Outreach Worker, Hospital Violence Interruption Program

Harris County

Houston (TX)

On-site

USD 35,000 - 50,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

A public health organization in Houston is seeking an Outreach Worker for the Hospital Violence Interruption Program. The role involves supporting victims of violence at local hospitals, providing case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Candidates should possess a high school diploma, experience with high-risk individuals, and a valid Texas Driver’s License. This full-time position requires flexibility in working hours and involves significant community engagement.

Qualifications

Valid Texas Driver’s License and good driving record.
Experience working with high-risk individuals.
Bilingual in Spanish/English preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide support and services for victims of violence at hospitals.
Deliver immediate crisis response to victims and families.
Provide advocacy through hospital visits and phone calls.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Interpersonal skills

Conflict resolution

Documenting case notes

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position Description

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 the direction of the Office of Community Health and Violence Prevention Services Division, the Hospital Violence Interruption Program (HVIP) Outreach Worker will:

Respond to participating area hospitals to provide support, case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy to gunshot, stabbing, and/or aggravated assault victims.
Intervene and mediate conflicts and connect participants to services that address their unique needs.
Form relationships with partner organizations and secure linkages to domestic violence, intimate partner shootings, homicides, and other services related to violent incidents.
Provide emotional and trauma‑informed support to victims, perpetrators, and their families.
Act as a credible messenger with established relationships in the target communities.

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. May coordinate 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; assist in completing paperwork and forms related to victims’ compensation; work closely with hospital staff to explain discharge information and follow‑up appointments.
Provide immediate crisis response to victims, perpetrators, and their families after a shooting or homicide; respond to participating hospitals and target communities to provide supportive services. Work closely with the Community Violence Interruption Outreach team(s) as needed.
Provide support and advocacy to 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; develop relationships with partner organizations and build a “warm referral” network for linkages.
Participate in necessary trainings and conduct workshops for the division as needed.
Document client services and case management daily; assist program supervisor and manager with data collection and required reporting.
Work with participants to identify and address safety concerns and create plans for long‑term safety and well‑being.

Education

High school diploma or GED, or the ability to obtain within 12 months of hire date.

Experience

At least six (6) months of experience working with high‑risk individuals of diverse backgrounds.
Credible messenger/trusted resident in one of the areas served (Sunnyside, South Park, Greater OST/South Union, Cypress Station, and/or Cloverleaf).
No pending criminal cases.

Certifications/Licenses

Valid Texas Driver’s License (upon hire), good driving record, and vehicle insurance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

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.
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 for maximum productivity.

Communication

Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.

Notes

Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. Attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation. Only information stated on the application will be used for consideration. “See Resume” will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

Bilingual in Spanish/English.

General Information

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

Full‑time position.
Monday through Friday 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM (flexible); days and times will involve working evenings and weekends.
Days and hours will depend on the needs of the community and division, including community engagement events.

Work Environment

HCPH Community Health and Violence Prevention Division is a drug‑free and safe workplace. Passing a drug screening and background check is required prior to hiring.

Physical Demands