PSCS Management Advocate I

A Management Advocate I is the entry level of employee relations work at the departmental level representing management in all types of grievance and disciplinary appeal cases, under the SPMS and the Correctional officers’ Bill of Rights (“COBR”) including terminations, before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH).  Employees advocate management’s position by preparing and presenting grievance and disciplinary appeal cases at OAH, conducting administrative conferences and rendering decisions related to employee grievance and disciplinary appeals, acting as adjudicators of employee grievance and disciplinary appeals and serving in advising agency staff on employee relations issues. Employee in this classification will also present disciplinary appeals before a Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights (“COBR”) Trial Boards. Employees in this classification do not supervise.

The Management Advocate I position is an entry level position at the Departmental level of employee relations work.  involved in the serves as a legal advisor to Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on Second Step Appeals and renders legally sufficient decisions on Disciplinary Action and Grievance and Dispute Resolution Appeals.  The incumbent also represents the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on appeals of grievances, disciplinary actions and dispute resolution complaints before the Department of Budget and Management, the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”) Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights (“COBR”) Trial Board. This position makes recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on the legal sufficiency of Notices of Termination, Notices of Disciplinary Charges (“NODC”) and appeals of terminations.  This position represents the Department at Settlement Conferences before the Department of Budget and Management (“DBM”).  The incumbent is also responsible for interpreting, reviewing and resolving employee-employer relations disputes arising out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“MOU”).

Examples of work performed in this position include: Represents agency management by defending determinations in all types of grievance and disciplinary appeals taken to OAH and the COBR Trial Boards which includes the preparation and filing of documents (i.e. briefs, motions, responses to motions, requests for and responses to requests for discovery, subpoenas), oral arguments regarding motions, evidentiary and procedural objections, preparation of witnesses, and direct and cross-examination of witnesses; Schedules and conducts administrative conferences as designee of head of the principal unit and renders decisions related to grievance and disciplinary appeals; Reviews facts and determines appropriateness of imposed discipline based on evidence and testimony presented in disciplinary appeals and in accordance applicable laws, regulations and policies and case precedents and reviews facts and determines whether HR law, policy or regulation has been properly interpreted and applied; also performs other related duties as assigned.

Education:   A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience: Three years of professional experience in employee or labor relations, one year must include representing management before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of  Administrative Hearings, or similar adjudicatory setting, that involves all types of grievance and disciplinary appeal cases, including terminations, on a regular and recurring basis.

Note: Candidates may substitute the possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school for the required experience.

1. Employees in this classification are required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System from the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, Department of Budget and Management within six months from the time of appointment to the position. Employees are also required to obtain recertification every six months thereafter.

2. Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Please provide sufficient information on your application to show that you meet the qualifications for this recruitment.

All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date.

STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS

Online applications are highly recommended. However, if you are unable to apply online, the paper application and supplemental questionnaire may be emailed to hr.recruitmentuser@maryland.gov or faxed to 410-484-5928. Paper application materials must be received in our office by the closing date for the recruitment.

If you are submitting additional information, the preferred method is to upload it with your application. All uploaded additional information must be received by the closing date and time.  Only additional materials that are requested will be accepted for this recruitment.

For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, HRSD-Recruitment Division at 410-585-3999.

If you are having difficulties with submitting your online application, please contact the DBM Recruitment and Examination Division at Application.Help@maryland.gov Application.Help@maryland.gov or
410-767-4850.

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.

People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining, and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.