Administrator, Inmate Health and Wellness Programs

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as the Administrator of Health Programs within the Jail Operations Division. This civilian leadership position serves as the principal liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and contracted healthcare providers, including Harris Health and The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, to ensure comprehensive, compliant, and high-quality health and mental health services for the incarcerated population.

The Administrator will monitor compliance with jail standards, accreditation requirements, and healthcare outcomes, representing the Sheriff’s Office at interagency meetings, collaborative initiatives, and public health projects—such as programming for pregnant incarcerated individuals. This role is essential in safeguarding the health and dignity of those in custody while promoting collaboration across county agencies and service providers.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Program Oversight and Liaison Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact between HCSO and healthcare contractors providing medical and mental health services to inmates.
• Facilitate collaboration between HCSO leadership and key stakeholders, including Harris Health, The Harris Center, and related county or state agencies.
• Ensure healthcare operations within the jail align with applicable standards (e.g., NCCHC, ACA, and TDCJ) and address inmate medical and mental health needs.
• Coordinate interdepartmental initiatives aimed at enhancing the health and wellness of the incarcerated population, including prenatal and maternal care programs.

Compliance and Quality Assurance:

• Works in collaboration with Harris Health and Harris Center leadership teams to maintain accreditation compliance and positive program outcomes.
• Track and review health-related program metrics, outcomes, and incidents to ensure continuous quality improvement.
• Participate in audits, inspections, and external evaluations of contracted services.

Strategic Planning and Representation:

• Represent HCSO at public meetings, planning committees, and task forces focused on correctional health.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative health programs that address the unique needs of the inmate population.
• Assist with the strategic alignment of health initiatives with public safety and public health goals.

Collaboration and Project Development:

• Provide subject matter expertise in behavioral health and medical programming within detention settings.
• Support research and policy development for programs addressing health disparities among incarcerated individuals.
• Lead or contribute to special projects involving jail-based competency restoration, health equity, and continuity of care upon reentry.

Process Improvement and Analysis:

• Identify opportunities for efficiency and service quality enhancement within the contract.
• Review utilization data to develop procedures for compliance and optimization.

Communication and Reporting:

• Prepare and deliver clear verbal and written communications to stakeholders.
• Facilitate issue resolution with clients/vendors, demonstrating problem-solving skills.

Required Education/Training and Experience

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in behavioral health or correctional health, including leadership roles in clinical, academic, or governmental settings.
  • Demonstrated experience working with vendor contracts.
  • Demonstrated experience working with incarcerated populations or high-risk communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Extensive knowledge of mental health and medical service delivery in correctional settings.
• Strong understanding of jail standards, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, public service, and collaborative problem solving.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and communicate findings to senior management.

Certifications (Preferred but not required):

• CCHP Certification

Preferences:

• 5 years of supervisory experience (Director level or higher) in Correctional Health or Mental Health environments.
• Experience with jail-based competency restoration programs or behavioral health integration within a correctional environment.
• Experience in successfully passing NCCHC and TCJS accreditation surveys
• Knowledge of Texas criminal justice and public health systems.
• Public speaking experience and ability to represent the agency in professional settings.

Work Environment

• This role operates in both office and correctional facility environments.
• Must be able to conduct site visits inside jail clinics and facilities.
• Role is primarily sedentary with some walking within the jail complex.

This role is sedentary; however, the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is necessary to lift files and/or boxes of files, documents, etc.  

Other Duties:

This job description is not intended to cover or provide a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee in this position.   Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.   

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position:   Assistant Chief of Detentions
• Supervises Positions:  

To Apply:

• Complete the online job application (including HCSO employment history and education) Incomplete applications will delay the application process

• Applicant's submission of the Job Request Packet does not guarantee an interview
• To qualify for this position, the required experience, education, and skills must be clearly stated on your application's employment history
• Resumes are welcome, but we do not use any information provided on your resume for qualifications  
• Experience obtained while in the military must also be included as part of your employment history on the application
• Incomplete applications will not be considered

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.