Harris County, TX

Position Description

Position Description:

Harris County Precinct 4 seeks a Community Assistance Department Social Work Navigator Intern. This position is an integral part of the Operations Division. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps between frontline services and policy opportunities while supporting resource-related projects that align with the agency's mission. This internship is designed to provide hands-on experience in case management, advocacy, and resource navigation, ensuring alignment with social work competencies and working both in the micro and macro space of social work. The role involves direct client interaction, research, project management, and travel with a client centered holistic approach. The intern will work under the supervision of a social worker and receive the required social work supervision, guidance and feedback to enhance their professional growth.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Case Management and Client Services:

• Provide case management services to individuals and families, addressing needs related to housing, healthcare, employment, and more.
• Conduct client assessments, develop service plans, and follow up to ensure positive outcomes.
• Communicate with clients in person, via phone, email, and remote platforms to provide guidance, support, and referrals.
• Use technology systems to manage client information, requests, intake, track progress, and document services.

Advocacy and Research:

• Conduct research to identify gaps between frontline service delivery and policy implementation.
• Develop recommendations to align organizational practices with best practices in social work and advocacy.
• Work on projects to address systemic barriers and promote equitable access to resources.
• Research and prepare materials for advocacy initiatives to address unmet community needs.

Resource Navigation and Workshop Development:

• Develop and facilitate social service workshops for clients and community members on topics such as housing stability, financial literacy, access to healthcare, and other social service-related subjects.
• Collaborate with agency staff to identify and update community resource guides.
• Coordinate with community partners to strengthen resource networks and enhance client access to services.

Fieldwork and Community Engagement:

• Travel to community centers, social work offices, outreach events, and other locations to meet clients, conduct assessments, and provide services.
• Represent the agency at community meetings, resource fairs, and advocacy events.
• Work in both the field with possible assignments across 1-2 of our 10 community centers and the main Tomball office for professional development.

Administrative Duties:

• Manage and resolve client service tickets, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with agency policies and social work ethical standards.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision sessions, and professional development opportunities.

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 email ADACoordinator@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 and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a U.S. accredited program in Social Work from an accredited university.
• Strong interest in case management, advocacy, and resource navigation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in technology systems, including case management software and virtual communication platforms as well as Microsoft Suite systems.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexibility to travel locally to community centers and other outreach locations.
• Demonstrated ability to adhere to social work values, ethical principles, and competencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to demonstrate empathy, servants’ heart, and patience
• Exceptional listening and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional conflict resolution skills
• Strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Ability to effectively interact with diverse groups, with dignity and respect.
• Ability to evaluate trends and make suggestions for improvement of community-related programs.
• Ability to pivot, adjust to change and work within a growing evolving system.
• Ability to support disaster and recover relief work as essential staff if called upon.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent verbal and written skills.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Capacity to speak effectively before groups or employees of the organization.
• Works well both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain and protect confidentiality and sensitive information.

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.

Preferences

• Bilingual (Spanish, Arabic, Pashtu/Dari, Farsi, Amharic, Omari, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Nepali)
• Knowledge of social service/human services, and local/regional/state/federal delivery systems.
• Mental Health First Aid Certified
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Three (3) years of experience addressing constituent concerns, resource navigation, case management, community engagement, or outreach.
• Licensed BSW

General Information

Location:

• Multiple Locations in Precinct 4 – Varies

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.

Not Applicable