The Police Social Worker Division serves 16 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 - $60,832 - $76,116 - Based on qualifications
Medical, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance
IMRF Pension
Deferred Compensation Plan
Roth 457 Plan option
Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs
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 or Psychology or related field is needed.
- 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.
Applications are due November 20th. 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 be part of a rotating 24/7 on-call schedule.
- 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.
BENEFITS:
- 4 Medical plans, 2 dental plans, 2 vision plans, and various supplemental plans.
- Pension: Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF)
- Nationwide Retirement Solutions (457 and Roth457) plans
- Standard Life insurance policy with the option to buy up additional coverage for employee and dependents.
- Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Programs
- Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and 14 paid holidays.
Must be able to successfully pass a background screening.
McHenry County is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment shall be discriminated against because of age, race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, Veteran status, or disability.