State of Maryland

A Human Relations Assistant is the full performance level of work providing support to Human Relations Representatives by obtaining pertinent information from individuals filing discrimination complaints, determining the nature and timeliness of complaints and performing routine clerical duties.  Employees in this classification do not supervise other positions.

Employees in this classification receive general supervision from a Human Relations Representative Supervisor or other designated administrator.

Positions in this classification are evaluated by using the classification job evaluation methodology.  The use of this method involves comparing the assigned duties and responsibilities of a position to the job criteria found in the Nature of Work and Examples of Work sections of the class specification.

Interviews individuals seeking to file a discrimination complaint, obtains relevant information, ascertains the nature of the complaint and uses established guidelines to determine if the complaint falls within the purview of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights;

Refers complainants to other agencies or sources of service when the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights does not have jurisdiction;

Reviews information on new complaints and uses established criteria to determine timeliness, basis and standing under the laws governing discrimination complaints;

Sets up initial case files;

Receives and responds to routine telephone inquiries;

Enters, retrieves and updates information on a computer;

Maintains files on cases that need additional information and contacts complainants to secure requested information;

Recommends administrative closure of cases when the necessary information is not received and prepares cases for closure;

Types correspondence, memoranda, complaints and related documents into final form;

Maintains manual and computerized logs, records and various files;

Recommends changes in office forms and procedures to improve efficiency;

Performs other related duties.

Knowledge of the jurisdiction of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and the jurisdiction of other State and federal agencies;

Knowledge of office equipment and office procedures;

Ability to obtain factual information and explain complaint procedures to potential complainants and the general public;

Ability to learn Maryland Commission on Civil Rights regulations and procedures governing the filing of discrimination complaints;

Ability to learn the elements that constitute a charge, the various types of complaints that may be filed and the procedural requirements for adequacy, completeness and timeliness;

Ability to understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies and procedures to respond to inquiries and to determine the timeliness of filing a complaint;

Ability to establish and maintain a variety of filing and record-keeping systems;

Ability to enter and retrieve information from computerized files;

Ability to communicate clearly;

Ability to type.

Education:   Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.

Experience: One year of experience interviewing clients or providing clerical support to the investigation of complaints in a human relations, civil rights, community relations, law enforcement or social service agency.

Note: Candidates may substitute additional experience as described above on a year-for-year basis for the required education.

Class Descriptions are broad descriptions covering groups of positions used by various State departments and agencies.  Position descriptions maintained by the using department or agency specifically address the essential job functions of each position.

Class Descriptions provide information about the Nature of Work, Examples of Work, General Requirements and Acknowledgements.  The Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities; Minimum Education and Experience Requirements; Special Requirements; and recruitment and testing procedures are set by the using agency.

This is a Skilled Service classification in the State Personnel Management System.  All positions in this classification are Skilled Service positions.  Some positions in Skilled Service classifications may be designated Special Appointment in accordance with the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 6-405, Annotated Code of Maryland.

This classification is not assigned to a bargaining unit, as indicated by the designation of S (Supervisor), M (Manager), T (Agency Head), U (Board or Commission Member), W (Student), X (Used by Agency or Excluded by Executive Order), or Z (Confidential).  As provided by State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 3-102, special appointment, temporary, contractual, supervisory, managerial and confidential employees are excluded collective bargaining.  Additionally, certain executive branch agencies are exempt from collective bargaining and all positions in those agencies are excluded from collective bargaining.

Employees in this classification are eligible to receive overtime compensation.  An employee who works more than the normal workweek is entitled to be compensated for that overtime, as provided by the State Personnel and Pensions Article, Section 8-305.