Outreach Specialist, Hospital Violence Interruption Program

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Provide support and services for gunshot, stabbing, and aggravated assault victims at participating hospitals; this includes individuals at the highest risk of being perpetrators of violence and their family members. This may involve coordinating efforts with the Community Violence Interruption Team(s).
• Provide direct case management and emergency support services to individuals, and their families involved in instances of violence; including assistance in completing paperwork and forms related to victims compensation. Work closely with hospital staff, and help victims and families understand discharge information and follow-up appointments.
• Provide immediate crisis response to victims, perpetrators, and their families after a shooting or homicide, responding to the participating hospitals and target communities to provide immediate supportive services; working closely with the Community Violence Interruption Outreach team(s), as needed.
• Provide support and advocacy to the victims of violence and their families through hospital visits, home visits, phone calls, justice advocacy, and referrals to other support organizations.
• Coordinate and facilitate educational forums, family and group support sessions, trainings and other gatherings and develop relationships with partner organizations and build “warm referral” network for linkages.
• Participate in necessary trainings and conduct workshops for the division, as needed.
• Daily documentation of client services and case management provided; assisting program supervisor and manager with data collection and required reporting.
• Work with participants to identify and address safety concerns and create plans for longterm safety and well-being.

• High school diploma or GED, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire date, and at least six (6) months of experience working with high-risk individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Must be considered a credible messenger/trusted resident in one of the areas that we are serving (Sunnyside, South Park, Greater OST/S Union, or Cypress Station).
• No pending criminal cases.

• Experience supporting and working with at-risk individuals and street involved residents, developing individualized plans for at-risk community members; awareness of trauma reactions.
• Experience working with people from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds both as colleagues and as clients.
• Experience documenting case notes.
• Experience developing and retaining relationships with other service providers.
• High level of interpersonal skills and conflict resolution skills and ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form.
• Crisis intervention training or knowledge.
• Knowledge of Harris County communities with histories of violence; credibility in Sunnyside, South Park, Greater OST/South Union, and/or Cypress Station area in unincorporated Harris County.

• Understands the organizational mission.
• Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
•  Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.

• Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission.
• Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group.
• Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs.

• Ability to adapt to change.

• Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect.
• Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner.
• Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses.
• Uses sound judgment.
• Self-motivated.
• Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity.

• Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

• Bilingual in Spanish/ English. 

• This is a full-time position; Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM (flexible); however, days and times will involve working evenings and weekends due to the nature of the work. Days and hours will depend on the needs of the community and division, including community engagement events.

• The Harris County Public Health Community Health and Violence Prevention Division is a drug free and safe workplace, passing a drug screening and background check is required prior to being hire.
• Candidate must have a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance and good driving record; and feel comfortable engaging in community-based services.

• This is a mobile and active role; and some duties would require the ability to lift up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

• Harris County Public Health: 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

Salary : $31,200