Human Service Specialist I

About the Role

Joining the Maryland Department of Human Services means becoming part of a statewide workforce of more than 5,000 people serving over 1 million Maryland residents each year. The department delivers financial assistance, prevention-focused services, and support for children and adults, with an emphasis on improving service speed, innovation, and inclusion.

This opening is available only to current employees of the State of Maryland.

Work Location

Carrol County Department of Social Services
Services
1232 Tech Court
Westminster, MD 21157

Role Purpose

The position supports both internal teams and external partners to improve customer experience and outcomes. It includes administrative assistance to leadership for planning, carrying out, and documenting community meetings, along with broader support for the Services division. The role calls for a solid understanding of the department’s programs, procedures, operations, and policies so that customers receive responsive service.

In addition, the specialist may attend community events to share agency information, greet and guide customers, identify ways to strengthen community engagement, and remain current on local resources and partner organizations. Strong organization, creativity, communication, collaboration, and awareness of finance rules for event planning are important for success.

Key Duties

• Offer administrative assistance to Child Welfare and Adult Services staff.
• Act as a representative and public-facing ambassador for the community.
• Help advance the Common Customer Initiative and Enhanced Service Delivery across the agency.

Qualifications

Applicants must satisfy the minimum and any selective qualifications to be considered eligible for hire.

Required experience: 4 years of professional or technical experience administering a human services program, or experience performing studies and analysis of programs, procedures, practices, and organizations.

Substitutions

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may replace the required experience.
• Military service experience may be accepted on a year-for-year basis for commissioned officer administrative roles or administrative officer specialty codes within the General, Administrative, Clerical, and Office Services work field.

Preferred Background

• At least 1 year of experience using Google Workspace.
• At least 1 year of customer service experience.
• At least 1 year of administrative or clerical support experience.
• At least 1 year of experience in Family Investment Administration or Social Services Administration.

Selection and Assessment

Applicants should ensure the application clearly shows how they meet the requirements, because only information submitted by the closing date will be considered. Qualified candidates will be placed on an eligible list for at least 1 year and may be ranked as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified.

If the selected employee is already in State service and qualifies for promotion, pay will follow Maryland State guidelines.

Evaluation will be based on education, training, and experience as described in the application and how closely they match the role. A supplemental questionnaire may be required and can be part of the scoring process.

For education earned outside the United States, proof of U.S. equivalency from a recognized foreign credential evaluation service must be provided before hire.

Benefits

State employees receive a benefits package that includes low-cost health, dental, and vision coverage.

• New employees receive 6 personal leave days each year, prorated according to start date.
• Annual leave accrues at 10 days per year.
• Sick leave accrues at 15 days per year.
• Paid parental leave of up to 60 days is available for the birth or adoption of a child.
• Employees receive at least 12 paid holidays each year.
• Participation in a pension system helps build retirement credits.
• Some positions may qualify for telework.

Application Instructions

Applying online is strongly preferred. If online submission is not possible, a paper application and supplement questionnaire may be mailed to Attention: Cynthia McMillian, Department of Human Services, Examination Services Unit, 25 S. Charles Street, Room 1116-F, Baltimore, MD 21201, or emailed to cynthia.mcmillian@maryland.gov. Questions may also be directed to 410-767-7199.

For help with account issues or the online application system, contact the Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Recruitment and Examination Division, at 410-767-4850 or Application.Help@maryland.gov.

Do not send extra documents unless requested. Resumes alone will not be treated as a completed State application. TTY users may call through Maryland Relay.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

Maryland is committed to a diverse workforce and encourages applications from people with disabilities, bilingual candidates, and veterans.