Mental health challenges, substance use, domestic crises or people needing a place to live are serious issues that can be found in any ZIP code.

Jennifer Frye, as a social worker for the McCandless Police Department, knows this first-hand.

“Our team works alongside law enforcement to respond to complex situations, mental health, substance-use disorder, homelessness and family crisis,” she said.

Over the past year, Frye said the department has received many calls for assistance, but 301 of those calls required social work responses, as of an October presentation to town council.

“Our goal is to connect individuals and families to meaningful support and resources, helping them stabilize and move forward,” she said.

Frye was hired Dec. 1, 2024, to bring a social work perspective to public safety, focusing on solutions to the people who need them, according to McCandless police Chief Ryan Hawk.

This is the first official social worker position for the town. Previously, the role was filled by interns, he said.

“Creating a social worker position is important because social workers provide support for mental health, family and social challenges, connect people to resources, and help prevent crises from escalating. They strengthen community well-being, assist vulnerable populations and complement other professionals, ensuring residents receive the help they need and fostering a safer, healthier community,” Hawk said.

Those in crisis can easily access a social work referral form now available on the town’s website at townofmccandless.org. The form is entirely confidential, going directly to Frye, for anyone in need of help for themselves or for someone they know.

This is an alternative option to calling dispatch or 911, she said.

Frye has connected with callers regarding domestic abuse support, aging care, hoarding services, food support and grief management services, to name a few.

A community resource guide also is available on the town’s website with contact information for a multitude of service providers related to specific issues, such as substance abuse, suicide, pregnancy, disability services, food insecurities, suicide, grief and loss support.

The social department at McCandless will continue to strengthen partnerships with community organizations, such as North Hills Community Outreach; Hearth, which provides housing support for victims and children affected by domestic abuse; and Our Black Rose, postvention services for suicide loss survivors.

Frye may be seen working with local schools, including in the North Allegheny School District, in response to a crisis and to help district staff obtain access to the Allegheny County 302 system and local hospitals such as Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic and the Resolve Crisis Network, both in Pittsburgh that help with mental health crises.

“These collaborations help us respond more effectively, reduce strain on law enforcement and build a stronger network of support for those who need it most,” Frye said.

The McCandless Police Department will continue to invest in prevention efforts, continuing education and increasing community engagement through public events and open conversations, she said.

People might have seen her out and about with McCandless Officer Shawn Davis and K-9 Leroy.

“Building these connections before a crisis occurs allows me to better serve residents and build trust in the community,” she said.

Frye has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from La Roche University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Her professional experience includes working as an addiction specialist counselor and an inpatient mental health professional for both adults and children.

Additionally, she has experience in emergency clinical social work at UPMC Children’s Hospital, as well as working for the City of Pittsburgh in social services alongside emergency response departments of the police, EMS and fire.

Frye stresses there is more to the police department than just enforcing the law.

“Public safety isn’t about just enforcement. It’s about care, connection and creating pathways to stability,” she said.

Without divulging any details, Frye recounted a recent situation where a resident with a small child was suffering from domestic abuse. They were able to assist her with her mental health, get the victim out of her current situation and secure housing for herself and her child.

“So (we’re) pretty proud we got her in a better situation than what she was,” Frye said.

Council member Joe Wall, who has experience in public safety, said this work helps police officers who continually receive calls for wellness checks on the same people.

“It allows our police officers to be police officers, when they don’t have your area of your expertise,” he said.

Because the town has a social worker available, Frye said the department has seen a decrease in calls to 911 because she is able to offer the support needed.

“People don’t look at McCandless as having problems and that is something that you unfortunately get to see here, and I think people need to know neighbors have issues,” said Council President Jason Singer.

McCandless Manager John Schwend said Frye’s work is making a difference.

“Having a full-time social worker as part of our team has been a great addition for the town,” he said. “Ms. Frye is smart, thoughtful and resourceful, and has assisted numerous residents during their times of need. I’m very excited to see where she takes the program in the future.”

To access the social worker referral form, visit the Police Department tab at townofmccandless.org.

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