EMPLOYEE RELATIONS OFFICER

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 one 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.

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DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

This position functions at the full proficiency level as an Employee Relations Officer for the Department of Human Services with a broad knowledge of COMAR, State Personnel Pensions APP, Department of Budget and Management policies, rules, regulations, techniques and practices. 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.

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 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. Training programs are developed by ERO individually, and/or in cooperation with other EROs and/or TEAM Training Unit staff. Training topics include, but are not limited to Supervisory Development, Collective Bargaining/MOU, FMLA/ADA/Medical Absence Procedure.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. 

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

Experience: Two years representing management before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings, or similar adjudicatory settings that involve 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.

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

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 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.

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.

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: