Human Services Specialist I - County Administration, Office of Human Rights & Equity

Human Services Specialist I

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 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. We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations. 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 Human Services Specialist I supports the Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Manager and the broader Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by assisting in the development and implementation of workforce engagement initiatives, restorative practices programming, and Human Rights-centered activities that promote a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace and community. This position provides administrative, programmatic, and operational support for employee engagement efforts, trainings, and Countywide events, including Diversity Day and other initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration across departments. The Specialist plays a key role in staffing events, coordinating logistics, and supporting outreach and engagement efforts with employees and the broader community. The position serves as Recording Secretary to one or more OHRE led Commissions, supporting meeting coordination, documentation, and communication to ensure effective Commission operations and alignment with County priorities. Working under general supervision, the Human Services Specialist I assists with program implementation, data tracking, and community engagement efforts, while also supporting the administrative operations of the Office. This role contributes to the Office's mission to promote human rights, strengthen relationships, and improve organizational effectiveness.

Starting Salary Hiring Range: $27.37 - $30.86 $56,925 - $64,180 * This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles. *

Class Description: Performs professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes human service, administrative, and counseling work; providing counseling and programmatic services to the 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 or the operation of a medium sized center with extensive regional responsibility and concurrent programming.

*This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months. This position may also, require some weekend hours as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program & Event Coordination:

• Coordinate logistics for meetings, trainings, and events, including scheduling, materials preparation, room setup, and on-site support.
• Support Employee Resource Groups, the Equity Advisory Council, and other engagement efforts through coordination, communication, and documentation.
• Support development and implementation of Human Rights-centered programs and engagement activities.

Community & Employee Engagement:

• Conduct outreach to employees, community groups, and stakeholders to encourage participation in OHRE programs and initiatives.
• Assist in maintaining partnerships with community organizations, government agencies, and internal departments.
• Provide customer service by responding to inquiries, directing individuals to appropriate resources, and supporting employees and community members.

Communications & Materials Development:

• Assist in developing and distributing program materials such as flyers, reports, presentations, and other communications.
• Maintain and update program records, files, and documentation in accordance with office procedures and confidentiality requirements.

Data Tracking & Reporting:

• Track program data, participation, and outcomes.
• Assist in preparing reports and summaries that support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information, including Commission matters and workplace-related issues.

Administrative & Operational Support:

• Perform administrative liaison duties, including support for budget tracking, timekeeping, space and facilities coordination, supply management, and general office operations.
• Support general office operations across OHRE units, providing cross-coverage to ensure continuity.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and professional development opportunities as assigned.

Other Duties:

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Preferred education, knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Strong interest in workforce engagement, human relations, and community-based work.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects and manage competing priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with event planning, meeting coordination, or program support.
• Ability to interact effectively with diverse populations and stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail, particularly in documentation and meeting records.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive information with professionalism and discretion.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and related tools.

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: Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages. May need to analyze or calculate simple statistical reports as a part of the legal analysis. Reasoning Ability: 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.

Benefits

The following is a summary of the benefits available to Howard County employees who hold full-time benefit-eligible positions. Employees in positions covered by a bargaining agreement should consult their union contract for other specific benefits. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources or at

Flexible Benefits Plan: Under the County's flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex, employees may elect to enroll in medical insurance plans, dental insurance