O’Hara officials move forward with social worker search
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O’Hara Township Council voted unanimously Sept. 6 to create the social services coordinator position and begin a candidate search.
“The social worker would allow the police department to concentrate on what they do best, which is dealing with the criminal justice system,” council President Robert Smith said.
“The social worker would assist the police department, the code enforcement staff and the inspection department when dealing with situations for which they were not specifically trained. The social worker would assist all departments when they encounter things like hoarding, mental health issues, domestic disputes and drug and alcohol problems. The social worker will be available on a daily basis and be an important resource to help the township’s residents in their time of need.”
Manager Julie Jakubec said the position will be posted on various job boards and the township website.
The goal is to hire someone in November. Starting salary was listed at $75,000.
Idea planted
Having a social worker was brought to the forefront during a presentation at the June council meeting by Hampton Township police Chief Thomas Vulakovich and Hampton Social Services Coordinator Angela Kenbok.
The pair talked about the benefits of having a social worker and how Kenbok has been an asset to the community.
“It was probably the best thing that I’ve ever participated in my career, and I’ve done a lot,” Vulakovich said at the time.
“This position was needed many many years ago.”
Kenbok and another intern were welcomed by Hampton in August 2020. The department provided a workspace and officers would take them into the community and on various calls.
They helped drug users seek treatment, consoled people after accidents and other emergencies and documented reports if someone wanted to accept social services, among other tasks.
Kenbok said they assisted 176 individuals and families in a little more than eight months.
The program was so successful that Hampton hired Kenbok, an Emsworth native, full time in May 2021.
She and Millvale’s social worker Alyssa Peters are expected assist O’Hara Police Superintendent Jay Davis as part of the hiring process.
“I think it’s going to be a great addition to the township staff, and be a tremendous resource for our residents,” Jakubec said. “It’s such a wonderful program that supports not only the police but code enforcement. Hopefully we can connect people who need services with our social services coordinator.”
Nearby interns
Sharpsburg officials welcomed Slippery Rock University master’s degree students Mary Bauer of Richland Township and Kirsten Giovengo of Ohio Township as interns at an Aug. 25 meeting.
They are in the same program that trained Kenbok and others.
The internship is at no cost to the borough. Their hours and schedules vary.
Bauer described their work as providing “short-term services” while bringing resources and opportunities for those in need.
Company car
O’Hara officials are also considering an estimated $26,700 purchase of a Ford SUV from C. Harper Ford through the state’s CoStars program for the social service coordinator.
That purchase is expected to be approved at O’Hara’s Sept. 13 regular voting session.