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Benefits Access Coordinator

HUMAN SERVICE SPECIALIST V

Recruitment #26-001804-0002

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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

ASTD16

LOCATION OF POSITION

Maryland Department of Human Services
Family Investment Administration
Office of Benefits Access 
25 S. Charles Street 
Baltimore, MD 21201

Main Purpose of Job

This position is critical to the success of overall Family Investment Administration programmatic operations as well as compliance with applicable federal regulations, state legislation, policies, and procedures. The Benefits Access Coordinator is responsible for the operational development, implementation, management, and evaluation of the Maryland Department of Human Services Family Investment Administration's benefits access, language access, and civil rights compliance initiatives. This position ensures meaningful access to DHS programs and services ensures adherence to non-discrimination requirements. The Coordinator serves as the designated Statewide Language Access Plan Coordinator and therefore manages language assistance services, developing plain language practices, provides expert guidance, training, and technical assistance to staff, fosters partnerships with community stakeholders, collaborates with other DHS divisions and state agencies, and monitors compliance with federal and state laws, regulations, and policies to promote equitable service delivery, supporting the overall strategic goals of the MD DHS, FIA and OBA. Makes recommendations to the Director of the Office of Benefits Access concerning new or revised state legislation and federal regulations affecting the Department of Human Services Family Investment Administration.

POSITION DUTIES

Language Access Plan (LAP) Management:
  • Develops, implements, and continually updates the Office's LAP to meet state/federal requirements and best practices. Conducts needs assessments, sets goals, establishes procedures, and ensures the plan is integrated into office operations under the Director's guidance. 
Staff Development & Technical Support: 
  • Designs and delivers language access training for staff (including onboarding). Serves as the primary contact and subject matter expert, providing ongoing guidance, consultation, and interpretation of relevant policies to support staff in serving LEP individuals effectively. 
Systems and Communication Improvement:
  • Collaborates with MD Benefits, Systems, and program teams to ensure alignment with plain language and language access standards to reduce barriers to access. 
Language Service Coordination: 
  • Manages the provision of interpretation and translation services for LEP individuals. Oversees language service vendor contracts, ensuring quality, cost-effectiveness, and compliance. Maintains a repository of translated documents and resources. 
Community Outreach & Partnerships: 
  • Implements outreach strategies to inform LEP communities about services. Builds and maintains partnerships with community organizations and leaders to gather feedback and improve service delivery. Represents the office at community events as assigned. 
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting:
  • Tracks and analyzes data related to language service use, compliance, and community feedback. Prepares regular operational reports for the Director on program effectiveness and areas for improvement. Manages the language access complaint process.

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.

Experience: Eight years of experience, four years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations and an additional four years of professional or technical experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of experience in the administration of a human services program or experience conducting studies and analyses of programs, procedures, practices and organizations for the required experience.

2. Candidates may substitute graduate level education at an accredited college or university in a human services related field at the rate of 30 credit hours per year for up to six years of the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military experience as a commissioned officer in Administrative Officer classifications or Administrative Officer specialty codes in the General, Administrative, Clerical and Office Services field of work 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 experience managing large-scale programs, budgets, and partnerships. 
  • Six months knowledge of equity-centered service design, program evaluation, and data-informed decision-making.
  • Six months skill in written and verbal communication, including the ability to represent the organization and connect with diverse audiences.
  • Six months ability to translate community needs, data, and emerging trends into equitable and responsive service strategies.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS

NOT APPLICABLE.

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: Trelia Gunter, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 25 S. Charles Street, Suite 1100, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Or email trelia.gunter@maryland.gov.; voice 410-767-7416.

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. 

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.


Click on a link below to apply for this position:

Fill out the Supplemental Questionnaire and Application NOW using the Internet. Apply Online
View and print the Supplemental Questionnaire. This recruitment requires completion of a supplemental questionnaire. You may view and print the supplemental questionnaire here.
Apply via Paper Application. You may also download and complete the Paper Application here.

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