Coordinator of Program Improvement (Human Services Specialist II)-DCRS, Local Children's Board

Howard County:
Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community.

Howard County Government:
Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making. 

What are we looking for?
We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

What you'll like most about working at Howard County Government:

• We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.  
• We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged!  
• We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. 
• As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.

*IMPORTANT NOTICE: This position is grant funded. Individuals selected for the position will serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated if the grant funding for the position ends.*

POSITION SUMMARY:
This position provides primary oversight of behavioral health programs funded through the Howard County Local Children’s Board (LCB) to support program quality improvement, monitor fidelity of implementation and impact.   They will work closely with HCPSS central office staff and school-based staff to follow the appropriate guidance with program monitoring within a school setting.  Ensures programs are reflective of children and youth behavioral health needs, outcomes driven and are effective in the services they are funded to provide.   The coordinator will provide coaching and technical assistance to providers to ensure quality improvement.  Support the Manager of Behavioral Health in the implementation of the behavioral health strategies identified by the Hub workgroup. This position will partner with the Manager of Racial Equity to coordinate and streamline technical assistance to grantees.
 
This position will also work to support grantees in the Results-Based Accountability framework, data collection and data sharing. They will help develop annual reporting templates, grant agreements and process invoices and quarterly reports. The position will support the overall work of the behavioral health team and the Office at large.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$32.95 - $37.13
$68,542 - $77,239

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior.  Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives; and providing a full range of counseling and referral services.  Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws; and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs.

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of LCB behavioral health contracted vendors for compliance with applicable federal, state and local requirements.
• Tracks progress of designated goals, outcomes and results.
• Ensure providers are implementing the strategy or intervention with fidelity.
• Provides technical assistance and coaching to grantees.
• Works closely with HCPSS central office and school-based staff to follow all regulations and guidelines to monitor school-based programs.
• Works in partnership with the Manager of Racial Equity to coordinate technical assistance.
• Coordinate with the Data Analyst regarding grantee outcome data and reporting.
• Develops in partnership with the data analyst reporting templates and performance measures.
• Collects and processes provider invoices and quarterly reports.
• Supports the Behavioral Health Manager and Fiscal Specialists in preparation for state audits. 
• Supports the manager of behavioral health in facilitating the Hub workgroup.
• Represents the LCB at community meetings, on committees and events.
• Participate in activities related to Emergency Management as requested, including work outside normal business hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position may have supervisory responsibilities.

Bachelor's degree and one (1) year of experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Fifth year college or university program certificate; or two to four years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience; familiarity with Results Based Accountability, familiarity with racial equity.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.  Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. 

Salary : $68,542 - $131,949