Winnetka, IL – Police Social Worker

The Police Social Worker is a non-sworn member of the Police Department. This position provides crisis intervention, evaluation, short-term therapy, resources, referral, and court advocacy to individuals and families in domestic, juvenile, and other situations, and serves as a community resource and liaison between the Police Department and professional social service agencies, civic groups, and institutions.  The Police Social Worker is responsible for the management of the department Wellness Program, including establishment and oversight of the Peer Support Team. The Police Social Worker works in a non-clinical setting, assesses and helps those in need cope with and solve a variety of problems, advocates and develops plans of action for those in need in order to improve their well-being, connects those in need with community resources, works with individuals, families and/or groups, and assists the Department in crisis situations.

Essential Duties:

• Provide short-term crisis intervention services in emergency situations, such as, but not limited to, domestic violence; child abuse; attempted and successful suicide; homicide; serious or fatal accidents; other cases involving emotional trauma; and psychiatrically hospitalizing seriously emotionally disturbed or mentally ill individuals.
• Provide short-term individual, marital, and family counseling in situations involving domestic disputes, substance abuse, mental health problems, adolescent, and geriatric issues; and make referrals for additional services and long-term assistance.
• Establish and manage the Department Wellness Program that supports all members of the police department with proactive wellness resources in all aspects of well-being including physical fitness, mental health, and overall wellness.
• Develop and manage operational procedures for the Peer Support Team, including team selection, training and certifications, and deployment; serve as the Peer Support Program Advisor.
• Make reports to and coordinate services with Department of Children and Family Services and Adult Protective Services
• Provide court advocacy for victims/witnesses in cases involving domestic violence, juveniles, and other situations. Attend court as required.
• Interview clients with physical, psycho/emotional impairments, or personal and family problems to determine nature and degree of problem; obtain information, such as medical, psychological and social factors contributing to situation, and evaluate these and client’s capabilities.
• Refer clients to community resources and other organizations for supplementary services or long-term care and treatment; and conduct follow-up to determine status of client’s case.
• Establish procedures for Critical Incident Stress Debriefings and facilitate such debriefings when required.
• Coordinate and conduct mental health training for police department personnel; develop training programs as needed to comply with mandates and apprise personnel of emerging mental health research and trends.
• Serve as a resource to other Village Departments as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or related field from an accredited college or university.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years’ minimum experience in counseling, individual and group case work, and juvenile behavioral problems.
• LCSW/LCPC required
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.
• Ability to be regularly on-call as a resource for public safety departments (police and fire) as needed.

Position Range: $86,108 – $121,161, DOQ

Submit Application Online: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/winnetka

For more information, contact:

Ann Eriksson, HR Manager
aeriksson@winnetka.org
8477163546