Social worker to be hired by Sharpsburg via federal grant

Sharpsburg officials plan to use a federal grant to hire a full-time social worker.

The borough received $180,564 in covid relief funds earlier this year to cover the salary of a social worker for two years and purchase two computers for police cars.

Council Vice President Karen Pastor said candidates will be interviewed for the position this spring.

No hiring deadline was announced. Computer purchasing plans are being developed.

Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency provided the grant under the Local Law Enforcement Support Grant Program. Mary Bauer of Richland Township, one of Sharpsburg’s two forensic social worker interns. said approximately $135 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding supports this initiative. There is no borough match for the grant.

“I worked for two months on writing the grant in accordance with the requirements of the grant,” said Bauer. “The grant (application) was approved by council, and I made the official submission to the PCCD. In early January, I received notice that our grant proposal was approved.”

Bauer and Ohio Township resident Kirsten Giovengo are Slippery Rock University master’s degree students interning with the Sharpsburg Police Department through April at no cost to the borough. They help people dealing with substance abuse, mental health, homelessness, disputes, abuse and other issues.

“Every day is different and that is one of my favorite aspects of the job,” Bauer said. “We are able to meet clients in their current state and help them connect with vital resources, utilize our services, and a plethora of other actions. A social worker is a vital resource for those within the Sharpsburg community.”

Bauer sand she and Giovengo respond to 911 calls with police and assist with those involved in the call. Giovengo has a bachelor’s degree in social work from Slippery Rock University. Bauer has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and social work from Mercyhurst University.

Pastor said she and police Chief Thomas Stelitano plan to attend a career fair at Slippery Rock later this year to see if more interns would be available.

“We’ve had two interns since last August and both have done a great job of working with our residents who rely on them for help and resources,” Pastor said.

Sharpsburg residents who want to learn more about the interns and inquire about their services can email kgiovengo@sharpsburgborough.com or mbauer@sharpsburgborough.com.