Police Social Worker chez City of Wilmington, NC

About the Department

The Social Worker will serve as a co-responder within the Wilmington Police Department. This position provides crisis intervention, outreach, and supportive services to individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health challenges, and/or substance use disorders. Responsibilities include conducting needs assessments, coordinating care, providing short-term supportive counseling, advocating for client access to resources, and collaborating with law enforcement and community partners to improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Position Duties

• Provide direct outreach and social services in collaboration with the Police Department to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders.
• Respond, alongside police personnel, to emergency calls and community referrals to deliver crisis intervention, conduct needs assessments and connect individuals to appropriate resources.
• Collaborate with mental health providers, healthcare organizations, housing agencies, and criminal justice representatives to develop client-centered care plans.
• Manage a caseload by maintaining regular client contact, monitoring progress, and adjusting services based on individual needs and circumstances.
• Conduct field-based assessments using trauma-informed approaches to evaluate safety, risk, and appropriate support options.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case documentation in compliance with agency policies, HIPAA, and mandatory reporting requirements.
• Advocate for client access to housing, healthcare, behavioral health services, and other community-based supports.
• Provide community education and outreach to strengthen partnerships and promote awareness of available resources.
• Participate in team case reviews, data collection, performance measurement, and collaborative projects to support departmental goals.
• Remain current on best practices in crisis intervention, behavioral health, housing navigation, and trauma-informed care through ongoing professional development.
• Prepares court reports and testifies in court, as needed,
• Performs work during emergencies/disaster situations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work; 1 to 3 years' experience in mental/behavioral health, homelessness services, and/or substance use support.
• Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.
• Valid Driver’s License.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, or respond to emergencies as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and licensure (LMSW, LCSW, or equivalent).
• Experience providing crisis intervention in community-based or law enforcement settings.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first principles.
• Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in the community).

Other Qualifications

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position generally requires work in both an indoor and outdoor setting.  Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards.