Social Worker I, Criminal Justice (STATEWIDE)

State of Maryland; Maryland; On-site; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Pension credit

Paid parental leave

Personal leave

Annual leave

Sick leave

Holidays

Job summary

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) invites dedicated candidates to join our team in Maryland as Social Worker I. This role provides clinical and forensic social work in a criminal justice environment, including psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, group work, and multidisciplinary collaboration.

A credentialed social work license is required; MSW or equivalent, with licensure in Maryland as described.

Qualifications

• Must meet the State Board of Social Work Examiners licensing requirements.
• No experience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide clinical and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop remediation plans.
• Facilitate therapeutic classes and individual support groups based on cognitive‑behavioral theory.
• Participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Complete administrative tasks including monthly reports and statistics.
• Attend clinical staff meetings as scheduled.

Skills

English fluency

Spanish language

Mandarin language

Korean language

Education

MSW (Master of Social Work)

Graduate Social Worker

Certified Social Worker

Job description

Introduction

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) invites dedicated candidates to join our team. We offer competitive salary, generous leave, health benefits, and opportunities for professional growth in a large Maryland agency with nearly 12,000 employees and a $1 billion budget. The role focuses on promoting safety and innovative restorative justice initiatives to support offender reintegration.

Grade

ASTD17

Location of Position

Positions are available throughout Maryland; applicants may select multiple locations. Current vacancies include:

• East Region – Dorchester County
• West Region – Howard, Prince George’s, Montgomery Counties

Position Duties

A Social Worker I provides clinical and forensic social work services in a criminal justice environment. The position involves:

• Providing clinical support services to clients with behavioral or personality disorders and co‑existing mental or substance‑abuse issues.
• Conducting psychosocial assessments and developing remediation plans.
• Facilitating therapeutic classes and individual support groups based on cognitive‑behavioral theory for the general population.
• Participating in multidisciplinary treatment teams.
• Completing administrative tasks, including monthly reports and statistics.
• Attending clinical staff meetings as scheduled.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Must meet the State Board of Social Work Examiners’ licensing requirements for Social Workers.
• Experience: None required.

Licenses, Registrations and Certifications

• Graduate Social Worker, Master Social Worker, Certified Social Worker, or Certified Social Worker‑Clinical by the Maryland State Board of Social Work Examiners (application may be pending license receipt; copy submitted upon license acquisition).
• Motor vehicle operator’s license valid in Maryland for duties requiring vehicle operation.

Special Requirements

• Fluent in spoken and written English, with professional fluency in Spanish, Mandarin, Korean, or other languages considered a plus.
• Must meet mandatory continuing education standards; failure to obtain required credits may result in disciplinary action.
• Complete approved training in group counseling techniques.
• May be required to complete Level I Counseling course (Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center).
• Must qualify for and complete the Entry Level Training Academy (Department of Parole and Probation).

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision coverage to a low cost for State employees.
• Personal Leave – six days annually (prorated).
• Annual Leave – ten days per year.
• Sick Leave – fifteen days per year.
• Parental Leave – up to sixty days paid.
• Holidays – at least twelve State holidays annually.
• Pension – State pension credit.
• Release time for job‑related CEU training.
• Reimbursement for licensure or certification costs as required by clinical specialty.
• Tuition reimbursement via Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

Equal Opportunity Statement

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Maryland is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting a diverse workforce.