The East Hartford Department of Health & Human Services strives to promote the well-being, self-sufficiency and quality of life among East Hartford residents. The Crisis Intervention Division social worker is an American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) grant-funded, full-time position within the Department that will evaluate the needs of residents and provide referrals and resources so that individuals can access appropriate services. The Police Department Social Worker will work directly with the Program Supervisor, police department, and other Town department staff to link individuals in crisis to appropriate mental health, clinical and assistance services. The social worker will conduct assessments of residents seeking assistance and provide case management of clients and/or family members in collaboration with other social services staff, municipal departments, healthcare and behavioral health providers, and community partners.

This is a full-time, grant funded position support up to 35 hours per week, with work hours scheduled Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional after-hours work may be required for crisis response, outreach and education events.

The social worker provides client-centered assistance, case management and crisis intervention services designed to promote positive outcomes and enhanced quality of life conditions for residents. The person in this position performs confidential work case management with a focus on assessment and connection to appropriate programs and services in town and in community. The social worker works under the general direction of the program supervisor and department director.

In the Town of East Hartford, we don't just accept difference — we celebrate it, support it, and thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, residents, and community partners. The Town of East Hartford is proud to be an equal-opportunity workplace.

• Conducts comprehensive screenings and assessments; assists with client-led goal setting; provides resources and referrals, and short-term case management as indicated.
• Provides risk evaluations both in office and in community and takes appropriate actions to keep client and others safe. Conduct assessments and case management via phone, in-person, or virtual platforms to clients referred for social services.
• Provides social services support to other Town departments such as police and emergency medical services and works collaboratively with the schools and community providers in various sectors.
• Collaborate with the Police Department crisis response contract staff to provide training and consultation to law enforcement and other municipal department personnel about mental illness, substance use, de-escalation techniques and related topics.
• Maintain documentation in compliance with agency and program standards.
• Coordinate with municipal programs and community programs to assist individuals to remain safely in the community and to engage in treatment.
• Collects data and information on needs and progress toward goal achievement.
• Provides input on trending barriers to high quality of life conditions for children, youth and families and information on evidence-based strategies to improve those conditions.
• Assists with grant application development, data collection, and reporting.
• Participate in staff meetings, supervision, trainings and other meetings as assigned.

• Contribute to the creation of policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Contribute to the development of state reports, research analyses reports, curriculum development, and manuals for evidence-based best practices.
• Collaborate with the Program Supervisor to develop and implement strategic goals and objectives.
• Address barriers to access at the individual and group level through direct communication and problem-solving with providers, Family Advocates, Caseworkers, parents/caregivers, and other involved parties. Communicate concerns in a timely fashion to Police Department and Human Services leadership.

• Must have a working knowledge of Trauma-Informed work, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), and Motivational Interviewing (MI) with an expertise in Case Management Standards.
• A working knowledge of treatment and prevention of substance misuse, suicide prevention, chronic absenteeism, parenting support, crisis response and juvenile diversion is preferred.
• Knowledge of developmental issues for the full range of adult clients in diagnosing and determining treatment programs that result in positive client progress.
• Excellent time management skills, flexibility regarding scheduling, and the ability to multitask in the completion of job responsibilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with individuals with mental health and cooccurring disorders, as well as with their families/caregivers and natural support systems.
• Motivated and able to work as a team player collaborating with peers and staff on formulating appropriate diagnoses and treatment programs.
• Ability to understand and incorporates recovery-based treatment, language, and interventions into documentation and daily operations.
• Awareness/sensitivity to all types of issues related to client and staff diversity.
• Ability to ensure the security and confidentiality of client information and records.
• East Hartford is a diverse community with 70% of the population comprised of persons of color. The person in this position will need to have a good understanding of cultural competency and cultural humility.

Master’s degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or related health human services field (Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Family & Child Development, Counseling, Gerontology, or Guidance & Counseling)

Experience:

At least three years of experience in human services, social services, or a related field, or demonstrated experience serving as the lead or coordinator of social services or related programs. Experience in police department social work or crisis intervention preferred.

Licenses/Certificates/Other Qualifications:

• Licensure or license eligible, preferred but not required as a clinical social worker or licensed professional counselor in the State of Connecticut.
• Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
• Bilingual/Bicultural, Spanish/English skills helpful, but not required.