Outreach Worker, Violence Interruption - Cypress Station

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:

• 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.

About the Role

The Outreach Worker, Violence Interruption 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. They will develop relationships with partner organizations and build 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 Cypress Station with individuals at the highest risk to be involved in violent incidents.

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: Provides 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.

Requirements

• 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 the Cypress Station, 77090 zip code, and surrounding communities.
• No pending criminal cases.
• Reliable transportation.
• Certifications/Licenses: Current Texas Driver's License (upon hire).

Skills

• 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 unincorporated Harris County, particularly those with histories of violence, with established credibility in the area of 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

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: Using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: 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: 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: 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.

Preferences

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. Typical hours are Monday – Friday, 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM; however, hours will vary and include nights, weekends, and holidays depending on 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

Work locations may vary and can be reassigned throughout Harris County based on operational needs.