SOCIAL SERVICES ADVOCATE 2026-03138

Safety/Security Sensitive Designation:

This is a safety/security sensitive position for purposes of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

1. Provide good customer service to both internal and external customers, maintain positive and effective working relationships with other City employees (especially members of their own team), and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. 
2. Under direct or general supervision, the Social Services Advocate provides access to acute emergency mental health and substance use treatment services.  The Social Services Advocate plays a critical role in the effort to reduce the number of calls to law enforcement, provide alternative crisis solutions to the community, and build linkages to needed community resources.  The Social Services Advocate has specialized skills and other support capabilities to help individuals experiencing homelessness, being under the influence of alcohol and controlled substances, or having a mental illness.  
3. Accompany officers responding to calls for service, promoting an ethical, structured, healthy, and helpful environment. 
4. Build relationships with clients to establish trust, follow-up to ensure resources are utilized and offer assistance to reduce barriers and facilitate access to resources.
5. Maintain documentation of client contacts. 
6. Maintain linkages with community services and resources and refer individuals to appropriate services.
7. Provide crisis intervention services, including crisis case management and short-term counseling as a follow-up from the initial evaluation. 
8. Help families connect with employment services and obtain financial assistance from government or private sources as appropriate. 
9. Compile detailed narrative and statistical reports for Police Chief’s review regarding program operations; assist in the preparation of reports and documents for City Council, civic organizations, and committees.
10. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief of Police or his/her designee.

1. Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university is required.  Prefer experience working with culturally diverse clients in the criminal justice system, human services, or a related field.  
2. Valid driver’s license.
3. Must successfully pass background check and drug screen.
4. Knowledge of federal and state laws and acts applicable to social services. 
5. Effectively communicate with others orally and in writing.
6. Ability to manage and prioritize tasks and projects. 
7. Ability to anticipate and analyze problems, develop alternatives, and make recommendations. 
8. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
9. Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from clients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
10. Ability to solve problems, make decisions, resolve conflicts and listen effectively.
11. Ability to calmly deal with crisis situations.
12. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to be compassionate and firm and always maintain appropriate confidentiality.
13. Must be proficient in the use of a computer and software programs such as word processing and spreadsheet applications.  
14. Must be able to effectively operate standard office equipment.
15. Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
16. Ability to work in a team setting and work independently with limited direction.
17. Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate clients’ work schedules and to assist in the police department’s response to individuals in crisis.
18. While performing the functions of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee regularly is required to move from location to location; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities to accomplish computer and office work.