Social Work Navigator Intern - Community Assistance

Harris County (TX)•Houston, TX

33d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.