Human Resources Specialist

DEFINITION:       

Investigates complaints of alleged employment discrimination, harassment and retaliation in compliance with EEO laws and related policies and rules, as well as employee incidents of misconduct, child abuse, bullying, and criminal activity related to compliance with applicable laws and regulations and policies and rules.  Prepares and presents reports, findings, and determinations.  Coordinates background investigations of applicants for employment.  Analyzes background records of employees, candidates for employment, service providers, volunteers, and others.  Assists in administering the Office of Investigations and Records Management (OIRM) and the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO).  Performs other duties as assigned.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES:

Conducts investigations of allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation related to compliance with EEO laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and State Government Article Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland and other related laws and regulations and policies and rules.

Conducts investigations of allegations of employee misconduct and workplace bullying related to compliance with Board of Education Policies and Superintendent's Rules.

Prepares questions for and conducts thorough interviews of parties, witnesses and other involved individuals in compliance with policies and procedures and any applicable collective bargaining agreements to determine the facts of the case. Obtains affidavits as appropriate.

Conducts unbiased reviews of complaint files, correspondences, and other documents to determine facts of the case. Conducts professional analysis of facts gathered during the course of investigations to determine whether there has been a violation of Board of Education Policies, Superintendent's Rules, and relevant laws and regulations.

Drafts investigative reports, summarizing relevant facts and analyzing relevant policies, rules and laws and regulations. Prepares statements of position for external agency submission.

Prepares and presents reports of findings and determinations.  Testifies in criminal trials and administrative hearings.  Represents the Baltimore County Public Schools at fact-finding hearings, unemployment hearings, and related events as appropriate.

Coordinates background checks of current, potential, and contractual employees.  Gathers, verifies, and analyzes data, documentation, and reports.  Conducts follow-up on I-9 concerns.

Identifies potentially disqualifying information, falsification, and material omissions on applications for employment.  Interviews applicants who disclose potentially disqualifying information and determines their suitability for employment. Analyzes and develops procedures and practices related to background checks and investigations.

Provides advice to management regarding matters related to background checks and investigations for employees, substitutes, student interns, and volunteers.

Conducts internal investigations of allegations of serious employee misconduct on Baltimore County Public Schools (BCPS) property such as cases of child abuse, sexual abuse, and criminal activities.  Interviews administrators, teachers, students, parents, law enforcement officials, and others to determine the facts of the case. Reviews witness statements and video footage when available.

Receives and analyzes alerts of post-employment arrests.  Investigates cases and reviews employees’ continued suitability for employment.  Interviews employees and supervisors.

Monitors employees placed on administrative leave. Travels throughout Baltimore County and other local jurisdictions to conduct special investigations. 

Conducts or assists with random audits of background check records for contractors and other vendors. 

Assists with investigations of employee threat, violence, or theft.  Completes and files Statements of Charges on matters referred for prosecution.

Consults with administrators and supervisors and provides guidance on matters pertaining to progressive discipline, employee misconduct, employee assistance program, training resources and other resources to improve workplace behaviors.

Assists in preparation and presentation of training programs and workshops. 

Maintains files and electronic databases. Documents all case activities from the initial complaint to resolution and closing the investigative file.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Training and Experience: 

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree.  Six years of progressively responsible experience in Human Resources investigations. 

Juris Doctorate (JD) or advanced degree in English, political science, government affairs, public administration, Human Resources, or a related field preferred. Five years demonstrated EEO investigation experience preferred.

Note: Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provide the knowledge and skills necessary to perform effectively in the class may be considered.

Licenses and Certificates: 

Possession of EEO Investigator Certification preferred.

Possession of a valid class C Maryland driver's license or an equivalent is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resources investigations.  Knowledge of employment discrimination laws and regulations including but not limited to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), and State Government Article Title 20, Annotated Code of Maryland, as well as Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Knowledge of EEO-related laws, codes, regulations, and standards.  Knowledge of the principles and best practices of management. 

Knowledge of criminal justice, law enforcement, and security.  Knowledge of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Family Law Article, Part IV, Maryland Criminal Law Article and related laws and regulations pertaining to background checks and investigations.  Knowledge of the Criminal Justice Information System. 

Knowledge and skill with technology and office software application; database, spreadsheet, word processing, and related applications.  Knowledge of and skill in data analysis.

Demonstrated ability in conducting personnel or employee relations investigations.

Critical thinking skills, a strong work ethic, solid organizational and time management skills, a willingness and ability to adapt to sudden changes.

Knowledge of EEO, ADA, Title IX, and related laws, policies, and regulations.  Knowledge of the principles and practices of Human Resources administration.  Knowledge of EEO-related laws, codes, regulations, and standards.  Knowledge of the principles and practices of management. 

Strong writing skills, organizational skills and attention to detail.

Ability to conduct thorough and professional interviews.

Ability to adhere to established timelines for completion of all investigations, including EEO and employee misconduct.

Demonstrated proficiency with communication skills, both written and oral.  Skill in preparing and presenting reports.  Skill in speaking and presenting before groups. 

Skill in conducting background checks of current and potential employees.  Skill in interviewing parties to determine the facts of a case.  Excellent organizational skills.

Ability to maintain confidential information.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.  Ability to maintain files and records accurately.