Human Services Specialist - Howard County Government : Job Details

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, best practices and sustainability. It is consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2024, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 63 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) the most awards in the state of Maryland, and the fifth highest in the nation, as compared to more than 3000 counties. NACo Achievement Awards are the premier national honor to recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policy making. What are we looking for? 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 Manager will lead the Department of Community Resources and Services' (DCRS) efforts in the areas of information sharing, outreach, education, resource development and coordination to the disability community across the lifespan. The Manager provides technical and administrative oversight of the Disabilities Services Office within DCRS and is responsible for promoting the self-sufficiency and well-being of people with disabilities through information, referral, advocacy and education. This position will develop and serve as a critical link to a network of community services focused on ensuring that those living with disabilities who reside and/or work in Howard County have the supports they need to be successful. The position requires comprehensive knowledge of available County, State and Federal disability resources in areas including housing, social services and benefits, transportation and education. The manager will serve as a member of the Executive Team within DCRS. STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE: $36.49 - $41.17 $75,903 - $85,638 CLASS DESCRIPTION: Performs advanced professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically includes administrative support of a Division within the Department of Community Resources and Services; supervision over a major phase of citizen services delivery for the department; and planning, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures. Work also includes negotiating and administering grants; preparing budgets; designing instruments for use in data gathering; and contacts with public, health, and social service agencies. Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned. Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels. Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately. Plans, develops and coordinates projects to determine service gaps and provides responses to meet needs. Identifies areas of need for persons with disabilities, their families, caregivers and others and foster linkages to appropriate resources. Is responsible for the oversight and functioning of the Loan Closet Program, staff, and operations. Develops and maintains successful working relationships and collaborations with key staff in other county departments, the business community, and non-profit partners. Develop and manage annual budget to reflect strategic priorities; monitor expenses and revenue. Oversee development of grant proposals to support budget needs. Conducts research, drafts programs and policy's related to disability services, and evaluates potential funding opportunities to support programmatic needs. Recommend public policy positions regarding issues related to the disability community to Department Director. Work with other agencies, and Offices within Community. Resources and Services, as appropriate to implement policy recommendations. Provides staffing and technical support to the Commission on Transitioning Students with Disabilities; serves as the liaison between the Commission and County Staff. Organizes and publicizes events for the public, including provider organizations and special groups. Works with organizations to promote activities such as those related to Career Exploration Day, the Transition Symposium, and the Transition Outreach Partnership. Provides technical guidance, facilitation, and training throughout the community, including county agencies, disability providers, non-profit partners and the business community, to improve service delivery to persons with disabilities. Participates in activities related to Emergency Management as requested, including work outside normal business hours. Serve as member of Community Resources and Services' senior management team, contributing to Department-wide strategic planning and goal implementation. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: This position supervises program staff. Bachelor's degree and three (3) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience. PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: Bachelor's degree in rehabilitation, counseling, special education, social work; psychology or related human or social service field, master's degree preferred. Professional experience working with persons with disabilities, with the public and with government at all levels. Demonstrated capacity supervising staff. Background in policy and program development. Budget experience (development and monitoring). Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with an ethnically diverse population. Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary. Proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery. PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT: While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to remain in a stationary position, communicate and access information. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Frequently moves Audio/Visual equipment and written materials weighing up to 30 pounds for various classroom and event needs. The noise level environment is usually moderate but may be loud at times. Sometimes works in outdoor weather conditions that may include inclement weather, heat and humidity. Work may involve direct contact and/or involvement with large groups of people. LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional papers, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from internal and external County government staff and the general public. Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common.