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Family Advocate

ADMINISTRATOR III

Recruitment #25-002588-0026

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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. 

GRADE

18

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services
Social Services Administration
25 S. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

Family Advocates in the Office of Family Advocacy advocates for the independence of vulnerable adults including caregivers and guardians, young people experiencing foster care, kinship caregivers, guardians, resource and adoptive parents. Family Advocates provide oversight of children's and adult services, investigating complaints from citizens, providers and families related to government services and children experiencing foster care and adult and elder abuse to address concerns, problems, areas of improvement in service delivery, or needs associated with their rights and responsibilities. The Family Advocate shall be an intermediary for vulnerable adults, caregivers, guardians, children and youth experiencing DHS when they believe a neutral voice is needed to address differences between their experience and their relationship with local departments. The person in this position will support and assist the aforementioned parties in various ways. 

POSITION DUTIES

  • Investigates complaints and concerns related to elder abuse, caregivers and guardians, foster youth, kinship caregivers, resource parents, or guardians regarding safety, permanency, and well-being, ensuring compliance with SSA policies, laws, and practice standards. 
  • Builds relationships with both sister agencies, internal DHS units, and external stakeholders to ensure a positive working relationship on behalf of the Office of Family Advocacy. 
  • Analyzes case data to identify trends or issues, contributing to monthly reports for the Director of Family Advocacy. 
  • Visits facilities and programs in accordance with priorities established by the director. 
  • Provides education and referrals to all parties and stakeholders about their rights, responsibilities, and available resources.

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

Experience: Six years of administrative staff or professional work.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and two years of experience in administrative staff or professional work for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for-year basis 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.

One year of experience advocating for and interpreting and applying child welfare and adult protection laws, policies, or regulations within a government agency, non-profit organization, or community-based program. 

One year of experience preparing written reports, case summaries or presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.

One year of experience conducting interviews, gathering information, and resolving complaints or concerns from individuals involved in human services programs.

One year of experience with former foster youth, kinship caregiver, guardian, resource, or adoptive parent.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

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. 

If you are in State service and are a promotional candidate, your salary will be determined in accordance with State of Maryland guidelines.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training, and experience as presented on your application and as they relate to the requirements of the position. You may be asked to complete a supplemental questionnaire.  The supplemental questionnaire may be used as part of the rating process.  Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application.

For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service is required prior to hire.   

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) holiday per year.

• Pension – State employees earn credits 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 supplement questionnaire to: Attention: Cynthia McMillian, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 25 S. Charles Street, Room 1116-F, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Or email cynthia.mcmillian@maryland.gov.; voice 410-767-7199.

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 cynthia.mcmillian@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. 

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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