Social Worker- Victim Services Specialist

Nature of Work

This position is responsible for professional social work at the police department in which support to members of the general public and police personnel is provided to those who require victim advocate and crisis intervention services. This includes delivering short-term intensive crisis therapy screening and services as well as criminal justice education and connection to additional support. Such services may be at the police department office sites, hospital sites, jails or in the community. Other responsibilities include education and prevention activities and serving as a liaison with criminal justice professionals and community representatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Conducts social work, study, and treatment of individual cases

• Interviews clients and, when appropriate, families, associates and other agencies.

• Develops and implements individual treatment plans and makes recommendations concerning clients referred for evaluation

• Plans and conducts group therapy sessions for members of the general public and/or police personnel

• Coordinates requests for consultation, treatment, and staff conferences

• Collaborate with counselors, physicians, or nurses to plan or coordinate treatment, drawing on social work experience and client needs.

• Investigates problems and develops proposals for social action.

• Maintains appropriate client, case, and public records, prepares reports, develops and implements service plans, and does follow-ups

• Assists in training and provides consultation to other employees engaged in education and prevention activities and critical incident stress debriefing.

• Provides instruction and guidance to a variety of individuals in personal and group settings.

• Prepares and presents information to various internal and external stakeholders

• Participates on various committees, task forces, and teams as needed

• Performs other related work as assigned

Essential Duties & Responsibilities specific to the Victim Services Specialist

• Provides crisis stabilization and support services to crime victims and co-victims and assists with identified concerns resulting from victimization.

• Assesses the psychosocial status of crime victims and co-victims and determines the types of referrals and services indicated. Coordinates the provision of referrals and services.

• Provides information using a trauma-informed approach to crime victims and co-victims related to criminaleventand/or associated criminal justice response, policies, and practices. Provides information to persons served related to legal issues, terms, and court procedures.

• Understands, upholds, and assists in the education and exercise of victims' rights per statutory and constitutional laws.

Minimum Training and Experience

Required Education and Experience

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related mental health field is required
• -AND--
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in the mental health field
• -OR--
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Must possess State of Michigan licensure as a Licensed Master's Social Worker, Limited Licensed Master's Social Worker, Licensed Psychologist, or Limited Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Counselor, or Limited Licensed Counselor.

• Valid Driver's License

Other Necessary Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Psychosocial evaluations and techniques and of their application to a wide variety of mental/social problems

• Group therapy practice and deviant behavior patterns

• Victims advocacy and crisis intervention principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation

• Legal requirements governing public social work

• Community resources available and the range of services they provide

Skill in:

• Interpersonal skills with clients, client associates, community organizations, human services agencies, and citizens.

• Complex problem solving and analysis

• Active listening, monitoring, and critical thinking

• Performing a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature

• Prioritizing, monitoring, and reviewing work assignments

• Project management, scheduling and time management

Ability to:

• Perform crisis intervention, victims advocacy services, and clinical assessments

• Conduct individual and group therapy sessions and to effect positive behavioral change

• Assess and diagnose social cases and plan and execute treatment

• Make comprehensive recommendations concerning referred clients

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations, human services agencies, city personnel, representatives from governmental and community agencies, and the general public

• Develop and implement policy advocacy strategies on behalf of clients

• Develop and implementequitable practices throughout the community

• Create, track, and analyze program metrics

• Maintain confidential records, research alternative treatment plans, and perform liaison duties with various agencies

• Prepare statements and informational materials for the program and respond to inquiries and complaints from clients

• Attend meetings with various individuals and groups, including citizens, commission members, other governmental officials, representatives from various organizations and associations

• Analyze difficult and complex issues, make recommendations and act on complicated issues

• Ability to work independently and problem solve with minimal direction.

• Communicate complex ideas effectively, both orally and in writing

• Work effectively under deadline pressures.

• Perform other duties as assigned.