Food & Benefits Program Coordinator

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Health in Houston, TX is seeking a Food & Benefits Program Coordinator to oversee food box distribution vendor operations and related initiatives. You will monitor performance, manage budgets, and support capacity expansion for high-need communities across Harris County.

Collaborate with program leadership to develop reporting, budgeting, and partner communications, while ensuring compliance with funding requirements and delivering measurable program outcomes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Social Work, Nutrition, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least one year of relevant experience in program coordination, public engagement, vendor or partner communications, administrative support, or project/event management.
• Valid Texas driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and performance of awarded Food and Benefits Access vendors to ensure project success and client impact.
• Monitor and report on vendor progress toward contractual deliverables, KPIs, and milestones; prepare clear and concise reports and presentations for HCPH leadership and appropriate county stakeholders and community partners.
• Manage budgets, invoices, and financial documentation in coordination with program leadership, HCPH Finance and Grant teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to align vendor activities with county-wide food access and nutrition goals; Support vendors in implementing strategies to expand their service capacity and reach undeserved communities; Work collaboratively with HCPH Outreach team to promote services in targeted communities.
• Submit and track program's documentation including contracts, agreements, and commissioners court submissions.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to vendors to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local funding requirements.
• Develop and maintain systems to track and evaluate service capacity growth, client reach, and operational improvements; Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and vendor outcomes.

Skills

MS Office Suite

Verbal communication

Written communication

Public-facing communication

Confidentiality

Multitasking

Teamwork

Project coordination

Independent work

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Social Work, Nutrition, Business, or a related field

Tools

MS Office Suite

Job description

About Harris County Public Health

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.

Our Values

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve community's health and well-being.

• Transparency- We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity- Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect- We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact- We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration- We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview

The Food & Benefits Program Coordinator supports the implementation of food box distribution and other related program initiatives by overseeing vendor operations, monitoring performance, and helping expand service capacity. This role ensures vendors meet key deliverables, comply with program requirements, and effectively serve high-need communities across Harris County. The Coordinator also works collaboratively with program leadership to develop/manage reporting, budgeting, and partner communications to support successful program outcomes.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations and performance of awarded Food and Benefits Access vendors to ensure project success and client impact.
• Monitor and report on vendor progress toward contractual deliverables, KPIs, and milestones; prepare clear and concise reports and presentations for HCPH leadership and appropriate county stakeholders and community partners.
• Manage budgets, invoices, and financial documentation in coordination with program leadership, HCPH Finance and Grant teams.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to align vendor activities with county-wide food access and nutrition goals; Support vendors in implementing strategies to expand their service capacity and reach undeserved communities; Work collaboratively with HCPH Outreach team to promote services in targeted communities.
• Submit and track program's documentation including contracts, agreements, and commissioners court submissions.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance to vendors to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local funding requirements.
• Develop and maintain systems to track and evaluate service capacity growth, client reach, and operational improvements; Identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and vendor outcomes.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx. If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Public Health, Public Administration, Social Work, Nutrition, Business, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

Experience

• At least one (1) year of relevant experience in program coordination, public engagement, vendor or partner communications, administrative support, or project/event management.

Licensure/Certifications

• Valid Texas driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public-facing communication and reporting.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, stay organized, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Core Competencies

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.

• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.

• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.

• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.

• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work

• This is a full-time position.
• Days and hours of work are typically Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.
• Must be willing to flex work hours when required, including weekends.
• Expected to travel within Harris County jurisdiction.

Work Environment

• This job operates in a professional office environment with occasional vendor site visits. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.

Physical Demands

• This is a largely sedentary role; however, some duties would require the ability to lift up to 10 pounds and bending & standing for periods at a time.

Work Location

• Harris County Public Health: Health Prevention & Coordinated Care Division - 1111 Fannin St. Houston, Texas. 77002.