What are the responsibilities and job description for the Substance Use Education Specialist, Public Safety position at Harris County?
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Job Description
Harris County Public Health has earned the 2023 Best Place for Working Parents Business Designation. About Harris County Public Health: Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 700 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.
Position Overview:
The Substance Use Education Specialist serves as a role model, mentor, and motivator to substance use recovering individuals by staying engaged in their recovery process and preventing relapse. This role will promote a unique recovery approach to each individual based on their specific needs. The Substance Use Education Specialist will provide peer support and provide education on available resources. The Public Safety Substance Use Education Specialist will focus on partnering with law enforcement agencies in the development and betterment of first responder process in response to substance use and overdose prevalence in Harris County.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Collaborate with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement, and public safety agencies to develop and refine processes for addressing substance use and overdose.
Engage and oversee partners providing peer support services to inmates in the Harris County Jail System, focusing on initial contact and ongoing engagement in recovery services.
Educate public safety personnel on the use of naloxone and other harm reduction measures, addressing gaps in existing training programs.
Assist with workplan implementation and maintenance, record and submit required programmatic and departmental reports, and document activities following established protocols.
Assist in work-plan implementation and maintenance; recording and submitting required programmatic and departmental reports, documenting work activities according to established protocols.
Collect and analyze data on intervention and treatment effectiveness for justice-involved individuals, using findings to improve recovery service delivery.
Work with law enforcement to distribute naloxone, prioritizing individuals at risk of overdose upon re-entry into the community.
Participate in planning, organizing, and facilitating community events; design and prepare spreadsheets, forms, graphs, pamphlets, and PowerPoint presentations for program services.
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.
Experience:
One (1) year of experience in recovery support services, healthcare, or related substance use services
Experience in public speaking and delivering presentations to community groups.
Education:
High School Diploma or equivalent
Licensure/Certification:
Certified Peer Recover Specialist (CPRS), Recovery Support Peer Specialist (RSPS), or other related Certification
Valid TX Driver's License
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
Excellent communication skills (verbal & written) -Excellent time management and organizational skills
Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information
Ability to maintain high ethical standards while working with clients & stakeholders
Ability to work well with public and staff members
Knowledge of Substance use addiction and mental health in underserved communities
Core Competencies:
Organizational Leadership
-Understands the organizational mission
-Understands ethics and public good; is concerned with public trust
-Demonstrates respect for the opinions and beliefs of others
Collaboration
-Contributes to an inclusive workplace where equity, diversity, inclusion, and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission
-Demonstrates a sense of responsibility for the success of the group
-Collaborates with others to improve quality and address needs
Innovation
-Ability to adapt to change
Interpersonal Abilities/Personal Characteristics
Treats others with courtesy, sensitivity, and respect
Behaves in an honest, fair, and ethical manner -Assesses and recognizes own strengths and weaknesses
Uses sound judgment
Self-motivated
Organizes and maintains work environment to allow for maximum productivity
Communication
Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing
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.
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:
Full Time | Regular
Monday through Friday | 8:00am to 5:00pm
Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including after hours and weekends.
Able to travel within Harris County as needed.
Work Environment:
This job operates in a professional office & community environment in the field. It routinely uses standard office equipment such as computer, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.
Physical Demands:
This role requires the ability to lift, carry, push, pull up to 20 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.
Location:
1111 Fannin St. Houston, TX 77002
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.
Salary : $47,840
