Position: Police Social Worker

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Salary: $55,000-$59,000 (experience based)

 

Provide support and community resource referrals for community members who have come to the attention of the department after experiencing mental health issues, substance abuse, homelessness, and/or traumatic events.  This position may also involve crisis response in conjunction with officers.  Provide counseling and/or case management services to department personnel, including mental health and addictions related services and referrals.  Train department personnel and community on topics and available resources related to the aforementioned issues. Represent the department in a community relations capacity as it relates to programs and services within the community.  Evaluate effectiveness of social work services performed within the department and assist with grant writing as related to department needs. 

 

Duties

This job description is illustrative only and is not a comprehensive listing of all job functions performed.  The following are essential duties for this position, performed with or without reasonable accommodation:

 

                                                          Essential (primary)

  1. Works with officers and social service agencies to coordinate solutions for individuals with mental health or substance abuse issues, those experiencing homelessness, and trauma victims.
  2. Accompanies officers to death scenes that could be the result of criminal or non-criminal circumstances and/or to provide death notifications to families or other survivors.
  3. Provides individual counseling, debriefing sessions, and/or other available resources to department personnel who are exposed to traumatic events or provide referral services for otherwise in need of services. Services may be provided in person or through telehealth format. 
  4. Inputs information into the department’s CAD/RMS system.
  5. Identifies trends in the problems individuals face that impact the community and presents recommendations on how to solve those problems and/or alleviate the impact.

 

                                                          Non-essential (secondary)

  1. Perform related duties as assigned.
  2. Supervise an intern.

 

Job Requirements

  1. Master’s in Social Work or related field required. Must meet eligibility requirements for state licensure.  Indiana social work licensure (LSW) required. 
  2. Knowledge of community agencies and how to access the services that they provide.
  3. Excellent communications skills.
  4. Ability to work varying hours and to be on call.
  5. Ability to maintain confidentiality when necessary and appropriate.
  6. Ability to work under stressful or emotionally-charged situations where individuals may be experiencing crisis or exhibiting erratic behavior. Experience in providing crisis intervention services is preferred.
  7. Ability to perform program evaluation and grant writing
  8. Knowledge of standard office procedures and ability to operate modern office equipment.
  9. Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

 

Level of Supervision and Responsibility

 

                                                         Received

Incumbent is required to make non-routine decisions based on sound judgment for circumstances either observed or presented by an individual.  Work may be self-initiated, assigned by others, performed independently, or be done in cooperation with other department personnel.  All work with individuals/clients shall be done in accordance with the core values and ethical code of the social work profession.  Daily activities may be reviewed by a supervisor or through reports at designated intervals and forwarded to supervisors and other administrators in the department.

 

                                                          Exercised

Incumbent may be required to supervise and evaluate the performance of a student intern who is pursuing education in social work or a similar field.  As determined by the Chief or his/her designee, other “job shadow” opportunities may arise as a way for the community and/or students to better understand the issues being addressed and the job function. 

 

Difficulty of Work

Incumbent performs duties in a modern office environment or in the field under possible adverse weather conditions, stressful situations involving individuals in crisis, and outdoor environments that may be considered challenging to some.  Overall physical demands should be considered minimal. 

 

Personal Work Relationships

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with department personnel, representatives of various social service agencies, targeted populations being served and the general public.  Work within the community may involve educating or speaking as a subject matter expert on local issues being addressed and the services being provided.  Contact within and outside the department should be done with the objective of soliciting support for the department’s efforts in addressing issues confronting the community.

How to Apply: Here is the online application