PSCS Management Advocate Series

State of Maryland•Baltimore City, MD

16h•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking dedicated candidates to fill important roles within their department. DPSCS is one of the largest departments in Maryland with nearly 12,000 employees and a budget of more than $1 billion, focused on promoting safety, increasing security at institutions, and leading innovative restorative justice projects. The Management Advocate I and II (Employee Relations Unit Hearing Officer) position serves as a legal advisor to the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on Second Step Appeals and renders legally sufficient decisions on Disciplinary Action and Grievance and Dispute Resolution Appeals. The incumbent also represents the Department on appeals of grievances, disciplinary actions and dispute resolution complaints before the Department of Budget and Management, the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”) and the Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights (“COBR”) Hearing Board. This position makes recommendations to the Secretary on the legal sufficiency of Notices of Termination, Notices of Disciplinary Charges (“NODC”) and appeals of terminations. The role also involves representing the Department at Settlement Conferences before the Department of Budget and Management and interpreting, reviewing, and resolving employee-employer relations disputes arising out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“MOU”).

Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
For PSCS Management Advocate I: Three years of professional experience in employee or labor relations, including one year representing management before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings, or similar adjudicatory setting, involving all types of grievance and disciplinary appeal cases, including terminations, on a regular and recurring basis
For PSCS Management Advocate II: Two years of experience representing management before an administrative law judge in hearings at the Office of Administrative Hearings, or similar adjudicatory settings, involving all types of grievance and disciplinary appeal cases, including terminations, on a regular and recurring basis
Candidates may substitute the possession of a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school for the required experience
Required to obtain certification in State Personnel Management System policies and procedures and in the functionality of the Statewide Personnel System from the Office of Personnel Services and Benefits, Department of Budget and Management within six months from the time of appointment to the position
Required to obtain recertification every six months thereafter
May be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland if assigned duties requiring vehicle operation

Nice To Haves

Litigation Experience
Experience working with a Maryland State government agency

Responsibilities

Serve as a legal advisor to Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on Second Step Appeals
Render legally sufficient decisions on Disciplinary Action and Grievance and Dispute Resolution Appeals
Represent the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on appeals of grievances, disciplinary actions and dispute resolution complaints before the Department of Budget and Management, the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”) and the Correctional Officers’ Bill of Rights (“COBR”) Hearing Board
Make recommendations to the Secretary of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services on the legal sufficiency of Notices of Termination, Notices of Disciplinary Charges (“NODC”) and appeals of terminations
Represent the Department at Settlement Conferences before the Department of Budget and Management
Interpret, review and resolve employee-employer relations disputes arising out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (“MOU”)

Benefits

Great benefits
Pension
Generous leave
Competitive salary
Opportunity for advancement and professional growth
Medical and dental coverage
Paid time off (i.e. vacation, sick leave)
Becoming vested in the State pension
Supplemental retirement options
Joining the Maryland State Employees Credit Union
Health insurance
Vision plans offered at a low cost
Six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date) for new State employees
Ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year
Fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year
Up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child
At least twelve (12) holidays per year
State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension