Social Worker - Victim Services Specialist

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 criminal event and/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