Outreach Worker, Hospital Violence Interruption Program

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.

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.

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. The HVIP Outreach Worker will intervene and mediate conflicts and connect participants to services that address their unique needs.

The Outreach Worker will form relationships with partner organizations and secure linkages for domestic violence, intimate partner shootings and/or homicides, and other services related to violent incidents and address the root causes of violence. The Outreach Worker will play a critical role in helping hospital victims and community members understand patterns of violence and provide emotional and trauma‑informed support to victims, perpetrators and their families.

The Outreach Worker must be a credible messenger with established relationships in the target communities.

• 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. This may involve coordinating 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; including assistance in completing paperwork and forms related to victims’ compensation. Work closely with hospital staff and help victims and families understand discharge information and follow‑up appointments.
• Provide immediate crisis response to victims, perpetrators, and their families after a shooting or homicide, responding to the participating hospitals and target communities to provide immediate supportive services; working closely with the Community Violence Interruption Outreach team(s), as needed.
• Provide support and advocacy to the 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 and develop relationships with partner organizations and build a warm referral network for linkages.
• Participate in the necessary trainings and conduct workshops for the division, as needed.
• Daily documentation of client services and case management provided; assisting 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.
  • Must be considered a credible messenger/trusted resident in one of the areas that we are serving (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…