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COORDINATOR OF SPECIAL PROGRAMS II, HEALTH SERVICES

Food Council Administrator (FULL-TIME CONTRACTUAL)

Recruitment #25-002818-0007

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GRADE

14

LOCATION OF POSITION

8930 Stanford Blvd. 
Columbia, MD 21045

Main Purpose of Job

The Coordinator of Special Programs II, HS (Food Council Administrator) will be responsible for coordinating the establishment of a Food Council to address food insecurity in Howard County. The position will be part of the Bureau of Assessment, Planning and Community Engagement, Howard County Health Department (HCHD) working closely with the University of Maryland Extension – Howard County (UME-HC).  

This position is eligible for hybrid telework.

POSITION DUTIES

70% Program Direction and Coordination
  • Remains knowledgeable about best practices related to Food Councils in and around Maryland; 
  • Establishes the infrastructure for the Food Council including documenting the purpose, By-Laws, membership composition, setting meeting schedules, etc. in consultation with the University of Maryland Extension – Howard County and other subject-matter experts in Food Systems; 
  • Along with Food Council members, identifies priorities and develops, implements and evaluates a collaborative Action Plan with activities to address food and nutrition insecurity in Howard County;
  • Recruits and collaborates with diverse members of the Food Council comprised of key partners with food system expertise and individuals with lived experience of food insecurity; 
  • Coordinates and facilitates quarterly Food Council meetings; 
  • Makes recommendations for the maximum utilization of existing services as well as for additional or expanded activities and strategies related to County-wide food and nutrition security programs and strategic plan objectives;
  • Prepares, monitors and submits food security grants, budgets and reports in accordance with the grant requirements and deadlines; 
  • Develops and provides food security presentations to partners, elected officials and community members in coordination with the Health Department and University of Maryland Extension.

25% Partner & Community Engagement
  • Maintains liaisons and cooperative relationships with the University of Maryland Extension – Howard County, other Statewide agencies, community organizations, and other internal and external partners providing food-related services to the Howard County population; 
  • Serves as a spokesperson for the Food Council, presenting updates on its efforts, and actively participating in local and regional food system-focused coalitions and working groups; 
  • Recommends food security messaging and timing of messages in collaboration with the Local Health Improvement Coalition (LHIC), HCHD and UME-HC communications team.

5% Other
  • Performs other related duties as assigned, including but not limited to: 
· Possess a broad understanding of HCHD services and can refer to other programs.
· Participates in necessary drills and exercises, responds to emergencies.
        · Keeps abreast of policies and procedures in the program.
        · Completes all required training.
        · Participates in quality improvement efforts within the program.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate. 

Experience: One year of professional experience in assisting in the coordination of a health-related program(s) or referring people to governmental and private resources. 

Notes: 
 1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience. 

 2. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in Health Care Administration classifications or Civil Affairs Specialist specialty codes in the health-related field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience and education.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Desired qualifications:
  • Demonstrated connection to Howard County, Maryland through residency, professional experience, or a strong, sustained interest in serving and engaging with the local community.
  • Experience with or demonstrated understanding of issues related to community food systems
  • Experience facilitating group meetings, such as committees, task forces, or community coalitions, to build consensus and advance shared goals.
  • Experience engaging with a diverse range of community members, grassroot organizations, elected officials and food system professionals
  • Proficiency in using technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx)
  • Strong oral and written communications skills, including the ability to write clear and concise reports, public speaking and presenting

SELECTION PROCESS

Applicants who meet the minimum (and selective) qualifications will be included in further evaluation. The evaluation may be a rating of your application based on your education, training and experience as they relate to the requirements of the position. Therefore, it is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. Clearly indicate your college degree and major on your application, if applicable. For education obtained outside the U.S., any job offer will be contingent on the candidate providing an evaluation for equivalency by a foreign credential evaluation service prior to starting employment (and may be requested prior to interview). 

Complete applications must be submitted by the closing date. Information submitted after this date will not be added. 

Incorrect application forms will not be accepted. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Candidates may remain on the certified eligible list for a period of at least one year. The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.

BENEFITS

Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits. 

Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application (and supplemental questionnaire) may be submitted to MDH, Recruitment and Selection Division, 201 W. Preston St., Room 114-B, Baltimore, MD 21201. Paper application materials must be received by 5 pm, close of business, on the closing date for the recruitment, no postmarks will be accepted.

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload.  If you are unable to upload, please fax the requested information to 410-333-5689. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the MDH Recruitment and Selection Division at 410-767-1251.

If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

Appropriate accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request by calling: 410-767-1251 or MD TTY Relay Service 1-800-735-2258.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.




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