McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the position of Police Social Worker to join their Police Social Work Division. Applications are being accepted online via https://bit.ly/3PFDXO6 and are due Sunday, March 10 by 11:59 PM.
The Police Social Worker Division serves 19 police departments throughout McHenry County in a collaborative effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and social services. Police Social Workers (PSWs) work by connecting citizens with mental health resources and long-term solutions to alleviate the obligation of law enforcement’s response to mental health-related calls for service.
The Police Social Worker is a non-sworn professional position that works directly with law enforcement and first responders. The PSW provides a coordinated community policing response and is responsible for the organization and delivery of social services, including adult and juvenile crisis intervention, case assessments, short-term counseling, court advocacy and referrals to other social service agencies. The PSW acts as a liaison between departments and various social service agencies, providing follow-up and monitoring cases upon request from the department. Police Social Workers serve clients in-person through various avenues such as grief support, crisis assessment, trauma response, crisis counseling crisis management, and supporting first responders during critical events.
Benefits include:
- Starting salary: $56,562 – $71,328
- Medical, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance
- IMRF Pension
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- 457 Plan option
- Tuition assistance and reimbursement
- County-issued vehicle
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick days
Potential hires are preferred to have an equivalent combination of experience or education.
- Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field is required.
- 2 years of related experience preferred, within a law enforcement agency is desired.
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or related licensure, or have the pre-requisites/qualifications to obtain LSW or LPC within two years of employment.
For more information or to apply now, visit https://bit.ly/3PFDXO6. Applications are due by 11:59 PM on March 10, 2024. If you have questions about the position, please email sheriffjobs@mchenrycountyil.gov.
The essential job functions of a PSW include:
- Independently follows up on referrals from police officers, local schools, hospitals, and the public, and serves as a consultant to police officers regarding management of cases.
- Assesses client needs for referral to social and mental health agencies, emergency shelters, financial assistance.
- Determines best course of action and provides short-term crisis intervention services in emergency situations.
- Provides short-term individual and family counseling in situations involving domestic disputes, substance abuse, mental health issues, trauma, grief and loss, juvenile and elder issues.
- Works with other social service providers to coordinate care including local schools, hospitals, and area mental health facilities.
- Maintains case management records and confidential case files.
- Provides professional and clinical consultation to officers on difficult cases.
- Designs, implements, or arranges training for Sheriff’s Office or partnering agencies in areas of knowledge related to the position.
- Assists with Peer Support Team program coordination and assists in management of all activities, training and meetings that occur with the team.
- Supports law enforcement and wellbeing of first responders overall and during critical, traumatic events.
- May be asked to perform as an expert witness in court and give testimony or professional recommendations at trials/hearings.
Required knowledge and skills:
- Previous experience in crisis intervention and providing mental health services to individuals and families.
- Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to the field of mental health.
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the court system as it relates to domestic violence, admissions for psychiatric assessments and juvenile station adjustments.
- An ability to clinically work with individuals or groups, providing crisis intervention, diagnostic evaluation, and short-term treatment services.
- Ability to maintain a neutral and calm composure during crisis management.
- Travel throughout the county to meet with officers, clients, agencies, etc. with department issued vehicle.