Police Social Worker

The City of East Lansing seeks to hire an employee to function as an Outreach Police Social Worker. East Lansing, home to Michigan State University, is a dynamic community of nearly 49,000 people, operates under the Council-Manager form of government with a full-time and part-time regular staff of 331 and a FY2021 combined budget of $135.7 million. The Outreach Police Social Worker is a civilian position within the East Lansing Police Department whose target population are the unhoused individuals within the City.

The primary function of this role is to assist in connecting the homeless individuals within the City of East Lansing to appropriate resources. The goal of this position is to connect individuals with basic need resources and ultimately connect them to housing. The Outreach Social Worker will also be instrumental in connecting community members in need of assistance with the appropriate social services.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct street-outreach and engagement to homeless persons who are sleeping on the streets, in encampments to other places not meant for human habitation (i.e. streets, under bridges or automobiles) through face-to-face intervention.
• Conduct initial housing screenings providing the most appropriate level of service by assessing and prioritizing need.
• Provide linkage and advocacy to help clients access to basic need.
• This position will serve as a liaison to the Downtown District Authority (DDA).
• Conduct outreach with community organizations and private parties on issues such as substance abuse, homelessness, and mental health.
• Ability to testify in court when required to do so under subpoena.
• Take an active role and serve as a subject matter expert for relevant community initiatives, boards or commissions, and work groups.
• Maintain accurate and compliant records in electronic format, adhering to agency requirements and standards.
• Assist police officers through the use of crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques in the field.
• Act as a liaison between the police department and social service resources.

Work Environment/Requirements:

• Non-traditional work hours of afternoons, evenings and weekends.
• Complete a needs assessment for target population clients.
• Provide transportation and advocacy to help clients access documents that will aid in obtaining housing.
• Hours will vary based on season and data to support trends when assistance with population is highest.
• Ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.
• Experience with the Michigan Homeless Management Information System preferred but not required.
• Possess strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills for effective client and community engagement.
• Other duties/projects established by direct supervisor.

Job Details