What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Support Specialist / Social Worker position at The City of Elkhart?
CITY OF ELKHART – JOB DESCRIPTION
DEPARTMENT
Police
POSITION
Community Support Specialist / Social Worker
DIVISION
Administration
STATUS
Full-time
CATEGORY
Salary, Up to $69,100
FLSA
Exempt
REPORTS TO
Program Coordinator & CID Captain
DATE
2025
JOB SUMMARY
This individual utilizes a trauma-informed approach to provide crisis intervention and support services to Elkhart residents. This individual promotes and engages in effective multidisciplinary collaboration aimed at supporting officers AND improving community relations with the department. Additionally, this individual collaborates with the Chaplains and the Program Coordinator to develop and provide training to new program staff, interns, volunteers, law enforcement officers, departmental employees, and other community partners.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Utilize a trauma-informed approach to providing crisis intervention and support to Elkhart residents.
- Assist Elkhart residents with safety planning, service referrals & increased service accessibility.
- Provide co-response with EPD Officers, as needed, to reduce officer work load, identify community member needs, intervene, and make appropriate referrals.
- Share after-hours “on-call” officer support responsibilities with other program staff.
- Participate on the EPD Crisis Intervention Team and assist in CIT training efforts.
- Coordinate with Program Staff and Chaplains to contribute to, promote, and support officer wellness initiatives.
- Complete proactive outreach to high-risk Elkhart residents impacted by violent crimes, mental health, and substance use disorders.
- Engage in multidisciplinary collaboration to address high resource utilizers/repeat calls for service.
- In conjunction with the Coordinator, coordinate and attend community outreach activities aimed at engaging residents and connecting with community service providers.
- Support patrol officers through the provision of training, resource development, consultation, and on-scene assistance.
- Conduct a variety of needs assessments pertaining to violent crimes, mental health, and substance use disorders in Elkhart, Indiana.
- Complete referrals to hospitals, counseling/treatment agencies, community support providers, and other specialized services.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide occasional education and training to new program staff, interns, volunteers, law enforcement officers, departmental employees, and other community partners.
- Develop materials and participate in special community education projects/presentations as requested by administrative staff.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited social service-related program AND prior experience in social or mental health services.
- Master’s degree accredited social service-related program AND the ability to obtain LCSW/LMHC credentialing preferred.
- Knowledge and experience with trauma informed care practices.
- Experience working with individuals impacted by severe mental health challenges, violent crime victimization, and/or substance use disorders.
- Valid Indiana Driver’s License.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to interact effectively with clients, community members, and co-workers in a professional, courteous, and friendly manner.
- Ability to establish rapport with clients having a diverse range of identities (age, faith, gender, socioeconomic, educational, etc.).
- Ability to support and maintain client confidentiality, privacy, and the right to self-determination.
- Ability to engage with community agencies to learn about resources and work to identify and strengthen those resources that may effectively serve clients.
- Ability to understand, uphold, and assist in the education and exercise of crime victims’ rights per statutory and constitutional laws.
- Regularly seek training/continuing education opportunities. pertaining to best practices and evidence-based interventions.
- Ability to collect, prepare, and maintain statistical records pertaining to job functions.
- Ability to electronically record and store client documentation appropriately.
- Ability to quickly assess and prioritize information received.
- Ability to apply and integrate theory, knowledge, values, and practices of social work.
- Ability to adhere to ALL applicable or assigned ethical standards.
- Ability to use logical thinking and effectively engage in problem solving processes.
- Ability to be flexible and manage multiple demands in unfamiliar and changing environments.
- Ability to successfully pass a testing and screening process including, but not limited to, a background investigation, truth verification examination and criminal history check.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Work is conducted in various settings including the Elkhart Police Department, the jail, in the field, on-scene, and at community agencies. In addition, this position may include exposure to and/or the capability of handling bio-hazardous material.
DRUG TEST REQUIRED
The City of Elkhart is a Drug Free Workplace. Therefore, a post offer, pre-employment drug screen is required. Random drug testing may be conducted after employment.
POLICY STATEMENT
- The incumbent is required to possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities, and the physical, mental, and visual skills described in this job description to perform the principal duties, responsibilities and essential job functions.
- This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent. Principal duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this job and “other” duties and responsibilities include those that are considered incidental or secondary to the overall purpose of this job.
- This job description does not state or imply that the above are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by the Mayor. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with a disability.
Salary : $69,100
