POSITION DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Social Worker - Police Department

Department/Division: PD: Co-Responder

Reports to: Chief of Police

Supervises: N/A

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Employee Group: N/A

Minimum Education: Master's Degree from an accredited college or university in Social Work, Psychology, or a closely related field.

Minimum Experience: Two (2) years of professional experience in social work, counseling, or a related field, preferably involving crisis intervention, case management, or mental health services.

Minimum Certifications:Must be a Licensed Social Worker or Clinical Social Worker.

Other Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience responding to mental health crises, de-escalating tense situations, and providing immediate emotional support to individuals in distress.
• Prior experience working with law enforcement or in public safety settings is preferred, especially in roles requiring coordination during emergencies or critical incidents.
• Practical experience in applying trauma-informed approaches when supporting individuals who have experienced acute or chronic trauma.
• Proficiency in using case management systems, databases, and standard office software for record-keeping and reporting.
• Bilingual in Spanish is preferred.

SALARY/HOW TO APPLY:

Starting salary is $74,875-$93,098 per year. If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letterFriday, September 11, 2026, and indicate Social Worker in the subject line. Applications without both documents may not be considered for further evaluation.

JOB SUMMARY:

This position works alongside law enforcement to provide immediate support during calls for service, addressing mental health crises, domestic conflicts, and other social service needs. Involves assessing individuals and families, connecting them with appropriate community resources, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The social worker maintains accurate records, fosters collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations, and provides culturally sensitive care to diverse populations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duties are essential for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Engages in crisis intervention and refers those experiencing mental health issues, substance use disorder, homelessness, and traumatic events to appropriate resources.
• Collaborates and networks with community partners to create solutions that meet the needs of the community and the organization.
• Conducts program evaluation activities to systematically analyze the program's impact on clients served.
• Provides on-site crisis intervention for individuals experiencing mental health crises, domestic disputes, substance abuse issues, or other emergencies.
• Assists in de-escalating tense situations by offering alternative solutions and providing support to individuals in distress.
• Conducts preliminary assessments of mental health conditions and determines the immediate needs of individuals.
• Connects individuals and families with community resources, such as mental health services, housing assistance, substance abuse programs, or support groups.
• Provides emotional support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or other crimes.
• Documents interactions and follows up with individuals to ensure they receive ongoing support and services.
• Engage with individuals experiencing homelessness to connect them with shelters, social services, and support programs.
• Works alongside police officers to develop strategies for addressing community issues involving vulnerable populations.
• Mediates disputes between individuals or groups to reduce the need for arrest or further police intervention.
• Offers training and guidance to officers on topics such as trauma-informed approaches, mental health awareness, and cultural sensitivity.
• Provides immediate emotional support and counseling to individuals impacted by traumatic events, such as car accidents, natural disasters, or violent incidents.
• Maintains detailed reports on interventions and outcomes, ensuring proper record-keeping and compliance with confidentiality standards.
• Builds relationships with community members and organizations to foster trust and encourage collaboration with law enforcement.
• Intervenes in suicide attempts or threats by providing crisis counseling and connecting individuals with appropriate care.
• Assists with cases involving juveniles, offering support and resources for at-risk youth and their families.
• Provides documentation or testimony in legal proceedings, when necessary, based on observations and interactions during calls for service.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to provide immediate emotional and psychological support during high-stress or emergency situations, including de-escalating conflicts and calming individuals in distress.
• Expertise in understanding and applying trauma-informed practices to interactions with individuals experiencing acute or chronic trauma.
• Capacity to work effectively as part of a team with police officers, community organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve complex issues.
• Enhanced understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds, values, and perspectives to engage with community members.
• Ability to identify signs of suicidal ideation, provide intervention, and connect individuals with appropriate resources.
• Skills to mediate disputes between individuals or groups, reducing the need for law enforcement or legal escalation.
• Flexibility to respond to unpredictable situations in the field, maintain composure under pressure, and make quick, sound decisions.
• Understanding of law enforcement protocols and safety considerations to ensure safe and effective collaboration during calls for service.
• Proficiency in identifying and leveraging local resources, including shelters, healthcare providers, and mental health services, to support client needs.
• Ability to advocate for clients, ensuring their needs are met while balancing community safety and legal requirements.
• Strong judgment to navigate complex ethical dilemmas, particularly when working with vulnerable populations or in life-threatening situations.
• Skill in managing multiple cases simultaneously, tracking progress, and ensuring continuity of care.
• Familiarity with emergency response protocols to provide timely and effective support during critical incidents.
• Comprehensive understanding of community resources, human behavior, family dynamics, and cultural differences, with the ability to consult and support diverse populations effectively.
• Strong knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local laws, including the Domestic Violence Act, Child Abuse/Neglect Reporting Act, and mental health codes.
• Proficiency in managing tasks efficiently, maintaining accurate records, and communicating clearly and effectively with staff, administration, and the public.
• Ability to remain composed, exercise sound judgment in stressful situations, and maintain confidentiality and discretion while fostering strong working relationships.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• This work requires the occasional exertion of up to 25 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Work has standard vision requirements.
• Vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Frequent travel may involve exposure to inclement weather conditions, unsanitary conditions in homes, communicable illnesses and diseases and unsafe environments.
• May require dealing with persons who are hostile, aggressive, abusive, or violent, posing threatening conditions.

All the above is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. Nothing in this position description limits management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This position description does not constitute an employment agreement between the Employer and Employee and is subject to changes as the needs of the Employer and requirements of the position change. I have read the above position description and understand the duties and responsibilities of the position.

SALARY/HOW TO APPLY:

Starting salary is $74,875-$93,098 per year. If interested in this position, please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected] on or before the close of business on Friday, September 11, 2026, and indicate Social Worker in the subject line. Applications without both documents may not be considered for further evaluation.