University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston |
Launching the Houston-HVIP: Developing and Evaluating a Hospital-Based Intervention to Reduce Recurrent Violence
Research Topics
Roel has a Master of Science in Social Work from University of Texas Pan American and is certified in Mental Health First Aid, with over twenty five years in community based social work, the last 10 years with the Salud Y Vida program helping diabetes patients in the Rio Grande Valley manage their diabetes. I bring extensive case management experience and advocate for low income, uninsured, and undocumented participants access healthcare and resources to help them manage chronic illnesses.
I have been the social service supervisor for the past 10 years creating the social service program for the salud y vida program at the UT Health Science Center at Houston’s Brownsville campus. In that role I lead the effort to identify resources that the team could utilize to help our participants that were trying to manage chronic illnesses as well as assessing and addressing participants social determinant of health needs. I have worked with TANF participants transition from welfare to work during my time with Health and Human Services. I have experience with the Department of Family and Protective Services as an intensive family preservation family specialist helping families stay together. I have also worked as an investigator with DFPS investigating reports of abuse and neglect. I have worked with the Department of Aging and Disability ensuring nursing homes, assistive living facilities and adult day cares comply with federal and state regulations. These roles have helped me develop community based skills that have improved my empathy and compassion when working with participants that are living in challenging situations.
I will be residing in Houston but I am originally from Edinburg in South Texas. I have two adult children and I enjoy walking, exercising, gardening, going to concerts, and spending time with family and friends and spending time at South Padre Island. I am excited to discover Houston’s food, parks, and culture.
Affiliated Projects