Portsmouth - Police Outreach Social Worker

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The Police Outreach Social Worker is a civilian position that provides crisis intervention, short-term counseling, advocacy, community outreach, substance misuse assistance, and education as well as other social service assistance to individuals and families in the City of Portsmouth.  The Applicant should have a master’s degree in social work preferably,  be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), and have previous experience in crisis intervention and providing mental health services to individuals and families.  Must be at least 21 years of age, a U.S. Citizen and hold a valid driver’s license.  

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

The Social Worker position performs the following duties, functions, and responsibilities:

1. Provide referral services to members of the public.  This includes but is not limited to referring people for assistance in these main categories; housing, senior services, substance use disorders, and family and mental health needs.
2. Specialize assisting individuals and families dealing with substance misuse disorders by providing access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services as well as community capacity building.
3. Develop and initiate strategies that expand access to appropriate treatment for substance misuse disorders including but not limited to opioid use disorders. Advocate for client’s needs and support a warm hand-off to programs with appropriate services.  Work in conjunction with community resources to expand prevention and family strengthening services.
4. Increase access to wellness and support services for first responders and others who experience secondary trauma associated with opioid-related emergency events.
5. Connect members of the public in need with organizations that can provide aid.  These organizations will include local community mental health agencies, the local recovery centers, City Welfare Department, homeless shelters, the school department, child services, and any other agencies that can assist in getting people in need of resources.
6. Review police incidents and identify cases in which people could benefit from follow-up from a social worker.  Maintain connections to area resources and help the individuals get connected and stay connected to these resources.  Educate individuals and police personnel on what resources might be appropriate for their needs.
7. Communicate with Supervisor and Officers about incidents that happen outside of the school that have affected students and their families.  Then follow up to make sure their services and needs are addressed at the school level.
8. Serve as an advocate when appropriate; assists clients in developing the skills and expertise to advocate on their own behalf; helps clients develop skills leading to long-term success.
9. Help members of the community enroll in the vital emergency information program which helps identify residents who have special circumstances or mental health conditions.  This program allows families to provide confidential medical information and other information about loved ones who may have underlying medical conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other conditions that may make them unable to understand or communicate when police arrive at a scene or crisis.
10. Provide updated information/training to Police Department members, sworn and non-sworn, that will help strengthen the skills, the recognition of people in crisis, and laws in regard to mental health.
11. Network, identify, and work with all local resources to provide information about this position and how best to connect people in need to their services.
12. Be able to respond to community meetings, networking sessions, and training.  Respond to calls for service, when safety allows, that are applicable for a social worker to assist.
13. Assist with the research of and writing of specialized grants to procure funds for Portsmouth Police programs and positions.
14. Perform all other duties as prescribed by the Chief of Police and evolve to the changes of the Police Department and the community’s needs. 
     

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:  In order to perform the above duties, the Social Worker must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

1. Be able to read, write, speak, and communicate fluently in the English language.
2. Be mentally and physically able to read, remember, interpret, and understand statutes and court decisions.
3. Be mentally and physically able to take comprehensive written notes, organize and generate internal reports.
4. Be able to speak publicly to a wide variety of individuals including members of the police and fire departments as members of the public.
5. Have extensive knowledge of the local social service agencies and other support systems available to the public in Portsmouth and surrounding areas.
6. Must possess sufficient computer skills to perform the documentary functions of the position.
7. Must be able to maintain complete and total professional confidentiality regarding their role and their access to confidential documents and situations.
8. Travel outside of the police department when necessary to meet in person with other service providers, members of the public, persons in need, and/or any other person when safe and necessary to do so.
9. Complete ride along with Police and Fire to understand law enforcement and fire department services.
10. Must have a general understanding of the criminal justice system in New Hampshire and privacy and confidentiality laws regarding HIPPA and medical information. 

Standard Workweek:  40 hours