Nutrition Specialist – (Human Services Specialist I) – Community Resources & Services/Aging

Job Type: Location Type: On-site

 

Salary : $55,808.00 – $107,615.00 Annually
Location : Maryland 21075, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 25-00750
Department: Community Resources and Services
Division: Citizen Services – HWD
Opening Date: 07/09/2025
Closing Date: 7/23/2025 11:59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
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 83 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.

POSITION SUMMARY:
Coordinates all aspects of the food and nutrition program at the Howard County 50+ Centers and may assist and/or coordinate nutrition services at other local nutrition sites to reduce food insecurity and promote socialization. Develops and coordinates nutrition activities, including educational presentations and cooking demonstrations, in-person and virtually. Works collaboratively across the Office and Department to promote wellness and nutrition activities. Develops and maintains community partnerships with key partners to ensure program expansion for both Congregate and Home Delivered Meals programs. Supports a nutrition emergency response.

***This is a grant-funded position and is ineligible for membership in a collective bargaining unit. This position will be abolished when the grant-funding ends.***
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$26.83 – $29.38
$55,808 – $61,104

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes human service, administrative, and counseling work; providing counseling and programmatic services to the special populations; and providing assistance in identifying the population at risk, its needs and how to meet those needs. Organizes and publicizes large events for citizens or special groups. Work also includes providing services needed to carry out human service programs or the operation of a medium sized center with extensive regional responsibility and concurrent programming.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
• Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
• Responsible for food service program including ordering meals, supplies, recording temperatures, and acts as liaison with caterer under contract for nutrition sites.
• Monitors nutrition sites and home delivered meal routes.
• Evaluates clients for nutrition risk and program eligibility. Ensures nutrition program assessments are completed by participants on an annual basis.
• Plans, coordinates, implements and evaluates nutrition education programs including but not limited to Tasty Tidbits, Fresh Conversations, Ask the Nutrition Experts, and Stepping Up Your Nutrition.
• Recruits, trains and supervises volunteers working in the Congregate Meals program.
• Completes accurate and timely data entry related to assessments, nutrition education and meals served for the Congregate and Home Delivered Meals programs.
• Plans and implements farmers’ market coupon distribution.
• Collaborates with community partners to address food insecurity for underserved and diverse communities.
• Develops outreach and marketing of the Congregate and Home Delivered Meal programs.
• Works as a team member across OAI divisions, projects, and programs.
• Attends staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor.
• May require work some evening and weekends.
• Participates in activities related to Emergency Management as requested, including work outside normal business hours.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
May supervise contingent or benefitted staff.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university and experience coordinating and implementing nutrition related programs and services.
• ServSafe Certification (if not already possessed, certification must be obtained within six months of assuming the position).
• Multilingual – English and Korean and/or Mandarin, or a minimum of one other language preferred.
• Ability to speak and write the language with a high degree of fluency.
• Experience in database management and spreadsheet applications are necessary.
• Proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.
• The employee must be able to travel to meetings, events, and job sites independently.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate, there is the usual noise associated with a busy, active lunchroom.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well with an ethnically diverse older adult population.
• Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret journal articles and documents.
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
• Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to travel to and move around various sites independently to attend meetings and events and perform other related work as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

TO APPLY: You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history. No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application. Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at . Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.
The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold part-time benefited positions. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in the County’s flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex. This plan provides employees the opportunity to purchase benefits including Medical, Dental and/or Optional Life Insurances, or to fund Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. All required employee contributions for benefit elections are made on a pre-tax basis. For a more detailed overview of our benefit package,

RETIREMENT PLANS: Part-time benefitted employees must enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Part-time benefitted employees who hold recreation program support positions are not eligible to enroll in this benefit. This is a defined benefit plan that requires employees contributions, made on a pre-tax basis.

Currently, Part-time benefitted employees contribute 3% of their salary pre-tax to the plan. The County contributes an additional percentage to ensure that the plan is adequately funded.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN: Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program. This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee’s direction on a tax deferred basis.

SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

PAID LEAVE BENEFITS: Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year. Use of Annual, Disability and/or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE: During the first 5 years of employment, part-time benefited employees accrue 4.34 hours per month.. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is 5.34 hours per month. From years 11 through 20, the annual accrual is 6.34 hours per month. From year 21 on, annual accrual is 7 hours per month. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 160 hours may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.
DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue 4 hours per month. There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness/injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician’s certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Part-time benefited employees receive 24 hours of personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 16 hours of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 8 hours; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year. Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS: Employees are paid for 12 holidays.

New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Day; President’s Day; Good Friday; Juneteenth; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Ingigenous People’s Day; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.

OTHER PAID LEAVE: Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave. Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: After a 6-month waiting period, part-time benefited employees meeting eligibility requirements may receive long term disability income benefits not to exceed 2/3 of the employee’s monthly salary or $1250, whichever is less. The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.

DISABILITY LEAVE BANK: Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave. Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank’s Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services provided by MHNet, Inc. The initial 3 sessions are conducted at no cost to the employee. A 24-hour counseling hot-line is available by calling 1-800-492-4357.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Employees may elect to have payroll checks deposited directly into the bank account of their choice. Contact the Office of Human Resources to receive forms to take advantage of this convenient banking option.

CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants. A Tower ATM machine is located in the lobby of the Police Headquarters building in the County Office Complex in Ellicott City. Membership applications are available by calling Tower Federal at 301-497-7000.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVES: In conjunction with the Howard County Health Department and the American Red Cross, blood donation drives are conducted twice each year. County employees’ support and participation ensures that blood replacement is available to County employees, their family members and the community.
01

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry. Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered. Descriptions of duties that state “see resume” will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application. Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

02

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $55,808 – $61,104

• Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
• No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.

03

Do you possess an Bachelor’s degree from a four (4) year college or university and experience coordinating and implementing nutrition related programs and services?

• Yes
• No

04

If you possess a degree from an accredited college or university, was your degree conferred in one of the following disciplines: Nutrition, Dietetics, Food Service Management, Social Work, Gerontology, Human Services, Public Policy, Public Administration or a closely related field? If so, of the choices list below, please select the option that most closely reflects your academic background.

• Yes, I possess a Bachelor’s degree in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a Master’s degree in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a Doctorate in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a degree in a closely related field.
• Not Applicable

05

If you possess experience coordinating and implementing nutrition related programs and services, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
06

Do you possess experience conducting outreach and education activities? Of the choices outlined below, please select the option that most closely reflects your skill set.

• Yes, I have assisted with the development, coordination, and delivery of education/outreach initiatives.
• Yes, I have led the development of a comprehensive education/outreach curriculum from conception to implementation.
• No, I have no experience developing or delivering outreach/education activities.

07

If you possess experience conducting outreach and education activities, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. If you do not possess this experience please enter N/A (Not Applicable).Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
08

The position for which you have applied may require the use of spreadsheet software to monitor and track numerical data. Of the choices listed below, please select the option that most accurately reflects your experience.

• I have used spreadsheet software to create and manipulate simple worksheets that track and/or record data.
• I have used spreadsheet software to develop and maintain complex worksheets that track and manipulate different types of data using formulas and other related functions.
• I have used spreadsheet software to executed basic functions such as entering, printing, and copying & pasting data.
• I have not used excel in a professional setting.

09

If you possess the professional experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. If you do not possess this experience please enter N/A (Not Applicable). Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
10

Are you aware that this position may require you to work some evenings and weekends?

• Yes
• No

11

Please state your proficiency in using virtual platforms and the use of technology for human services delivery.

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

12

Do you possess a ServSafe certification?

• Yes
• No

13

If you possess a ServSafe certification, where did you acquire this certification? Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
14

Do you possess professional experience working with or managing congregate meal programs?

• Yes
• No

15

If you possess professional experience working with or managing congregate meal program, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. If you do not possess this experience please enter N/A (Not Applicable). Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
16

Do you possess supervisory/managerial experience comprised of interviewing, hiring, and training employees and/or volunteers; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees and/or volunteers; addressing complaints and resolving problems?

• Yes
• No

17

If you possess the supervisory/managerial experience addressed in the previous question, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that “See Resume” is not an adequate response.
18

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner
• Intermediate
• Advanced
• None

19

Of the options provided below, please select those languages in which you are able to communicate fluently (i.e. read, write, and speak).

• French
• Spanish
• Chinese (any dialect)
• Korean
• German
• Portuguese
• Vietnamese
• Japanese
• Mandarin
• Other

20

Do you possess a valid driver’s license?

• Yes
• No

21

How did you hear about this position?

• NEOGOV/GOVT Jobs
• Linked In
• Maryland Association of Counties
• National Association of Counties
• CEAM
• ASCE
• Indeed
• Employee Referral
• Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
• Handshake
• Career Fair
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• Other

22

If you indicated “Job Fair” or “Other” in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position. Otherwise, indicate “N/A” (Not Applicable).
23

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers. My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and/or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity. To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the “career seekers” link, and follow the prompts.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

24

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and/or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

• I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question