Human Services Specialist II - Howard County State's Attorney Office

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:
This is advanced, technical work, identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws under the jurisdiction of the State's Attorney's Office.

STARTING SALARY IS ENTRY LEVEL:
$68,542 ANNUALLY/$32.95 HOURLY

CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Performs intermediate professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes administering human service programs or providing specialized health and human services targeted to a special population; assists in formulating policies and developing goals and objectives; and providing a full range of counseling and referral services. Work may also include identifying and investigating complaints of unfair and deceptive practices and violations of local and State laws; and administering criminal justice and alternative sentencing programs.Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Researches, evaluates, and investigates complaints or violations coming under the jurisdiction of the State's Attorney's Office to which assigned.
• Undertakes in-depth investigations of alleged violations to include tracking patterns of illegal behavior, designing and implementing investigations to prove or disprove allegations, interviews complainants, respondents, witnesses and experts.
• Analyzes respondent's business records to develop evidence; reviews and interprets legal documents.  
• Directs and conducts investigations of potential criminal activities and coordinates with the Howard County Police Department and the Maryland State Police.  
• Assists the prosecutors in case preparation by locating witnesses, interviewing witnesses, obtaining documentation and records, analyzing data, facts, figures, transactions, and financial documentation.  
• Requests subpoenas and documents.  
• Establishes and maintains liaison with other public and private agencies; develops and conducts education programs related to assigned area; acts as agency representative at meetings.  
• Testifies at Grand Jury proceedings and in court as an expert witness.  
• Investigates allegations and making recommendation of a sensitive nature.  
• Assists prosecutors in preparation of and courtroom presentation of evidence. 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Thorough knowledge of the techniques and procedures of investigatory work and the federal, State and local laws applicable to the area of specialty.  
• Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques of interviewing and taking statements.  
• Thorough knowledge of the legal and administrative procedures applicable to the area of specialty.  
• Skill in word processing and in internet navigation.  
• Ability to analyze and evaluate patterns of illegal behavior and to be resourceful in order to develop an in-depth investigation plan.  
• Ability to analyze and evaluate information collected during an investigation.  
• Ability to prepare clear and complete reports of investigations, including recommending courses of action.  
• Ability to oversee and conduct criminal investigations within area of specialty.

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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; and use hands to touch, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.  

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

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.  
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, and percentages.  
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. 
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

• Possession of a valid driver's license.
• Passage of the NCIC "Basic Access Course" 
• MILES/NCIC Authorization.
• May require licensing, certification, or registration as a physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or registered nurse, if required by work assignment.

Salary : $68,542 - $131,949