Social Worker / Advocate

General Summary:

The primary role of the Domestic Violence Bureau (DVB) social worker/advocate is to provide direct services to clients who are victims and survivors of family violence. Core responsibilities include assessing client strengths, needs, risks, and available resources; developing individualized safety plans; and increasing awareness of domestic violence and related family issues.

Social workers/advocates assist complainants by initiating protective order applications, connecting them with law enforcement to file criminal charges, linking them to community resources, making Children's and Adult Protective Services reports, and communicating with court prosecutors. They also provide court accompaniment and advocacy services as needed. On occasion, advocates may testify as expert witnesses regarding domestic violence, including common characteristics of survivors and offenders, the impact of mental health and substance use, and risk assessment considerations. Social workers/advocates also participate in community events and partner agency activities to provide DVB safety services and represent the bureau.

In addition to general advocacy duties, social workers provide an advanced level of expertise in crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and working with DVB clients who present with higher needs, including those experiencing suicidal ideation, significant mental health concerns, complex or high-risk situations, or other specialized challenges. All social service staff participate as members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT) within the DVB.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Assess clients for risk, protective factors, and emotional well-being, and provide referrals as needed.
• Assist complainants with initiating protective order applications.
• Help clients develop safety and stabilization plans and increase awareness of domestic violence and related family issues.
• Provide crisis intervention, brief counseling, and supportive counseling.
• Conduct case research, complete required documentation, and provide expert witness testimony when necessary.
• Communicate and collaborate with supervisors, prosecutors, coworkers, and outside agencies, working within a multidisciplinary team to support the best DVB client (victim/survivor) outcomes.
• Follow up with clients to assess progress, support plan implementation, and provide additional services or referrals as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The role requires working collaboratively within a multidisciplinary criminal justice team while practicing from a strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally competent perspective. The advocate must demonstrate strong in-person and written communication skills and effectively engage with diverse clients and partners.

Required Education/ Experience:

• 2 years Domestic Violence experience or experience in social services, preferred.
• Bachelors required in social service field. Master's degree in social service field or LMSW preferred.
• Bilingual preferred, not required

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full time - 40 hour work week, evenings and weekends as necessary to meet workload demands.
• Position is grant-funded and is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Salary (Starting):

• To be discussed during the interview process

Benefits

Harris County offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for regular (full-time) employees, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Wellness programs
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Ten (10) days of vacation per year during the first five years of service (increases with tenure)
• Eleven (11) County holidays plus 1 floating holiday
• Professional development opportunities
• Dependent Care and Healthcare Reimbursement Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
• Additional benefits may be available to regular full-time and eligible part-time employees:
• Retirement pension through the Texas County & District Retirement System (TCDRS)
• Transportation assistance through the Metro Ride Sponsor Program

Application Notice:

Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to provide individual status updates. If selected for an interview, a recruiter will contact you directly. We truly appreciate your interest in joining our team.