reality that social work, as a profession, contributes skilled, well-credentialed, and highly educated individuals to work effectively across health, human services, and educational settings to meet the needs of people who may be vulnerable to psycho-social, economic, political, and environmental factors that are determinants of health outcomes. Since the pandemic, it has become abundantly clear that social workers are essential in the health arena to enhance human well-being and to meet the basic to complex needs of our diverse population of individuals, families, and communities that are struggling in the wake of the pandemic, and the absence of a cure or vaccine.
What type of skills will young Criminal Justice Social Workers need?
Jim Kerns: The skills of new graduates will include the ability to communicate effectively, verbally, and in writing. The ability to communicate is a crucial skill that criminal justice professionals must excel in. Criminal justice jobs are innately aggressive. Graduates will need to have the ability to talk to others comfortably and confidently.
The ability to think critically and make sound decisions will also be a critical skill for new graduates. Graduates need to possess the ability to look at a problem and critically evaluate the options for solving the issue. Many situations in criminal justice jobs require the officer to make split-second decisions. These decisions are made more effective by thinking ahead and planning and training for field situations. This will be more effective for the graduate when they can critically think through the problem before it happens.
Problem-solving is also an essential skill set for new graduates. Graduates must be able to look at a problem in a “big picture” way. Decisions made without considering the consequences of those decisions on others can result in unintended consequences outside of the current situation. It is rare when there is a simple answer to a complex problem.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Social Workers to find work opportunities?
Jim Kerns: Graduates in the criminal justice field should always have the ability to find work in their area. Graduates should look to places that meet their personal needs for their family, style of living, cost of living, and the community amenities that appeal to them as they decide where they should seek employment. Graduates should determine what is most vital for them as they pursue professions. Is it job security, pay/benefits, career opportunities, or other priorities for the more critical graduate? The answer to these questions may have the most considerable effect on where graduates wish to find work opportunities.
Graduates should then look for jobs on the state, local, or federal level websites.
Searching websites of local agencies is an effective way to determine the job market needs and openings.
Benjamin Sher
DirectorNYU Silver School of Social Work
Office of Global and Lifelong Learning
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Criminal Justice Social Workers?
Benjamin Sher: From my perspective as Director of NYU Silver's Office of Global and Lifelong Learning and former President of NASW-NYC, I would say absolutely. NASW National has pushed for professional social workers to be recognized as front-line workers. This does, unfortunately, differentiate PSW a bit from essential workers (doctors, nurses, allied health professionals). However, we have been and will continue to be a key part of the pandemic. There is more of a need for social workers as we see the emotional and social impacts of the virus on people. Professional social workers are the largest provider of mental health services in the country, and we are needed now more than ever.
The inequities in health care that the virus has exposed in our society has also made it essential for social workers to be a part of the solution to the social determinants of health and health disparities. Social Workers, trained in using a systems analysis and person-in-environment perspective, are key to grasping the pandemic problem as a public health issue, and we are very effective at organizing and addressing multiple biological-psychological-social-environmental-justice-spiritual needs for people and communities impacted by the virus. Many schools of social work have been outreached by their local governments to support the contract tracing efforts needed for widespread testing. This happened in both NY and NJ, and NASW-NYC advocated with NY State leadership to hire graduating students and MSW interns as contact tracers. An Op-Ed in City Limits was written on it.
Also - as that many community-based organizations have transitioned to telehealth and tele-mental health services and continue to remain so even as certain parts of the tri-state area are opening up, students who have had internship experience in this model will be very attractive graduating candidates this year.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Criminal Justice Social Workers to find work opportunities?
Benjamin Sher: This is by no means a perfect science, but this map shows you the distribution of social work members in NASW. This, along with the licensing statistics you should be able to find through every state licensing board (e.g., see New York State), should help paint the picture of how many social workers may exist in a particular region or area. I believe that North Carolina has become a growing area for social work, and as you can see, the tri-state area (e.g., NJ, CT, NYC, and NY) are all very attractive places for social workers to find work opportunities, as is California. Please note these lists do not include unlicensed social workers in a state or region, or social workers who are not members of NASW.
How do you envision technology impacting Criminal Justice Social Workers in the next 5 years?
Benjamin Sher: Technology will have a significant impact on the field. As a matter of fact, NASW revised its Code of Ethics in 2017 to include issues around the field and technology (e.g., use of social media with current and former patients, confidentiality, and using safe and secure online sites to engage in the treatment, etc.). Federal and state governments have relaxed requirements around HIPAA and reimbursement for services due to COVID-19.
It is hard to say how long this will last; however, there is no doubt that technology will play a large role in the treatment of people, groups, communities, and organizations served by social workers in the next five years. Access to technology must be a human rights issue, and social workers serve as advocates for the populations they serve in order to have fair, equitable, efficient, low-cost access to online services. Organizations must be given the support to build up their technical infrastructure to support this exponential growth in technology treatment and care.