Social Work Navigator Intern- Community Assistance

Position Description

Working At Harris County Precinct 4:

You will be surrounded by team members who bring “heart, hustle, and higher standards” to work each day. These leaders advance opportunity and justice as they deliver services to and advocate for the residents of Harris County. The team you will be joining is innovative, dynamic, and forward-looking.

What you will do for Harris County Precinct 4:

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

Internship Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a U.S. accredited program in Social Work from an accredited university
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• 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.
• 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.
• 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

Licensure:

• Mental Health First Aid Certified ( preferred )
• Licensed Bachelor of Social Work ( BSW) ( preferred )
  
  
  

Experience/Knowledge:

• Three (3) years of experience addressing constituent concerns, resource navigation, case management, community engagement, or outreach.
• Experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Knowledge of social service/human services, and local/regional/state/federal delivery systems. ( preferred )
  
  
  

Language:

• Bilingual (Spanish, Arabic, Pashtu/Dari, Farsi, Amharic, Omari, Vietnamese, Chinese, French, Nepali) ( preferred )
  
  
  

General Information

Position Type, Salary and Typical Hours of Work:

• Regular | Internship
• Harris County employees and interns receive a competitive salary.
  
  
  

Location:

• Multiple Locations in Precinct 4 – Varies
  
  
  

Employment is contingent upon passing a background check and drug screen.

Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.