Social Services Liaison brings a focus to improving community relations, access to mental health and other social service needs, as well as filling a need for follow-ups after local law enforcement and fire calls.
Overview:
In a proactive effort to respond to growing mental health, substance abuse, and social service needs in our community, City Council followed the recommendation of the Police Community Relations & Review Commission (PCRRC) to create and fund a new Social Services Liaison position in the Police Division. Staff developed the parameters for the position and the job description and, from a very competitive field, narrowed down applicants and conducted multiple interviews, eventually hiring Ashlea Sleiman, an experienced social service professional, for the role that began in August 2022.
Timeline:
September 17th, 2020
Following National Events that occurred during the summer of 2020, the Police Community Relations & Review Commission (PCRRC) sent a recommendation to Oxford City Council recommending the creation of a taskforce to, "research and fund alternatives to traditional policing."
November 3rd, 2020
City Council passed a resolution that instructed the Division of Police and the PCRRC to work, "collaboratively to explore the specific question of how the City of Oxford can better support the OPD in responding to social and behavioral health challenged in the community, including but not limited to improved training and operational procedures, enhances collaborations with local social service and mental health agencies/providers, and/or hiring of a police social worker." This directive was to be completed no later than June 21st, 2021 to allow for budget planning and inclusion in the 2022 annual budget.
January 2021 through May 2021
A work group comprised of PCRRC members, Division of Police members, Community members, and Miami University Family/Social Work Department members studies the topic of alternatives to police officer response to those individuals facing social, mental, and behavioral health challenges in the community. A final report and recommendation was submitted to the City Manager's office and the Chief of Police in May 2021.
Summer of 2021
Staff worked diligently to develop a budget for the hiring of a Police Social Worker during the fiscal year 2022.
November 16th, 2021
The Oxford City Council passed the annual operating budget for fiscal year 2022 that included the creation of a full-time Police Social Worker.
Winter of 2021-2022
The Division of Police staff worked in conjunction with the Human Resources Department and other outside partners to develop a job description for what would evolve into a Social Services Liaison position.
March 2022 to May 2022
The City of Oxford began advertising for a newly created full-time Social Services Liaison position within the Division of Police.
March 2022 to May 2022
Application screening and interviews for over 50 applicants.
May 2022
Background investigations began on candidates.
August 15th, 2022
Ashlea Sleiman is hired to be the first Social Services Liaison with the Division of Police.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Follows-up on referrals from police officers, Firefighter/EMTs, local schools, hospitals, and the general public. Attempts to connect referrals with existing social service providers.
- Follows up on police and fire calls for service where there is an underlying need for mental health, substance use, or social services.
- Makes referrals to social service, mental health, faith-based, housing or other living support service organizations and medical agencies.
- Serves as a consultant to police officers regarding the management of cases or individuals.
- As requested, responds with officers to scenes requiring case management assistance.
- Provides case management on all referrals for social service assistance.
- Creates and updates a database of available services and eligibility criteria for Police Division use in assisting residents, visitors, and at-risk populations.
- Develops and assists with human relations training for Division employees.
- Promotes public understanding and acceptance of Division policies and procedures through frequent interaction with citizens and/or groups.
- Assists the Division in organizing public educational activities and events to raise awareness among community members.
- Attends meetings and represents the Division in applicable committees such as the Coalition for a Healthy Community Mental Health Workgroup and Butler County Intervention Team meetings.
- Advises City officials, department staff, and citizen groups on matters relating to topics such as mental health and effective responses, social services available and appropriate use, stress management, suicide awareness and prevention, age-related topics (e.g. responding to people with dementia, juveniles in need), unexpected death response, community or individual crisis intervention, debriefings for officers, as needed.
- Performs other related duties, as assigned.
2023 Update:
After being hired, Ashlea immediately began familiarizing herself with OPD operations, the City of Oxford, and its residents. In order to get to know as many people as possible and to spread the word about her role, she has met with several different groups/organizations in the community including Lions Club, Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Rotary, PCRRC, and City Council. Ashlea has joined community groups such as the Mental Health Workgroup and Needs Awareness Committee. Over the course of 2023, she has networked with several agencies in Butler County to serve the community of Oxford. These agencies include The Family Resource Center, Butler County Behavioral Health, Senior Center, Hope Line, Service City, Beckett Springs, and more. It is estimated that Ashlea has provided service referrals for over 100 members of the community. Ashlea is continuing to grow and network in the community and integrate herself within the Oxford Division of Police.