Management Advocate Program Chief

About the Role

The State of Maryland's Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking a Management Advocate Program Chief to support the Executive Director of the Human Resources Services Division (HRSD). This role involves managing the Employee Relations Unit (ERU), supervising hearing officers, and ensuring accurate interpretation of employee relations policies as outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Working at DPSCS offers a rewarding career with comprehensive benefits, pension plans, paid leave, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee Management Advocate Supervisors, Advocates I and II, and ERU Hearing Officers.
• Analyze and advise on employee relations matters by reviewing departmental policies and guiding management executives, directors, and supervisors.
• Represent and participate in settlement conferences with the Department of Budget and Management.
• Train HR Officers and administrative leaders on personnel laws, disciplinary actions, and employee-employer relations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to prepare responses for government officials including the Governor, DPSCS Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and legislators.
• Assist in compiling and preparing statistical reports on terminations and related workforce data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• At least six years of professional experience in employment or labor law or human resources, including four years focused on employee relations or labor law.
• Experience representing management in grievance and disciplinary hearings before administrative law judges or equivalent forums, especially handling termination cases.
• Substitution: Possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school may replace four years of the required experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active license to practice law in a State or Federal court.
• Prior litigation experience.
• Expertise in managing employee and labor grievances, including termination processes and COBRA administration.

Additional Requirements

• Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills adapting to diverse populations in correctional or community contexts.
• Proficiency in additional languages such as Spanish, Mandarin, or Korean is advantageous.

Benefits

• Low-cost health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Annual personal leave of six days for new employees, prorated by start date.
• Ten days of annual leave accumulation per year.
• Fifteen days of sick leave accumulation annually.
• Up to sixty days of paid parental leave for birth or adoption of a child.
• At least twelve recognized holidays yearly.
• Earned credit toward State pension plans.

Additional Information

DPSCS is one of Maryland's largest departments with around 12,000 employees and a budget exceeding one billion dollars. The department focuses on safety and restorative justice programs supporting offender reintegration. This position is located in Baltimore City at 6776 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, MD 21215 and is a Management Service appointment that serves at the discretion of the appointing authority.

Applicants must provide complete documentation addressing qualifications by the closing date. Selected candidates will be categorized as Best Qualified, Better Qualified, or Qualified and placed on an eligibility list for at least one year.

For application assistance or questions, contact the HRSD-Recruitment Division or the Department of Budget and Management Examination Division.

The State of Maryland values diversity and encourages veterans, persons with disabilities, and bilingual individuals to apply. Maryland is committed to equal opportunity employment reflecting the state's demographic diversity.