Introduction
As a State agency, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
(MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is
committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to
race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic
information.
MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity
and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment,
its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job
application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable
accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or
employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential
functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges
of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without
disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants
must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must
have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If
a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human
Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov.
The Maryland Justice Partnership (MJP) is
a statewide initiative coordinated by the Maryland Office of the Public
Defender (OPD) to implement the 18 recommendations of the Maryland Equitable
Justice Collaborative (MEJC). Operating through six implementation hubs —
Community Safety and Crisis Response; Pretrial Justice and Fair Sentencing;
Behavioral Health Justice; Sentencing and Parole Reform; Community
Reintegration and Stability; and Youth Justice and Educational Equity — the MJP
convenes government agencies, legal advocates, researchers, community
organizations, and directly impacted people to move recommendations from policy
into practice.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Knowledge of administrative and program coordination principles and
practices
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally in writing and
verbally with diverse audiences, including government officials, community
partners, and directly impacted people
- Ability to organize and prioritize work independently with minimal
supervision
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment in a
public agency setting
- Commitment to racial equity and the mission of the Maryland Justice
Partnership
GRADE
14
LOCATION OF POSITION
217 E. Redwood Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Program Assistant provides essential administrative and coordination support to the Maryland Justice Partnership. This full-time position is a critical operational role, ensuring that the MJP initiative functions efficiently, key stakeholders remain informed and connected, and its documentation, timelines, and deliverables are managed with precision and care.
This position is well-suited for a highly organized, detail-oriented professional with experience in program support, public sector administration, or nonprofit coordination who is committed to justice reform and equitable outcomes
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Two years of administrative staff or professional work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 credit hours from an accredited college or university for one year of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from a college or university for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Bachelor's degree in public administration, social sciences, criminal
justice, political science, or a related field
• Experience supporting a multi-partner program, coalition, or
interagency initiative
• Familiarity with criminal justice reform, or social justice policy in
Maryland
Experience supporting grant-funded programs, including reporting and
documentation requirements
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Outlook), Canva, and virtual meeting platforms (Zoom, Teams)
• Strong written communication skills, including experience drafting
professional correspondence and summary documents
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and
maintain attention to detail in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with project management tools (Asana, Monday.com, Notion,
or equivalent) is a plus
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 and resume 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. All information concerning the qualifications, including any required documentation (resume, diploma, transcript, certificate, etc.) must be submitted and received by the closing date.
Information submitted after this date will not be considered. For positions that require
Bachelor/Master Degree etc:
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must be provided prior to hire. For further information, you may call International Consultants of Delaware, Inc. (302) 737-8715 or World Education Services Inc. 1-800-932-3897 or (202) 331-2925.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
Contractual employees who work for an agency covered under the State Employee and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Program, have a current employment contract and work 30 or more hours a week (or on average 130 hours per month) may be eligible for subsidized health benefits coverage for themselves and their dependents. As a contractual employee, you will be responsible for paying 25% of the premiums for your medical and prescription coverage, including any eligible dependents you have enrolled. The State of Maryland will subsidize the remaining 75% of the cost for these benefits. You can also elect to enroll in dental coverage, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, and life insurance, but will be responsible to pay the full premium for these benefits.
Leave may be granted to a contractual employee at a rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked, not to exceed 40 hours per calendar year.
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications and Resumes Preferred. Please fax all paper applications, resumes and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134.
Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to: Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8497, Janynee.Bailey-Covington@maryland.gov , toll free: 877-430-5187;
TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258. Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing. A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
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 welcome Veterans and thank them for their service to our country.
