Communications Specialist - (Human Services Specialist I) - County Administration, OHRE

Howard County: Conveniently located in the heart of central Maryland between Baltimore and Washington, Howard County offers the charm of a historic past mixed with the excitement of a cosmopolitan community. Howard County Government Howard County Government is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record‑breaking 83 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county‑level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking. What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government. We have a highly talented, diverse, and inclusive workplace. Your input will not only be heard, but it will be encouraged! We offer competitive compensation and great benefits including medical, retirement, and wellness programs. As a member of the Howard County Government team, you'll be helping drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work. Position Summary The Communications Specialist performs professional‑level human services work in support of the mission of the Office of Human Rights and Equity by assisting with community outreach, public education, communications, and program awareness activities. Under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior, the position supports human rights and equity initiatives through development and distribution of informational materials, coordination of outreach efforts, and direct engagement with community members and partner organizations. Media, design, and digital communication activities are utilized as tools to support service delivery, community education, and access to OHRE programs. Part‑time position (24 hours/week). Class Description Performs professional level human services work, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes human service and administrative tasks; providing programmatic services to special populations; and providing assistance in identifying the population at risk, its needs and how to meet those needs. Organizes and publicizes large events for citizens or special groups. Work also includes providing services needed to carry out human service programs. Other duties may be assigned. Conduct community outreach for all activities relating to the mission and purpose of the Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE), including programs, services, and initiatives related to recognizing and combating discrimination; identifying and countering structural, systemic, and institutional inequities; services of OHRE, and intercultural competencies. Assist in planning, coordinating, and supporting outreach programs, activities, and events relating to the mission and purpose of the Office of Human Rights & Equity (OHRE). Develop and distribute informational and educational materials, including flyers, brochures, posters, press releases, marketing materials, and digital content. Assist with preparation of reports, publications, and annual documentation related to OHRE activities and program outcomes. Develop visual (graphic, video, and photo) and written content for use on OHRE websites and social media platforms in accordance with established guidelines and direction. Update and maintain web‑based and digital outreach content to ensure information is accurate, accessible, and current. Design, set up, and staff informational booths or tables at community events; distribute literature and respond to public inquiries regarding OHRE services. Build and maintain working relationships with community organizations, advocacy groups, government agencies, and other stakeholders to support outreach and service delivery. Provide administrative and programmatic support to OHRE commissions, boards, workgroups, and roundtables, including meeting coordination and follow‑up activities. Respond to public inquiries and refer individuals to appropriate OHRE staff or services as needed. Demonstrate professionalism, cultural competence, and sensitivity when interacting with diverse populations. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including intake, investigative, and case‑related matters, in accordance with County policies and applicable laws. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, public hearings, and community meetings as assigned. Perform other related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the Human Services Specialist I classification. Supervisory Responsibilities This position does not exercise supervisory responsibility. Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of civil rights, human rights, equity, and community‑based human services programs. Ability to support outreach, education, and public engagement activities. Strong oral and written communication skills. Ability to prepare informational and promotional materials for diverse audiences. Familiarity with website content management systems and social media platforms. Proficiency with standard office software and basic graphic or digital design tools. Proficiency with photography, videography, and editing tools/platforms. Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to interact professionally and effectively with the public and community partners. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. Must be able to use a computer, work at least eight hours a day with some overtime. There needs to be flexibility regarding office hours as well as working extra hours since outreach activities may occur in the evening. Language Skills, Mathematical Skills and Reasoning Ability Ability to read and interpret documents such as reports, applications, and training manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of community members or employees of organization. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, analyze information and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of legal and technical instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Class C Maryland Driver's license or equivalent issued by the state of residence. #J-18808-Ljbffr Howard-County