Community Intervention Program Specialist

Basic Function

Responsible for assisting METRO Police Department in dealing with mental health, substance abuse, homelessness, and Veterans issues, by coordinating responses with local agencies and communities in order to achieve METRO Police Department’s objectives and goals. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Provides primary managerial direction and performs personnel administrative functions of direct report staff (e.g., training, supervising, work assignments, timesheets, performance evaluations, etc.) for maintaining necessary staffing, enhancing productivity of staff, and ensuring necessary department outcomes are achieved.
• Provides non-clinical professional social work support to the METRO Police Department.
• Coordinates with outside agencies and other resources on crisis intervention, supportive counseling, linkage, and referrals as needed to identify individuals in need of those resources residing near METRO property or using the Metropolitan Transit Authority’s system.
• Develops working relationships with law enforcement, other emergency response agencies, local psychiatric screening centers, local and public hospitals, courts, and the Veteran’s Administration, as well as other relevant community providers.
• Coordinates joint projects with various community public safety agencies, and other stakeholders; attends community meetings to assist with resolutions and respond to public safety concerns.
• Serves as an advocate with the Metropolitan Transit Authority service area communities to develop needed resources and streamlined systems of care for community resource consumers.
• Attends city, county and state-wide meetings regarding mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness services as needed.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation of services provided to community resource consumers residing on or near property or using Metropolitan Transit Authority’s system.
• Researches, analyzes, and prepares a variety of statistical and other reports for leadership as directed.
• Ensures that projects and initiatives are accomplished in a timely manner.
• Supports Metropolitan Transit Authority’s Safety Management Systems process by following safety and security policies, considering safety in every action and reporting safety and security concerns.
• Maintains effective working relationships with employees, officers, and management staff.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Applies SMS (Safety Management System) methods and principles in daily routine and supports all aspects of the agency’s Public Transportation Agency Safety Plan (PTASP).
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
   

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Social Service, Sociology, or related field.  Master's degree preferred.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum three (3) years’ experience working with community integrated services and clients with mental health or substance abuse disorders.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Valid Texas Drivers required for the job and must meet METRO’s requirements regarding motor vehicle records.
Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.  Ability to effectively manage time and work independently. Proficiency using various computer software including MS Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred. Bilingual Preferred

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.