Social Work Navigator Intern

Harris County Precinct 4 Social Services Department seeks a 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 agencys 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.

• Facilitate Mental Health Peer Support Groups

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.

Education:

• Current enrollment in a U.S. accredited program in Social Work within an accredited university.

• Strong interest in case management advocacy and resource navigation.

• Proficiency in technology systems including case management software and virtual communication platforms as well as Microsoft Suite systems.

• Capacity to speak effectively before groups or employees of the organization.

• Demonstrated ability to adhere to social work values ethical principles and competencies.

• Excellent written and verbal communication and listening skills.

• Exceptional conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

• Exceptional customer service skills

• Flexibility to travel locally to community centers and other outreach locations.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to demonstrate empathy servants heart and patience

• 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 maintain and protect confidentiality and sensitive information.

• Ability to manage competing priorities.

• Ability to pivot adjust to change and work within a growing evolving system.

• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.

• Ability to support disaster and recover relief work as essential staff if called upon.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Ability to work in cross-functional teams.

• Three (3) years of experience addressing constituent concerns resource navigation case management community engagement or outreach

• Experience with Motivational Interviewing (MI)

• Licensed BSW

• Mental Health First Aid Certified

• Bilingual (Spanish Arabic Pashto Dari Farsi Amharic Vietnamese Chinese and/or French)

• Knowledge of social service/human services and local/regional/state/federal delivery systems