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MANAGEMENT ADVOCATE SERIES

Management Advocate I & II

Recruitment #25-004908-0001

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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. 


 

GRADE

18

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services
Office of Talent Engagement and Management (TEAM)
25 S. Charles Street
Suite 1100
Baltimore, Maryland 21201

Main Purpose of Job

Management Advocate I 

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.  

Management Advocate II 

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.

POSITION DUTIES

Management Advocate I: 

  • 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. 

Management Advocate II: 

  • Performs 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. 
  • Advises 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. 
  • Develops training programs on topics including, but not limited to Supervisory Development, Collective Bargaining/MOU, FMLA/ADA/Medical Absence Procedure (Individually, and/or in cooperation with other EROs and/or TEAM Training Unit staff). 
  • Represents 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. 
  • Represents Management at the Office of Administrative Hearings in appeals of grievances and disciplinary actions. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Management Advocate I: 

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. 

Management Advocate II: 

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 related major. 
  • One year experience investigating employee complaints, misconduct or other infractions. 
  • One year experience preparing and responding to pleadings and the preparation of evidence and witnesses for adjudication. 
  • One year experience rendering written decisions on grievance and disciplinary appeals based on information obtained during hearings, conferences or similar administrative settings. 
  • One year experience interpreting and applying human resources policies, regulations and laws to specific employee situations in an organization or similar setting.

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. 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 supplemental questionnaire to, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 25 S. Charles Street, Suite 1100, Baltimore, Maryland 21201.

Or email trelia.gunter@maryland.gov: Voice 410-767-7416, toll-free: 1-800-332-6347. 

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

Do not submit unsolicited documentation. TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay

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 applicants are encouraged to apply. 

We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.

If using experience to meet the requirements, the applicant must have one year of required minimum qualifications must have included coordinating federal funding for a child welfare program.




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