Administrator, Inmate Health and Wellness Programs

Position Overview

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is hiring an experienced civilian leader to oversee health programs within the Jail Operations Division. In this role, you will act as the main connection point between the Sheriff’s Office and outside healthcare partners, including Harris Health and The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, to help ensure that incarcerated people receive high-quality medical and mental health services that meet required standards.

You will also monitor jail compliance, accreditation expectations, and healthcare performance, while representing the organization in cross-agency meetings, collaborative efforts, and public health initiatives such as programming for pregnant incarcerated individuals. The position plays an important part in protecting the health, safety, and dignity of people in custody while supporting coordination among county agencies and service providers.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact between HCSO and contracted providers delivering medical and behavioral health services inside the jail.
• Build and sustain coordination between HCSO leadership and partner organizations such as Harris Health, The Harris Center, and other county or state agencies.
• Make sure jail healthcare operations follow relevant standards and regulations, including NCCHC, ACA, and TDCJ requirements, while meeting inmate medical and mental health needs.
• Support joint efforts that improve health and wellness for the incarcerated population, including prenatal and maternal care initiatives.
• Work with Harris Health and Harris Center leadership to maintain accreditation readiness and strong program results.
• Review health program data, outcomes, and incidents to support continuous improvement.
• Take part in audits, inspections, and outside assessments of contracted services.
• Represent HCSO in public meetings, planning groups, and task forces focused on correctional health.
• Help design and roll out innovative programs that respond to the specific needs of the jail population.
• Align health-related initiatives with public safety and public health priorities.
• Offer subject matter expertise in behavioral health and medical programming in detention settings.
• Assist with research and policy work related to health disparities among incarcerated people.
• Lead or support special projects involving jail-based competency restoration, health equity, and continuity of care after release.
• Look for ways to improve service quality and operational efficiency within the contract.
• Review utilization information and help create procedures that strengthen compliance and performance.
• Prepare and present clear verbal and written updates to stakeholders.
• Help resolve issues with vendors and clients using strong problem-solving skills.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, or a closely related field.
• At least 7 years of progressive experience in behavioral health or correctional health, including leadership experience in clinical, academic, or government environments.
• Proven experience managing vendor contracts.
• Experience working with incarcerated populations or other high-risk communities.
• Deep knowledge of mental health and medical service delivery in correctional settings.
• Solid understanding of jail standards, accreditation processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a broad group of stakeholders.
• Strong strategic, analytical, presentation, and organizational abilities.
• Clear commitment to equity, public service, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and communicate findings to senior leaders.
• Preferred: CCHP certification.
• Preferred: 5 years of supervisory experience at the Director level or above in correctional health or mental health settings.
• Preferred: Experience with jail-based competency restoration or behavioral health integration in corrections.
• Preferred: Experience successfully passing NCCHC and TCJS accreditation surveys.
• Preferred: Familiarity with Texas criminal justice and public health systems.
• Preferred: Public speaking experience and the ability to represent the agency professionally.

Work Environment

This position splits time between office settings and correctional facility environments. Regular site visits inside jail clinics and other facilities are required. The work is mostly sedentary, with some walking within the jail complex.

Physical Demands

The role is generally sedentary, but the ability to lift and carry up to 10 pounds is required for moving files, boxes, and similar materials.

Schedule

This is a full-time position. Typical hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although scheduling may change depending on department needs.

Other Duties

This description is not intended to list every possible task. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time as needed.

Reporting Relationship

The role reports to the Assistant Chief of Detentions. No direct supervisory positions were specified.

Application Instructions

Applicants must complete the online application, including employment history and education details. Incomplete submissions may slow down the process and will not be considered. Being submitted for review does not guarantee an interview. To be considered, the required education, experience, and skills must be clearly shown in the application’s employment history. Resumes may be included, but only the application content will be used to assess qualifications. Military experience must also be listed in the employment history.

Equal Opportunity

Harris County is an equal opportunity employer and provides fair employment consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status under applicable federal and state law.