Police Social Services Coordinator

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Social Services Coordinator is a professional position responsible for providing crisis intervention, short-term crisis counseling and social services for cases identified through the police department, other municipal departments, and the community. Such services include crisis intervention, violent crimes, traumatic incidents and death, short-term counseling, community involvement and education, department consultation and training, and emergency response.

The Social Services Coordinator will be expected to work under a minimum of supervision and will be responsible for the coordination and delivery of social services, including adult and juvenile crisis intervention, case assessments, short-term counseling, community outreach, court advocacy, and referral to other social service agencies.

The Social Services Coordinator organizes the Peters Township Police Department’s social service effort. The Social Services Coordinator also provides specialized assistance, consultation, and case follow-up services to all Peters Township Municipal Departments, as required for social welfare, crisis intervention and mental health services and needs.

SKILLS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES: REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Computer and Technology Skills:

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, and report management systems.

Language Skills:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret police reports, governmental and police regulations, and legal documents.

Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact with diverse populations, law enforcement, and community organizations effectively.

Ability to effectively present information to employees, public groups, and/or Council.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and apply them accurately.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Abilities:

Ability to define problems, collect data, verify and establish facts and draw valid conclusions.

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of written and oral information and technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and to explain these to others in a clear understandable manner.

Able to deal with abstract concepts.

Physical Abilities:

Constantly Incurred (More than 75% of time on job)

Ability to sit for extended periods.
Ability to communicate orally.
Ability to hear conversation.

Frequently Incurred 

(Between 25% - 75% of time on job)

Ability to stand.  Ability to walk.

Occasionally Incurred

(Less than 25% of time on job)

Ability to lift and carry loads estimated up to 25 lbs.
Able to reach at high or low levels, bend and stoop.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of social work best practices, methods and techniques.

Ability to facilitate resolutions between conflicting parties while maintaining professionalism

Ability to de-escalate high-stress situations and provide immediate support to individuals in distress

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain a comprehensive list of all duties. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on Department needs.

Develops, implements, coordinates, and provides social services to community members in coordination with the Police Department, including but not limited to:

o   Adult and juvenile crisis intervention

o   Case assessments

o   Short-term counseling

o   Referrals to other social service agencies

Develops, implements, coordinates and provides an overall intervention strategy to guide police officers’ interactions with those experiencing a mental health crisis.

Determines best course of action and provides short-term crisis intervention services in emergency situations, such as, but not limited to: domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse, suicide, serious or fatal accidents, and other cases involving emotional trauma.

Assesses client needs for referral to other social and mental health agencies, emergency shelters, financial assistance or other on scene crisis intervention needs.

Develops and maintains a list of community resources to guide department interaction with those who may be suffering from mental illness or who appear to be in a mental health crisis.

Independently follows up on referrals identified through the police department, municipality, and community.

Serves as a consultant to police officers regarding management of cases.

Provides short-term individual and family counseling and referrals in situations involving domestic disputes, substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, juvenile and elder issues and provides resources and referrals for additional services and long-term assistance.

Coordinates and manages community relationship efforts as it relates to social services in an effort to establish collaborative relationships with social service agencies and the community as a whole.

Facilitates and participates in community meetings, committees and related meetings, other relevant group meetings and community engagement activities to address community needs.

Coordinates, develops, and implements educational programs and resources related to social service issues for community members and Municipal employees.

Enhances the quality of the Municipality’s community policing response and social service coordination with the community and other agencies.

Develops and maintains reports used in capturing critical information on social service contact within the community.

Drafts, coordinates, and reviews grant submissions associated with social service activities; coordinates the utilization and close out of same.

Keeps abreast of industry and local trends and regulatory changes related to public safety and social services.

Attends professional development and continuing education trainings as required to maintain proficiency and to maintain the requirements for appropriate licensing if applicable.

Performs all tasks, including file and record maintenance, including case management records and confidential case files, in accordance with established Municipal and Department policies and applicable regulatory guidelines.

Maintains client confidentiality with respect to social services.

Serves on Municipal boards or committees as assigned or requested.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs other non-essential duties as assigned or required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Education:    

Minimum Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other social science related field with supplemented by three (3) years’ experience in the area of social science, including at least one (1) year of experience in crisis intervention and providing mental health services to individuals and families; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience. Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required.

Preferred Qualifications and Certifications

       One (1) year of experience within the criminal justice system.

Experience and Training:

Minimum of three (3) years of related social work experience and/or training.

Clearances:
Must be able to provide all necessary child abuse clearances and mandated reporter certification Must be able to be Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) certified.

Licenses/Certification

Possesses and maintains valid Pennsylvania driver’s license or the ability to obtain one within 30 days.

Possess and maintain Forensic Social Work Certification from the National Organization of Forensic Social Work within 1 year

SUPERVISION FROM THE FOLLOWING:

This position typically receives supervision from Chief of Police

WORK Environment:

This position normally works in an office environment, visits job sites, rides along with police, attends seminars and other meetings, thus occasionally being exposed to outside weather conditions and navigating rough terrain. Additionally, the position will be expected to sometimes meet with residents requiring social services in their homes and places of employment. Employee must reside within 15 road miles of the Police Station as calculated by google maps.