Human Services Worker II - Department of Corrections

Salary : $48,194.00 - $92,914.00 Annually

Location : Jessup, MD

Job Type : Full Time

Job Number : 25-00188

Department : Corrections

Opening Date : 09 / 10 / 2024

Closing Date : 9 / 24 / 2024 11 : 59 PM Eastern

POSITION SUMMARY / CLASS DESCRIPTION

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 :

Provides re-entry education to individuals at the Howard County Department of Corrections on healthcare eligibility options and community resources and identifies offenders in need of health insurance benefits.

Completes formal enrollment for qualified eligible inmates for health insurance. Also, coordinates care options for chronic care inmate patients leaving the facility.

Ensures data entry into any required data systems related to reentry services and health insurance options. Serves as part of the Work Release and Reentry Program team as Reentry Coordinator and is responsible to provide reentry services for offenders who are to return to the community as well as for providing services in the community.

The position must work within the confines of the detention center as well as within the community. The Coordinator develops relationships with outside community agencies and programs and makes referrals to these programs.

CLASS DESCRIPTION :

Performs advanced technical level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under regular supervision from an administrative or technical superior.

Work includes providing services needed to carry out human service programs or the operation of a medium sized center with extensive regional responsibility and daily programs.

Work also includes performing supportive casework services needed to carry out an alternative sentencing program, and placing adult offenders into community service organizations according to court specified sentencing instructions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

Identifies offenders in need of health insurance enrollment, community health appointments and coordination as needed, reentry services, or who have a case plan specifying reentry services.

Receives referrals from the courts, the Public Defender's office and other agencies such as Community Supervision and works to develop and execute case plans.

Provides a six week re-entry orientation series of topics helpful for inmates who are returning to the community.

Works with other local and state reentry coordinators to identify re-entry services outside of Howard County which may require travel.

Obtains community resources information for health services, housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, etc. to provide for inmates pending release.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

There are no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Associates degree and one (1) year experience or equivalent combination of experience and education.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES :

Experience and knowledge of the correctional system and current concepts of reentry.

Ability to work with other staff and community providers as well as clientele and family / friends.

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 frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand;

walk; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and / or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY :

Ability to read and interpret documents such as federal regulations, 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 an organization.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, proportions and percentages.

Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS

Class C Maryland Driver's License or equivalent issued by state of residence.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TO APPLY : You must complete an employment application online to be considered for this recruitment. Resumes cannot be substituted for completion of the job application work history.

No paper applications will be accepted.

Selected candidates may be subject to drug screening, background screening, and reference checks.

At time of application, please submit a copy of any college degree, coursework, licenses, or certifications that you have referenced on your application.

Applicants who have education obtained outside of the U.S. may need to provide proof of the equivalent U.S. education as determined by a foreign credential evaluation service, such as the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services () or World Education Services : International Credential Evaluation ().

Howard County Government is not sponsoring employees in application of the H-1B Visa or providing an extension of an existing H-1B Visa.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.

Howard County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The County prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Applicants requiring accommodations during the hiring process should contact the Office of Human Resources directly at Requests for accommodations should not be attached to the application.

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 plans, optional life insurance, dependent life insurance, and healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts.

Employee contributions to these benefits are made on a pre-tax basis. Information concerning enrollment options, plan rates and a benefits comparison chart are available in the Office of Human Resources.

GROUP TERM LIFE INSURANCE : Employees receive a group term life insurance benefit equal to 2 times their annual salary at no cost.

Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The County pays the entire cost for this benefit. Employees may purchase additional coverage under the CountyFlex benefits plan.

PAID LEAVE BENEFITS : Annual and Disability Leaves are accrued over 24 pay periods each year. Personal leave is credited on January 1st each year.

Use of Annual, Disability and / or Personal Leave requires supervisory approval.

ANNUAL LEAVE : During the first 5 years of employment, employees accrue the equivalent of 13 days per year. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is the equivalent of 16 days per year.

From years 11 through 20, the accrual is the equivalent of 19 days per year. From year 21 on, the accrual is the equivalent of 21 days per year.

Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 40 days may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.

DISABILITY LEAVE : Employees accrue the equivalent of 1 day per month (12 days per year). There is no maximum accrual. This leave may be used for the disabling illness / injury of the employee, spouse or minor child or for a serious medical condition approved under F.

M.L.A. Absences of over 3 days must be substantiated by a physician's certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE : Employees receive 6 personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 4 days of personal leave that year;

those hired after August 31st receive 2 days; and those hired after November 30th receive no personal leave for that year.

Personal leave may not be carried over.

HOLIDAYS : Employees are paid for the following holidays :

New Year's Day; Martin Luther King Day; President's Day; Good Friday; Memorial Day; Juneteenth; Independence Day; Labor Day;

Columbus Day; Veteran's Day; Thanksgiving Day; Friday after Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day.

OTHER PAID LEAVE : Other paid leave will be granted for approved jury duty, military leave, bereavement leave and official leave.

Unpaid leave will be granted in accordance with the Family and Medical Leave Act.

RETIREMENT : Howard County sponsors a defined benefit plan for its employees. participation in the plan is mandatory. Employees are required to make contributions to the plan, which are taken on a pre-tax basis.

Contribution rates are dependent upon the plan in which the employee participates (general plan, or police and fire plan).

The County contributes an additional percentage sufficient to ensure that each plan is adequately funded. Complete details are available in the summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

Howard County Retirement Plan : Employees contribute 3% of salary to the plan. Sheriff Deputies hired after 7 / 1 / 2021 contribute 8.

5% of salary to the plan. All eligible Corrections Employees must enroll in the Corrections Employees Enhanced Benefit and must contribute 8.5% of salary to the plan.

Howard County Police and Fire Employees' Retirement Plan : Sworn police officers and career firefighters must participate in this plan.

Police employees contribute 11.6% of salary and Fire employees contribute 7.7% of salary to the plan.

SOCIAL SECURITY : Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

457(b) DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN : Employees are eligible to participate in an IRS 457(b) deferred compensation program.

This plan allows employees to defer a portion of their income on a pre-tax basis. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction on a tax deferred basis.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM : Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services.

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE : Employees may apply for reimbursement for tuition costs after completion of 6 months of employment.

Prior course approval is required. The maximum annual reimbursement is $1500 contingent upon County funding.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS : Employees who have completed 6 months of service are enrolled in the LTD plan. After 6 months of disability, plan may pay 60% of base monthly pay up to $2500 per month.

The County pays the entire cost of this benefit.

DISABILITY LEAVE BANK : Employees have established a Disability Leave Bank to which employees may donate disability leave in order to be eligible to receive salary and benefit protection when they are absent due to a serious disabling illness or injury and have exhausted all accrued leave.

Employees are eligible to join the Bank after having completed 1 year of employment. Administration of the Bank, including the review and approval of claims for grants of time, is handled in accordance with the Bank's Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

VOLUNTARY BENEFIT OPTIONS : Employees may elect to enroll in long term care insurance, critical illness insurance, short term disability income protection, universal life insurance, and discounted auto / homeowner's insurance programs.

CREDIT UNION : Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants.

Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying.

The submitted electronic document must outline accurate dates to include (month and year) in association with each work history entry.

Vague descriptions of experience will not be considered. Please include all pertinent experience in your application to include, full or part time, volunteer, military, acting capacity, or any other such work history that is applicable to the position for which you wish to be considered.

Descriptions of duties that state "see resume" will negatively impact your candidacy as resumes cannot be substituted in lieu of a completed application.

Applicants will not be contacted for clarification or additional information.

I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Do you possess an Associate's degree and one (1) year of relevant work experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education?

• Yes, I possess an Associate's degree (or higher) and at least one year of relevant work experience.
• Yes, I possess an equivalent combination of experience and education.
• No, I do not possess these qualifications.

If you possess one (1) year of experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education, please explain where you acquired this experience / education include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.

Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

If you possess a degree from an accredited college or university, was your degree in one of the following disciplines : Social Work, Human Services, Public Policy, Public Administration or a closely related field?

• Yes, I possess an Associate's degree in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a Bachelor's degree in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a Master's degree in one of the listed fields.
• Yes, I possess a degree in a closely related field.
• Not Applicable

Do you possess experience providing education to inmates on healthcare eligibility options and community resources?

• Yes, I have assisted with the coordination of training initiatives.
• Yes, I have coordinated the delivery of training initiatives to include : establishing training schedules, and registering participants for training.
• Yes, I have coordinated the delivery of training initiatives to include : establishing training schedules, allocating equipment, acquiring training materials, and scheduling training facilities.
• No, I do not have experience coordinating the delivery of training initiatives.

If you possess experience providing education to inmates on healthcare eligibility options and community resources, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.

Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess experience completing formal enrollment for qualified eligible inmates for health insurance?

If you possess experience completing formal enrollment for qualified eligible inmates for health insurance, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.

Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess professional experience working with correctional re-entry programs?

If you you possess professional experience working with correctional re-entry programs, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.

Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

Do you possess experience obtaining community resources information for health services, housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, etc.

to provide for inmates pending release?

If you possess experience obtaining community resources information for health services, housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, etc.

to provide for inmates pending release, please explain where you acquired this experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities.

Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

How did you hear about this position?

• NEOGOV / GOVT Jobs
• Linked In
• Maryland Association of Counties
• National Association of Counties
• CEAM
• ASCE
• Indeed
• Employee Referral
• Maryland Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Maryland Recreation and Parks Association (MRPA)
• Handshake
• Career Fair
• Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service
• Other

If you indicated "Job Fair" or "Other" in the previous question, please indicate which job fair you attended and specifically how you became aware of this position.

Otherwise, indicate "N / A" (Not Applicable).

Do you possess a valid driver's license?

I understand I am responsible for maintaining the accuracy of my contact information, including my street address, my e-mail address, and my contact telephone numbers.

My failure to maintain accurate contact information may result in my not receiving information regarding this job announcement and / or may result in my not being further considered for this employment opportunity.

To update this information visit www.governmentjobs.com, click on the "career seekers" link, and follow the prompts.

I have read and understand the language outlined above.

I certify that the information submitted in this application is true and correct to the best of my knowledge. I understand that providing false, erroneous, and / or misleading information may result in elimination from the hiring process and termination of employment if hired.

I have read and understand the language outlined above.

Required Question