ACORNS Social Worker

Posting number: 2026-00565

Department: Police Community Engagement

Job classification: Social Worker

Posting type: Open

Categories: Public Safety, Counseling, Community and Social Services

Summary

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The City of Raleigh Police Department is seeking an ACORNS Social Worker. This non-sworn, full-time position works as part of the ACORNS (Addressing Crises through Outreach, Referrals, Networking, and Service) Unit. The position provides trauma-informed, strengths-based support to individuals experiencing homelessness, living with mental illness, and/or substance use disorders throughout the Raleigh community. ACORNS Social Workers work collaboratively with mental health and primary care providers, police agencies, emergency departments, school personnel, and other social service agencies and community partners to help individuals in need and their families by connecting them to appropriate community resources and support services based on their identified needs and circumstances. The role includes responding to emergency crises, community referrals, and proactive outreach alongside a sworn law enforcement officer, with the goal of promoting safety, stability, and access to services while fostering positive community relationships.

Examples of dutiesThe 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.

• Respecting rights and responsibilities of referred individuals and demonstrate professional boundaries and ethics
• Adhering to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
• Collaborating with ACORNS Unit to provide services to individuals impacted by crises concerning homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance use disorders throughout the Raleigh community
• Receiving referrals and working collaboratively with the criminal justice system and community partners to determine an approach to each unique situation 
• Identifying indicators of potential risk for harm to self or others through interactions with the referred individual and available collateral information and facilitating appropriate referrals or notifications in accordance with department policy
• Considering and articulating potential outcomes of various interventions, discuss their risks and benefits, and formulating why a particular course of action was pursued in lieu of other options; opting for least intrusive and most supportive intervention. 
• Initiating Involuntary Commitment Orders (IVC) holds for individuals deemed at risk of harm to self and/or others following Wake County guidelines. 
• Providing assessment dispositions to treatment providers and emergency departments as appropriate
• Collaborating with police services to determine risk of intervention and developing plans for approach of individuals in crisis
• Providing information and facilitating linkage to mental health treatment and other social services
• Consulting with teammates, supervisors, program managers, and program medical directors as appropriate
• Documenting and maintain records in a manner that assures compliance with all agency policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
• Completing annual employee training requirements. Attend seminars, training and other educational opportunities develop professional skills and abilities
• Participating in all scheduled staff meetings, supervision sessions, and other departmental and agency meetings
• Providing consultations concerning populations in Raleigh impacted by homelessness and mental illness and advocate for the ethical treatment of all individuals
• Conducting specialized academy training for recruits and in-service training for employees
• Continuously reviewing current research and innovative trends for engaging with populations impacted by homelessness, substance use, and/or mental illness
• Testifying in court 
• Working rotating flexible hours on short notice
• Operating computer hardware and software at a level needed to effectively perform job functions
• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Ability to advocate for populations impacted by homelessness, living with mental illness, and/or substance use disorders
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain when responding to emergency calls or conducting outreach
• Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, with a minimum two (2) semesters of supervised work or internship working with families, homelessness, mental illness, and/or substance abuse; 1 to 3 years' experience in mental/behavioral health support, or coordinating health and safety programs

OR 

Any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be substituted.

Required Licenses and Certification:

• Valid North Carolina Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record, or the ability to obtain within 60 days of hire

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Social Work
• Peer Support Experience
• Experience working with law enforcement or community response teams
• Ability to perform CPR, First Aid, and properly use AED Equipment

Preferred Licenses and Certification:

• Current 40-hour CIT Certification

Supplemental informationKnowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of or willingness to learn about policing and police culture
• Advanced knowledge of risk assessment and crisis intervention
• Knowledge of evidence-based practices, and strength-based case management philosophies and strategies including trauma informed care
• Knowledge of community resources or the ability to become knowledgeable
• Strong interpersonal, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Flexibility to take on new tasks / assignments with little advance notice
• Ability to create long-term relationships with communities, agencies, etc.
• Ability to gather information regarding an individual's presenting concerns, basic needs, and circumstances to identify appropriate resources and referral options
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated
• Ability to learn and utilize new data software (JULOTA)
• Ability and willingness to function as part of a team
• Ability to operate a City of Raleigh owned vehicle
• Ability to operate in a sometimes ambiguous and frequently changing work environment
• Ability to lift 50 pounds unassisted
• Ability to work closely and in harmony with representatives of other law enforcement and investigative agencies in matters of common interest related to crime statistics and trends
• Ability to abide by of all associated RPD and City of Raleigh Policies

ADA and Other Requirements:

Work Environment and Physical Effort:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Work Environment:
Work is typically performed in an office or similar indoor environment.?

Work Exposures:
Work in this position will require occasional exposure to individuals who are hostile or irate and individuals with known violent backgrounds.

City of Raleigh is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.Accommodationsfor individuals with disabilitiesareprovided upon request.?