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Outreach Specialist, Violence Interruption



If you’re looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.

About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Position Overview:
Under general supervision, the Violence Interruption Outreach Specialist will provide comprehensive mentorship, crisis support, advocacy, and case management services to individuals at high risk of violence. Individuals in this role will be responsible for fostering community partnerships and ensuring long-term safety and well-being through tailored support plans.

The Violence Interruption Outreach Specialist is expected to have excellent interpersonal skills, strong conflict resolution abilities, and effective verbal and written communication skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Mentorship & Support: Provides guidance, mentorship, and essential support services to individuals at high risk of becoming either perpetrators or victims of violence.
  • Case Management: Delivers direct case management services, offering emergency support to individuals and families affected by incidents of violence.
  • Crisis Response: Offers immediate crisis response services to victims, perpetrators, and their families following shootings or homicides, ensuring support at community locations and hospitals.
  • Victim Advocacy & Support: Provides advocacy and comprehensive support to victims of violence and their families through home visits, phone calls, legal advocacy, and referrals to additional support services.
  • Documentation: Accurately documents all client contacts and services provided, assisting the program manager with data collection and compliance with required reporting standards.
  • Referrals: Facilitates referrals to partner organizations specializing in domestic violence, intimate partner shootings, or homicides, ensuring individuals receive tailored support.
  • Community Engagement: Organizes and leads educational forums, family and group support sessions, and various community-based events to raise awareness and provide assistance.
  • Safety Support: Collaborates with participants to identify safety concerns, develop long-term safety plans, and offer ongoing support for their well-being.
Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx
 If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or emailADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net.
This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Requirements

Education & Experience:
  • 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.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Knowledge of the challenges faced by at-risk individuals, including street-involved youth and young adults, and the ability to develop personalized plans addressing trauma and its effects.
  • Proficient in documenting case notes and maintaining accurate records of services provided to clients.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and the ability to apply them effectively in high-pressure situations.
  • Knowledge of the specific communities within Harris County, particularly those with histories of violence, with established credibility in areas like Cypress Station.
  • High-level interpersonal skills, with strong conflict resolution abilities, and an aptitude for effective verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to effectively engage and communicate with individuals from various ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds, both as clients and colleagues.
  • Ability to cultivate and maintain strong, professional relationships with service providers and partner organizations to ensure continuity of care.
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
  • Understands the organizational mission.
  • Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust.
  • Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others.
Collaboration
  • 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.
Innovation
  • Ability to adapt to change.
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
  • 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.
Communication
  • Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
NOTE:Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Qualifications

Languages:
  • Bilingual in Spanish/English.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
  • This is a full-time position.
  • Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (flexible); however, hours will vary and include nights and weekends, and holidays depending on the activities and events participation in department and division events.
Work Environment:
  • 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 hired.
  • Candidate must have a valid driver's license, vehicle insurance and good driving record; and feel comfortable engaging in community-based services.
Physical Demands:
  • This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds.
Work Location:
  • 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.
Date Posted
05/21/2025
Job Reference
14715
Organization
Public Health Services, Community Health & Violence Prevention Services
Location
Harris County, TX
Category
Public Affairs & Communication
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