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Employee Relations Officer

Management Advocate I

Recruitment #24-004907-0001

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Introduction



 
When you join the Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS), you join a team of more than 5,000 employees across the state dedicated to positively changing the lives of more than 1 million Marylanders each year. We do this by providing economic support, preventive services, and caring for children and adults.
 
We aim to deliver services so that we more quickly meet the needs of the people we serve. At DHS, we grapple with hard questions to find new ways to foster a culture of bold innovation. We do this to ensure that in Maryland, we leave no one behind. 

The closing date has been extended to allow more applicants to apply.  Prior applicants do not need to reapply.

 

GRADE

17

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services 
Employee Relations Unit 
25 S. Charles Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201 

Main Purpose of Job

This position functions at the intermediate level as an Employee Relations Officer for the Department of Human Services. By reviewing grievance and disciplinary appeals on behalf of the Secretary, representing management’s position in further appeals, and acting as a resource to both management and employees on employee relations issues, this position assists in the resolution of employment disputes, so that time and energy can be more efficiently used to assist people in economic need, increase prevention efforts, and protect vulnerable children and adults. 

POSITION DUTIES

  • Perform as hearing officer for grievances or disciplinary actions that have been appealed to the Secretary of DHS, confer with the employee and write decisions on behalf of the Secretary of DHS, subject to approval by Manager, based upon State law and regulations and departmental policies; advise all levels of management and non-supervisory staff at DHS regarding proper interpretation and application of the State’s personnel laws and regulations and departmental policies. 
  • Advise supervisors and appointing authorities in evaluating investigative results, mitigating circumstances and employment history to ensure that the appropriate level of disciplinary action, if any, is imposed and consistency is maintained throughout the agency. 
  • Represent DHS at the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) settlement conferences in an attempt to resolve appeals of employee grievances and disciplinary actions by evaluating and reviewing with the appointing authority the nature of the appeal, the employment record, and the positive effects of any potential settlement. 
  • Represent Management at the Office of Administrative Hearings in appeals of grievances and disciplinary actions; this involves case and witness preparation, documentary evidence and oral arguments in order to defend management's position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants must meet all minimum (and selective) qualifications to be considered, and to appear on the list of people eligible for hire. Please read all requirements before applying.

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

Experience: Three years of professional experience in employee or labor relations, of which 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.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Preference will be given to applicants who possess the following preferred qualification(s). Include clear and specific information on your application regarding your qualifications.

Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Business Management, Legal Studies, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Organizational Management, Public Administration, Labor Relations or closely related major.

One year experience investigating employee complaints, misconduct or other infractions.

One year of experience using Microsoft Office Suite.

One year experience interpreting and applying human resources policies, regulations and laws to specific employee situations in an organization or similar setting.

Six months experience conducting training virtually or in person.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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.

SELECTION PROCESS

Please make sure that you 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. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Successful candidates will be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on the eligible (employment) list for at least one year.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The assessment may consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience related to the requirements of the position. It is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all experience and education that is related to this position.

BENEFITS

As an employee of the State of Maryland, you will have access to outstanding benefits, including: health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost. CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE DETAILS: STATE OF MARYLAND BENEFITS.

  • Personal Leave - new State employees are awarded six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).
  • Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.
  • Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.  
  • Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.
  • Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.  
  • Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.
  • Positions may be eligible for telework.

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

The online application process is STRONGLY preferred. If you are unable to apply online, you may mail a paper application and supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, Attn: Trelia Gunter, 25 S. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

All mailed documents must include the applicant's name and the job number and must be received by 5 p.m. on the closing date. Resumes will NOT be accepted in lieu of completing the application. 

If additional information is required, the preferred method is to upload. If unable to upload, please email requested information only to trelia.gunter@maryland.gov. Only additional materials that are required will be accepted for this recruitment. All additional information must be received by the closing date and time. 

If you have any questions concerning this recruitment process for this position, please contact 410-767-7416. 

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay.
 
If you are having difficulty with your user account or have general questions about the online application system, please contact the MD Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Maryland is committed to recruiting, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State’s diversity. People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. We thank our Veterans for their service to our country.



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