Police Social Services

As the Police Department’s Social Services Coordinator, Ashly Nicholas comes to work daily looking to make the Department and the community a better place. Armed with a bachelor's degree in psychology with a minor in criminology and a master’s degree in social work from Slippery Rock University, Nicholas interned with the Ross Township Police Department, working with the social services director.

Nicholas’ unique skillset allows her to provide comprehensive social services, including crisis support and intervention, short-term counseling, case management, advocacy, and community outreach. Her abilities ease the burden for other members of the Department who are not as well-trained for those time-consuming situations. 

In situations where it is safe, Nicholas can accompany and assist officers on calls to help deescalate and call on her training in mental health support. Contact with an individual doesn’t end after an incident – instead, it’s an ongoing relationship in which Nicholas can help them find counseling, treatment, or assistance with day-to-day life.

Nicholas also focuses on helping first responders manager their own mental health, offering them the same educated, compassionate support she provides to the community.