Scott Township’s police department will have a new member, a social worker, on its team by summer.
The township is hiring a full-time social worker to provide expert crisis intervention support in cases involving mental health, addiction, homelessness and several other complex social situations.
“It is important for residents to understand that this initiative is about improving service, not reducing public safety,” said Chief Matthew Podsiadly. “Officers will continue to respond to calls and enforce the law as needed.
“The social worker will function as a co-responder, not in place of a police response. This addition strengthens our overall response model, supports our officers and reflects the township’s commitment to proactive, community-focused public safety.”
Podsiadly said the department has been working toward adding a social worker for the past five years. The police force continues to see situations where residents experience mental health crises, substance use challenges, family instability or other social-service-related needs that are not best addressed by law enforcement alone, he said.
“While police officers are often the first to respond, many of these calls are fundamentally rooted in health and social issues rather than criminal behavior,” Podsiadly said. “Incorporating a social worker allows us to respond in a more appropriate, compassionate and effective way.”
Podsiadly said the primary goals of the social worker program are to better serve residents in crisis, reduce repeat calls for service, and connect individuals and families with resources that support long-term stability.
A social worker within the department can provide follow-ups, coordinate with other resources, assist officers during certain calls and help divert people from the criminal justice system when appropriate, he said.
“There is a clear and growing need for this role within the police department,” Podsiadly said. “Officers frequently respond to incidents involving mental health crises, homelessness, domestic disputes, substance abuse and other vulnerable populations.
“While officers are trained to handle these situations safely and professionally, they are not clinicians or case managers. A social worker brings specialized training and experience that complements police work and helps ensure residents receive the right help at the right time.”
Podsiadly said the township will advertise the position in January and hopes to have the position filled by May.
“As with any new role, it is important to us that the individual selected is well-qualified and a strong fit for both the department and the community,” Podsiadly said.
Police departments hiring social workers is a growing trend in Allegheny County — Sharpsburg and Ross Township, for example, have recently hired social workers. Podsiadly recognized Hampton Township’s chief, Tom Vulakovich, and that department’s social worker, Angela Kenbok, for their resources and guidance in helping Scott launch its program.
Podsiadly also thanked state Rep. Dan Deasy, D-Pittsburgh and U.S. Sen. Chris Deluzio, D-Fox Chapel, for help acquiring grant funding to support the program. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency awarded nearly $149,000 to Scott for the social worker.
