Social Worker Police Department

City of North Chicago•North Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a full-time civilian role who is a liaison between law enforcement, residents and social service agencies. This position performs crisis intervention, mental-health assessment, short-term counseling, victim advocacy, case-management, community outreach and follow-up services for individuals or families encountered by law enforcement. This position, as part of the police department’s crisis response and intervention program, will respond with police personnel to assist in handling police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other crises, and provide ongoing stabilization services to those individuals. Responsibilities focus to assist officers on the scene, diverts individuals from unnecessary arrest or hospitalization, and connects individuals to appropriate community resources.

Requirements

Knowledge of federal and state laws related to social services.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Crisis management and sound judgment.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work with diverse populations.
Ability to collaborate effectively with police and community agencies.
Experience in crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and community resources navigation.
Valid Illinois driver’s license.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and on-call rotation.
Minimum two years of experience in crisis intervention and providing mental health services to individuals and families.
State of Illinois license in social work or an equivalent license.
Proficiency with current computer technology and job-specific software.
Experience working the law enforcement.
Knowledge of Illinois domestic violent statutes and mandated reporting.
Master’s degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
Illinois license in social work or counseling (LSW/LCSW OR LPC/LCPC).

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
Familiarity with substance-use interventions.

Responsibilities

Provide victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling.
Conduct diagnostic assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide professional consultation.
Support cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, grief, aging, juvenile delinquency, and mental health.
Make referrals to community resources and follow up on referrals from police, schools, hospitals, DCFS, and other agencies.
Collaborate with police officers, detectives, schools, hospitals, DCFS, mental health facilities, and community partners.
Advocates for clients’ rights and helps them navigate complex systems to improve their overall well-being.
Serve as a consultant to police personnel regarding case management and interactions with individuals in crisis.
Provide emergency social service assistance to officers in the field; respond to calls for service; assist with death notifications, victim advocacy, and mandated reporting.
Respond to police calls involving mental health crises, domestic disputes, youth crises, substance use, homelessness, and vulnerable adults.
Conduct on-scene and in-station crisis assessments, safety planning, and de-escalation.
Provide short-term counseling, stabilization, and referrals to behavioral health providers.
Perform follow-up welfare checks and ongoing case management.
Deliver community outreach and training for police personnel on mental-health response and trauma-informed practices.
Prepare statistical reports and assist with program evaluations.
Maintain accurate, timely, confidential case records in compliance with federal/state laws and professional standards.
Provide after-hours emergency social service assistance as assigned.
Act as a court liaison and client advocates both criminal and civil cases. May prepare custody evaluations.
Provides case management services assisting clients in assessing resources and services, such as healthcare, housing, employment assistance, financial support, and social support networks.
Delivers education and prevention services to the community through workshops, seminars, outreach programs, and other means to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness.
Performs other duties as assigned