Position Summary
The Tamworth Police Department seeks an experienced, compassionate, and resourceful Police Social Worker to support community safety and well-being by addressing the social service needs of residents and visitors of our community while also reducing on-scene time for officers.
This position reports directly to the Police Chief and works collaboratively with police staff and other town emergency response personnel, local and regional schools, local and regional service agencies, and community organizations to assist with crisis intervention, mental health support, resource linkage and follow up, and advocacy for individuals in need. The social service agent will promote community safety for those facing social challenges such as mental health illness, substance use disorder, housing and food insecurity, domestic abuse and violence, chronic absenteeism from school, and others.
This individual will support police department functions with the goal of reducing recidivism; decreasing the time on scene and number of repeat calls for law enforcement officers; diverting individuals with primary social service needs from engagement with the criminal justice system; providing more effective emergency response with clinical-informed support; and improving quality of life for residents of Tamworth experience a variety of challenges which result in engagement with law enforcement.
Mission
The mission of the Tamworth Police Department is to protect life and property and to maintain order within the Town of Tamworth while assuring fair and respectful treatment of everyone.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other behavioral health field required, with a minimum of three years related experience
- LCSW, or advanced degree preferred, or ability to obtain certification necessary to support various job functions
- Experience working with individuals with complex behavioral health needs
- Must possess and maintain a current unrestricted (not due to corrective lenses) driver's license
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Respond to law enforcement or emergency service calls for follow-up, as requested
- Provide social service screenings across multiple domains to identify supports needed for client safety during and after crises
- Assist to coordinate voluntary or involuntary mental health and detox admissions
- Work with individuals to create appropriate safety plans when clinically indicated
- Provide follow-up to emergency response/referrals to ensure social service treatment or resource engagement
- Participate in team meetings within the department and regional agencies
- Interface between school, family, child(ren) and relevant social services in connection with both in and out of school incidents impacting children
- Monitor juvenile involved criminal and non-criminal incidents and investigations conducted by police and fire personnel including but not limited to: Check-Ups, Missing Persons, Drug Overdoses, Domestic Violence, Domestic Disturbances, DCYF Assists, and Welfare Checks in order to refer the involved parties to appropriate services and programs.
- Provide case management to youth and families and work to resolve any barriers between the youth and families seeking services, including but not limited to transportation, scheduling, insurance, etc.
- Perform individual or group counseling, when regional resources don’t provide necessary opportunities required to meet department mission, support a restorative justice model, or improve individual and community wellbeing
- Shepherd individuals through complex social support systems, with follow up to encourage and ensure engagement
- Support department forensic interviewing and court follow up
Skills and Competencies
- Ability to work under stressful or emergent situations with individuals experiencing crisis or exhibiting erratic behavior
- De-escalation strategies
- Knowledge of local, regional, and state resources
- Strong problem solving and interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations and to build rapport and trust in challenging situations
- Proficiency in documentation, organization, and maintaining confidential case records, including sufficient computer skills to complete documentary functions
- Ability to work independently, to initiate tasks and follow to completion
- Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices and restorative justice principles
- Ability to work within police record systems
- Advocacy in public settings, such as court
- Able to become Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) certified and competent in using applicable Department procedures
Salary and Benefits
Classification: Full Time 40 hours per week salaried position.
Pay: $28-$38/hr DOQ
Competitive benefits package based on Town Personnel Policy for Full Time employees
Based on the complex nature of the position and the skill sets required, this is not an entry-level job
To apply, send letter of introduction, resume, and two letters of reference to Chief Littlefield at the address above or by email at dana.littlefield@tamworthpd.org.