McHenry County Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for the position of Police Social Worker, for their newly created Police Social Work Division. The Sheriff’s Office is excited to begin the process of hiring for this new, innovative resource. Through a collaborative effort of county police departments and the Sheriff’s Office, Police Social Workers will work to serve areas across the county, connecting residents to resources and improving response to calls involving mental health crisis. Police Social Workers will not replace an officer’s response in the community, but instead will serve as a proactive tool for law enforcement officers to connect citizens with the necessary programs and help they need.
The Police Social Worker (PSW) is a non-sworn professional position that works directly with law enforcement and county first responders by providing social service support for cases identified through officer contact in the community. 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 referral to other social service agencies. The PSW acts as a liaison between the participating departments and the various social service agencies, providing follow-up and monitoring cases upon request from the department.
Benefits include:
- Salary range starts at $47,000
- Medical, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance
- IMRF Pension
- Deferred Compensation Plan
- 457 Plan option
- Tuition assistance and reimbursement
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal and sick days
Potential hires are preferred to have an equivalent combination of experience or education.
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling or Psychology or related field preferred is needed. Master’s degree is preferred.
- Minimum 2 years of related experience, within a law enforcement agency is preferred.
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), or related licensure, or the ability to obtain LSW or LPC within one year of employment.
For more information on the position, please visit: https://prd01-hcm01.prd.mykronos.com/ta/6167531.careers?ShowJob=1845816109.
The essential job functions of a PSW include:
- Independently follows up on referrals from police officers, local schools, hospitals, and the general 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.
- 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.
- Ability to be part of a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule and work at least one evening a week and occasional weekend hours.
- Demonstrate the ability to problem-solve and work creatively to address social and mental health challenges within the community.
- Demonstrate a welcoming, approachable style and be flexible in task completion.
- Knowledge, Skills and Ability to be a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office or partnering agencies and the community.