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Employee Relations & Training Assistant

HR SPECIALIST

Recruitment #26-004914-0004

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Introduction

The Maryland State Retirement and Pension System (MSRPS) administers benefits for over 397,000 members, including active employees, retirees, and vested participants across 12 retirement systems—supporting the financial security of Maryland’s public servants.
Located in Baltimore’s Central Business District, MSRPS offers a purpose-driven workplace with modern amenities, including panoramic city and harbor views, renovated common areas, upgraded elevators, and an on-site café.
Employees enjoy comprehensive state benefits including; medical, dental, prescription coverage, generous paid leave, participation in the state pension system, and supplemental retirement savings options (401(k), 457(b), and more). Additional perks include an on-site fitness center with showers and lockers, 24/7 building security, and easy access to restaurants, shops, public transit, and major highways.
If you're seeking a career with impact, stability, and a supportive environment, explore opportunities with MSRPS.

GRADE

14

LOCATION OF POSITION

120 East Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Main Purpose of Job

The primary purpose of this position is to support employee relations and human resources by assisting with a full range of personnel services and programs for the Maryland State Retirement Agency in accordance with State Personnel Management System laws, regulations, policies, and procedures. This position reports directly to the Employee Relations Manager.
The incumbent will assist in the areas of employee and labor relations, policy implementation, and regulatory compliance. The position requires, at a minimum, the ability to efficiently research, interpret, and apply applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to human resources and employee relations, or a current working knowledge of these areas. The incumbent must maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding personnel information and actions encountered in the course of daily work.
This position will assist the Employee Relations Manager with investigations involving workplace bullying, employee misconduct, and all other employee relations matters. The incumbent will also assist in the development and delivery of employee relations and human resources training programs and must be able to independently present training materials to staff at all organizational levels. Training topics will include, but are not limited to, performance reviews, disciplinary process, and effective workplace communication.
In addition, this position will support broader Human Resources division initiatives, including assisting with the continued development of HR operations, attending training related to Workday, processing disciplinary actions and terminations in Workday, as well as helping to process HR transactions as needed or when assigned.

POSITION DUTIES

This position will be responsible for:
Employee and Labor Relations
  • Assists with all employee relations functions for the Maryland State Retirement Agency. 
  • Assists with investigations related to complaints of bullying, misconduct, and other employee relations matters. This may include, and is not limited to, drafting interview questions, interviewing witnesses, and drafting appropriate reports.
  • Will serve as witness for Step 1 of appeals and grievances. 
  • Will serve as witness for mitigating meetings, and for meetings in which disciplinary actions are delivered.
  • Assists management with the PEP process, which may include reviewing PEPs and PIPs for necessary documentation, and assisting with the gathering of appropriate documentation. Additionally, may be tasked to serve as witness during PEP delivery.
Agency staff training recommendations
  • Recommends and refers employees to training resources. 
  • Administer training programs, curriculum on Employee Relations topics such as Bullying in the Workplace, the disciplinary process, and Performance Planning and Evaluation Program (PEP).
  • Updates and develops existing training for engagement purposes and any time a law, policy or procedure is revised.
HR Workday transactions
  • Completes and attends all required Workday training, which at times may be at another location.
  • Assists with the processing of Workday transactions, which may include and is not limited to, creating job profiles, entering disciplinary actions, and assisting with entering leave events.
  • Organizes the file room and keeps files updated. Also, purges files in accordance with file retention guidelines.
Policy and Procedure Advisement
  • Advises supervisors, managers, directors, and other staff on matters involving performance management and PEP evaluations, disciplinary actions, and leave administration.
  • Interprets and applies COMAR, SPP, Federal laws and regulations, and State policies. 
  • Collaborates with internal stakeholders to maintain compliance with regulations and to stay informed of best practices.
Perform other duties as required or assigned
Performs other duties assigned to complete tasks associated with operation of Employee Relations and assist other areas of the Human Resources Services Unit.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience: Five years of experience, one year of professional HR experience involving recruitment and employment services, classification and compensation, employee relations, test development and validation, job analysis, job evaluation, salary administration, HR program evaluation, or HR policy formulation and an additional four years of professional HR management work experience in the areas of recruitment and selection, classification, salary administration, employee relations, test development and validation or as a generalist.

Notes:

1. Candidates may substitute paraprofessional personnel work experience on a year-for-year basis for up to four years of the required experience.  Paraprofessional personnel work is defined as work involving the application of public sector personnel procedures, policies, rules and regulations to specific employment actions. Appropriate paraprofessional personnel experience includes responsibility for activities such as: preparing and maintaining employment records, calculating salaries, applying personnel-related rules and policies, preparing personnel related reports, conducting employee orientation and counseling employees regarding benefits and obligations and responding to inquiries concerning employment procedures.

2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and one year of professional HR experience involving recruitment and employment services, classification and compensation, employee relations, test development and validation, job analysis, job evaluation, salary administration, HR program evaluation, or HR policy formulation for the required experience.

3. Candidates may substitute the possession of thirty graduate credit hours from an accredited college or university in the fields of HR/personnel administration, business administration, public administration, statistics, tests and measurements, psychology or a related field for the required experience.

4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer in human resources management classification or human resources management specialty codes in the human resources management field of work on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.

DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Please note that your answers to the supplemental questionnaire must correspond to the information provided on your application to receive credit.
Preferred candidates will possess the following qualifications:
  • One year experience performing employee relations and conducting workplace investigations related to (bullying, misconduct, grievances, etc).
  • One year experience providing guidance on performance management, PEP/PIP processes, disciplinary actions, and leave administration to supervisors and managers.
  • One year of experience processing HR transactions in Workday or another HRIS, including PEPs, terminations, and disciplinary actions.
  • One year experience performing work duties involving handling confidential and sensitive information.

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 minimum 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 employment (eligible) list for at least one year. This list will be used by the hiring agency to select employees. 
For education obtained outside the U.S., a copy of the equivalent American education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service must accompany the application. 
Due to the confidential nature of the work, selected candidates must undergo and pass a background check. 

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. 

BENEFITS

STATE OF MARYLAND 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. 

• 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.  

• Holidays - State employees also celebrate at least thirteen (13) holidays per year.  

• Pension - State employees earn credit 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:
Maryland State Retirement and Pension Systems
Human Resources Section
120 E. Baltimore Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
ATTN: Shanera Johnson 
Must be postmarked by the closing date.
Email: Shanera Johnson at smjohnson@sra.state.md.us
PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT UNSOLICITED DOCUMENTATION
The resulting certified eligible list for this recruitment may be used for similar positions in this or other State agencies.
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.

TTY Users: call via Maryland Relay
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.


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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