Specialist, Community Intervention Program

WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR

Do you have a passion for helping others? Do you want to make a difference in the Austin Community?

The Specialist, Community Intervention Program reports directly to the Program Manager of Community Intervention. This position is responsible for assisting Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro) Public Safety Department in dealing with mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, and veteran issues that impact the transit system, by coordinating responses with local agencies and communities to achieve CapMetro’s strategic plans and goals.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

Note: The duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general content of and requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties.

• Provide non-clinical professional social work support to the Public Safety Department.
• Engage vulnerable populations on or near CapMetro system through street outreach.
• Assist individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse issues with basic needs and referrals to social services. This may include but is not limited to assisting individuals with or providing the following things:
  • Food stamps applications
  • ID documentation assistance
  • Hygiene items
  • Cold weather resources
  • Referrals to community resources
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of field work.
• Become knowledgeable about community resources and local partnerships.
• Gain working knowledge of bus routes and CapMetro system.
• Attend internal and external meetings related to public safety, homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse issues.
• Assist with internal training opportunities (mental health first aid, homelessness, etc.).
• Support Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Safety Management Systems (SMS) process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Perform other duties as required and/or assigned.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Service, Sociology, or field. Experience may be substituted for educational requirements on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years.
• Master's in Social Work, Counseling, or related field preferred.
• Two (2) years’ experience working with community integrated services and clients with mental health or substance abuse disorders.
• Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience working with vulnerable populations in public settings.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Self-starter that is innovative with their approach to this position.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, officers, management, service contractors, local and regional partner agencies, and the public.
• Analytical ability to find solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meets established deadlines, generate spreadsheets, and write reports.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with community resources including but not limited to substance abuse, homelessness, mental health, and veterans.
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Possess a valid class “C” Texas driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
• Proficiency using various computer software including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Mobility Status:

As an Onsite position, the incumbent is expected to be assigned an individual workspace. Expected to work in the office 4 days a week. Mobility status is subject to change at any time based on business needs or organizational decisions. This role is based in Austin, Texas and requires relocation to the Austin, Texas area prior to start date.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is performed in an office and outside environment with exposure to inclement weather and adverse weather conditions. Incumbent must have the ability to stand, walk and travel throughout the workday. This position is primarily daytime but will need to have the ability to work varying shifts if required, to meet the department needs. Must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle. Must be able to use a telephone or headset equipment. Incumbent must be able to lift and move material weighing up to 20 lbs., perform work at a computer terminal for 6-8 hours a day, and function in an environment with interruptions. This position may require work beyond a normal forty-hour weekly schedule. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions as previously described.

• Work with a diverse, collaborative, and energetic workforce whose focus is to bring innovation into the industry and how we serve our customers and team members.
• Utilize our free and reduced-fare transit service to get to the office and then plan to hit the gym (for free) and work with our onsite trainers, before heading back home.
• If you have children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years old, enroll them in the onsite award-winning Childcare and Learning Center.