Food Council Administrator (Full-Time Contractual)

Howard County•Howard, MD

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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; and 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 and 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; and 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 as appropriate, keeps abreast of policies and procedures in the program, bureau and department; and Completes all required trainings. Participates in quality improvement efforts within the program.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
One year of professional experience in assisting in the coordination of a health-related program(s) or referring people to governmental and private resources.
Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience in connecting to Howard County, Maryland through residency, professional experience, or a strong, sustained interest in serving and engaging with the local community.
Experience with 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.
Experience using technology, including Microsoft Office Suite and virtual meeting platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Zoom, WebEx).
Experience with oral and written communications, including writing clear and concise reports, public speaking and presenting.

Responsibilities

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
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
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 as appropriate, keeps abreast of policies and procedures in the program, bureau and department
Completes all required trainings
Participates in quality improvement efforts within the program

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.

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