Program Administrator III

OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

PRIORITY DEADLINE FOR REVIEW/SUBMISSION: 05/02/2025

Job Title: Program Administrator III (MC Groceries Program)

Payrate: $30.00
Location: Rockville, MD (Hybrid)
Schedule: Part-time, 20–25 hours/week;  Estimated 4–6 month contract beginning mid May. Standard hours of work Monday through Friday 

Interviews: Interviews will be conducted the week of 05/05/2025.

Position Summary:
The Montgomery County Office of Food Systems Resilience seeks a part-time, contract Program Administrator III to support the MC Groceries program. This hybrid position splits responsibilities evenly between program coordination (50%) and client support (50%).

MC Groceries is a local government initiative designed to enhance food security and access for families with children in Montgomery County. The program provides up to $400/month in benefits for eligible households to purchase groceries online via Instacart Fresh Funds.

Program Administrator III will provide technical assistance to help current and prospective participants understand the program, support the application and eligibility verification process, and assist with application submission. The role also involves coordinating daily program operations, managing communications, and maintaining up-to-date program materials.

This is a temporary position with a current projected end date of June of 2025 and possibility of extension.

OFSR Website/Mission Statement

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ofsr/

MC Groceries Website/Mission Statement

https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/ofsr/grocery-program/index.html

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program Coordination (50%)

• Support program design and implementation of MC Groceries.


• Identify areas for process improvement and suggest solutions.


• Troubleshoot operational issues with internal teams.


• Track tasks and deadlines to ensure smooth program delivery.


• Create and update process guides for staff and community partners.


• Act as liaison among community-based organizations (CBOs), residents, private sector partners, and the Office of Food Systems Resilience (OFSR).


• Organize records and ensure accessibility of key information.


• Coordinate communication across internal teams and external stakeholders.

Additional Coordination Responsibilities:

• Privacy Compliance: Ensure compliance with the DHHS Notice of Privacy Practices (NOPP).


• Reporting & Coordination: Regularly communicate with DHHS regarding updates, issues, and policy refinements.


• Data Management: Maintain program codes, track benefits usage, and report participant demographics to Montgomery County Government.


• Community Partner Support: Train and support CBOs assisting with applications while maintaining confidentiality.

Public Information Management:

• Maintain and update public-facing content (e.g., website, outreach materials, participant forms, FAQs).


• Gather stakeholder feedback and assist with planning.


• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and relevant seminars.

Client Support (50%)

• Manage program inbox and respond to participant inquiries.


• Lead communication with current and prospective participants regarding applications and enrollment.


• Escalate complex issues and ensure timely response.


• Provide application support and assist with navigating online service platforms.


• Refer ineligible applicants to alternative programs and manage the participant waitlist.


• Collaborate with county staff and nonprofit providers to offer information and referrals.


• Ensure compliance with county standards for customer service, IT security, privacy, and safety.

Required Education Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.

Experience:  At least five years of experience in human services, public health, eligibility programs, social work, or community outreach required.

Required Experience:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication, team collaboration, and cultural competency skills including exceptional listening skills.


• Demonstrated knowledge of food and nutrition assistance programs at a local, state, and/or federal level.


• Prior relevant experience in community-based service delivery and program coordination.


• This position requires the ability to work effectively independently in a hybrid work environment.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.


• Experience in keeping track of projects and making sure tasks get completed on time.


• Excellent listening and customer service skills, with a calm and professional demeanor to assist complex client population and to interact with a range of partners. Kindness and empathy are necessary.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Teams, Outlook, Excel) and online service platforms.


• Ability to work well with community partners and different teams.


• Strong attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks effectively.


• Ability to problem-solve and find ways to improve day-to-day operations.


• Ability to work collaboratively.


• Solid ability to analyze situations carefully and adopt appropriate courses of action.


• Ability to effectively communicate to large and small group audiences.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with application and verification processes for income-qualified assistance programs.


• Experience developing communication materials for diverse audiences.


• Community outreach and engagement background.


• Multilingual fluency (oral and written).

Physical Requirements:

• Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

What’s in it for You:

• Opportunity to make a direct impact on food access and equity in your community.


• Flexible part-time hours with hybrid work options.


• Collaborative, mission-driven team environment.


• Gain experience with an innovative, public-private partnership model.


• Hands-on work in program design, operations, and client engagement.


• Expand your network through partnerships with local nonprofits, government agencies, and community leaders.


• Benefits
  
  
  
  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance with HSA and FSA options
  
  
  • 401(k) with matching
  
  
  • Life insurance
  
  
  • Employee discount program
  
  
  • Referral program
  
  
  • Retirement plan
  
  
  • Short and Long Term Disability
  
  
  • Pet Insurance
  
  
  • PTO: 15 days of PTO annually, accruing weekly from your start date
  
  
  • Holidays Off (10): New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President's Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day
  
  
  
  

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.


• You like to make your employer look good.


• You find solutions, where others only see problems.


• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.


• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.


• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission,

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.