Social Worker Police Department

Salary : $105,185.00 - $129,346.00 Annually
Location : City Hall - 1850 Lewis Ave., North Chicago, IL
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 107
Department: Police Department
Opening Date: 05/27/2026
Closing Date: Continuous


Description


This is a full-time civilian role who is a liaison between law enforcement, residents and social service agencies. This position performs crisis intervention, mental-health assessment, short-term counseling, victim advocacy, case-management, community outreach and follow-up services for individuals or families encountered by law enforcement. This position, as part of the police department's crisis response and intervention program, will respond with police personnel to assist in handling police interactions with individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, domestic violence, and other crises, and provide ongoing stabilization services to those individuals. Responsibilities focus to assist officers on the scene, diverts individuals from unnecessary arrest or hospitalization, and connects individuals to appropriate community resources
Essential Functions


(Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
• Provide victim advocacy, crisis intervention, and short-term counseling.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide professional consultation.
• Support cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, grief, aging, juvenile delinquency, and mental health.
• Make referrals to community resources and follow up on referrals from police, schools, hospitals, DCFS, and other agencies.
• Collaborate with police officers, detectives, schools, hospitals, DCFS, mental health facilities, and community partners.
• Advocates for clients' rights and helps them navigate complex systems to improve their overall well-being.
• Serve as a consultant to police personnel regarding case management and interactions with individuals in crisis.
• Provide emergency social service assistance to officers in the field; respond to calls for service; assist with death notifications, victim advocacy, and mandated reporting.
• Respond to police calls involving mental health crises, domestic disputes, youth crises, substance use, homelessness, and vulnerable adults.
• Conduct on-scene and in-station crisis assessments, safety planning, and de-escalation.
• Provide short-term counseling, stabilization, and referrals to behavioral health providers.
• Perform follow-up welfare checks and ongoing case management.
• Deliver community outreach and training for police personnel on mental-health response and trauma-informed practices.
• Prepare statistical reports and assist with program evaluations.
• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential case records in compliance with federal/state laws and professional standards.
• Provide after-hours emergency social service assistance as assigned.
• Act as a court liaison and client advocates both criminal and civil cases. May prepare custody evaluations.
• Provides case management services assisting clients in assessing resources and services, such as healthcare, housing, employment assistance, financial support, and social support networks.
• Delivers education and prevention services to the community through workshops, seminars, outreach programs, and other means to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote mental wellness.
• Performs other duties as assigned


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

Ability to work in a primarily sedentary position, occasionally using force to lift, carry or otherwise move objects normally found in an office setting; occasionally and/or frequently lifting or exerting force up to 20 pounds. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions which provide protection from weather but not necessarily from temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards involved in this position. Requires visual ability to read, write reports and correspondence and use a computer. Requires speaking ability to communicate effectively with other individuals in-person and over the phone.

SUPERVISION :

Work is performed under the general direction of the Police Chief. The employee must work independently, within the overall framework and policies set by the Police Department. Performance is reviewed through observation, completion of daily and assigned tasks, as well as communication with the Police Chief. Work is formally evaluated at least annually, with respect to social work expertise, achievement of goals and objectives, supervisory skills, problem solving ability, analytical skills, communication skills and performance in accordance with this classification standard.


PUBLIC CONTACT:

The employee has regular and frequent contact with a variety of community members, including victims of domestic violence, individuals experiencing mental health crises, and those dealing with substance abuse issues. They can also engage with at-risk youth and their families and provide support to the police department. Their role involves connecting individuals with appropriate social services and resources, ensuring they receive the necessary support to address their immediate needs and risks.
Minimum Qualifications
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to social services.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Crisis management and sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with police and community agencies.
• Experience in crisis intervention, mental health assessment, and community resources navigation.
• Valid Illinois driver's license.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and on-call rotation.
• Minimum two years of experience in crisis intervention and providing mental health services to individuals and families.
• State of Illinois license in social work or an equivalent license.
• Proficiency with current computer technology and job-specific software.
• Experience working the law enforcement.
• Knowledge of Illinois domestic violent statutes and mandated reporting.
• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred.
• Familiarity with substance-use interventions.


DISCLAIMER :

The City of North Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants

are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, national origin, age, marital status, military or veteran status (except

dishonorable discharge), disability, or any other status protected bylaw.
The City of North Chicago places a premium on teamwork and participation while

encouraging creativity and individual initiative. The City of North Chicago believes that

through collaboration, leadership can occur at all levels. We take our commitments

seriously and strive to reach positive solutions. The duties of the job description are to

be performed by demonstrating the City's core values of Commitment to Quality Service,

Integrity, Innovation, and Teamwork.
This job description describes a general category of jobs. To meet the needs of

the City government or its departments, employees may be assigned other duties, in

addition to or in lieu of any of those described and duties are subject to change as

requirements of the job change.
The omission of a duty does not exclude it from the position if the duty is similar,

related, or a logical expectation for an individual to perform as part of the job

responsibilities or if necessary to assist the City to provide services to the public

under changed or unusual circumstances.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 3 OF THE FAIR LABOR STANDARD ACT THIS

POSITION IS EXEMPT FROM OVERTIME
Special Licenses & Requirements
• Master's degree in social work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field.
• Illinois license in social work or counseling (LSW/LCSW OR LPC/LCPC).