Outreach Worker, Violence Interruption - Sunnyside/Greater OST/South Union

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health is seeking an Outreach Worker for the Violence Interruption Program to support participants affected by violence through emergency services, crisis intervention, and advocacy. You will mediate conflicts, provide mentorship, and connect individuals to services addressing violence and root causes.

Strong credibility within Sunnyside and surrounding communities is essential. The role involves case management, referrals to partner organizations, and coordinating with the

Qualifications

• Six months of experience working with high-risk individuals.
• Must be a credible messenger trusted in Sunnyside, Greater OST/South Union and surrounding communities.
• No pending criminal cases.
• Reliable transportation.

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: Provide immediate crisis response to victims, perpetrators, and their families after an incident of violence, responding to the community and hospitals to provide immediate supportive services.
• Victim Advocacy & Support: Provides advocacy and comprehensive support to victims of violence and their families through home visits, phone calls, justice advocacy, and referrals to additional support services.
• Documentation: Accurately documents all client contacts and services provided, including interactions prior to contacts, while assisting the Program Manager with daily, weekly, and monthly data collection to ensure 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.

Skills

Credible messenger

Case management

Crisis intervention

Documentation

Community engagement

Conflict resolution

Referral coordination

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

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.

Our Values

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department’s cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community’s health and well-being.

• Transparency - We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity - Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals

Position Overview

Under the Direction of the Community Health and Violence Prevention Services Division, the Outreach Worker for the Violence Interruption Program will work closely with a portfolio of participants who have been directly or secondarily affected by violence to provide emergency support services case management, crisis intervention, support and advocacy. The Outreach Worker will intervene and mediate conflicts, provide mentorship for participants and connect participants to services that address their individual unique needs, develop relationships with partner organizations and building networks for linkage, provide referrals to partner organizations for domestic violence, intimate partner shootings and/or homicides, and other services related to violent incidents and/or address the root causes of violence. The Outreach Worker will play a critical role in helping community members understand patterns of violence and provide emotional and trauma informed support to victims, perpetrators, their families, and community members. The Outreach Worker must be a credible messenger with established relationships in the target communities of Sunnyside/ Greater OST/South Union, with individuals at the highest risk of being involved in violent incidents.

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: Provide immediate crisis response to victims, perpetrators, and their families after an incident of violence, responding to the community and hospitals to provide immediate supportive services.
• Victim Advocacy & Support: Provides advocacy and comprehensive support to victims of violence and their families through home visits, phone calls, justice advocacy, and referrals to additional support services.
• Documentation: Accurately documents all client contacts and services provided, including interactions prior to contacts, while assisting the Program Manager with daily, weekly, and monthly data collection to ensure 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

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

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.
• Must be considered a credible messenger/trusted resident in Sunnyside, Greater OST/South Union (zip codes: 77021, 77033, 77051), and surrounding communities.
• No pending criminal cases
• Reliable transportation

Certifications/Licenses

• Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

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 Sunnyside/Greater OST/South Union and surrounding communities.
• 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

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

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.

Languages

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position.
• Monday - Friday 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; 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 Services Division is a drug-free and safe workplace.
• This position primarily operates in the field, driving your own vehicle, with occasional days in a professional office environment.
• The position requires flexibility, adaptability, and a balance between office work and outdoor activities with the potential for varying weather conditions.

Physical Demands

• This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push and pull up to twenty (20) pounds; Ability to sit, bend, and stand for extended periods of time.

Work Location

• Harris County Public Health: Community Health and Violence Prevention Services Division - 1111 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
• Work locations may vary and can be reassigned throughout Harris County based on operational needs.

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.