Human Resources Front Desk Operations Coordinator - (Administrative Aide) - Human Resources

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, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2026, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 113 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the highest number of annual NACo awards achieved in the history of the State of Maryland, and the highest number of awards of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 165 awards. NACo is the leading organization representing county-level government operations. These awards recognize innovative and transformative programs that provide new services for county residents, improve existing programs, upgrade working conditions, and enhance citizen participation and public policymaking.

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 position functions in the corporate Human Resources Office for Howard County Government. The Human Resources Office is dedicated to workforce excellence and great customer service to all departments, employees and applicants. This is a fast-paced position which requires a skilled individual to handle a variety of technical duties supporting Human Resources functions.

• This position performs on-site work and serves in a confidential capacity within the definition of Howard County labor relations law and is ineligible for membership in a collective bargaining unit.****
  
  

Starting Salary Hiring Range

$24.70 - $32.34

$51,382 - $67,273

*This is the anticipated starting salary range for this position. Please note that the final salary will be determined by the Office of Human Resources, commensurate with experience and aligned to ensure internal equity with similarly situated roles.*

Class Description

Performs advanced technical level administrative support work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically involves administrative support, technical tasks and secretarial work assisting legal staff or an executive level government official. Applies bookkeeping, accounting and data processing principles to accounting and financial record keeping and reporting systems at the advanced technical level. Work at this level may also include independent responsibility for a significant administrative or clerical process.

• This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part of the Howard County Classified Service upon completion of a probationary period of at least six (6) months*
• Please note that this position serves in a confidential capacity within the definition of Howard County labor relations law and is ineligible for membership in a collective bargaining unit.*
  
  

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

Administrative and Office Support:

• Performs receptionist duties; responds to internal and external inquiries and routes calls/emails appropriately.
• Opens and distributes mail, including confidential/sensitive materials.
• Prepares letters for mailing and departmental distribution.
• Responsible for ordering office supplies, processing supply requisitions, receiving and distributing materials, and reconciling office credit card transactions and invoices.
• Schedules and arranges physical, hybrid, and virtual meetings; may act as host/facilitator; uses space management tools to reserve meeting rooms.
• Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.
  
  

Human Resources Records And Data Management

• Provides administrative support for the Office of Human Resources; maintains accurate and up-to-date HR files, records, and documentation.
• Maintains integrity and confidentiality of HR files and records.
• Enters, stores, and retrieves data from HR systems including ADP payroll, benefits administration platforms, Iron Mountain records storage, and applicant tracking systems.
• Maintains logs, records, complex files; prepares basic operational reports; files and retrieves materials.
  
  

Employee And Applicant Support

• Answers frequently asked questions from applicants and employees regarding policies, benefits, hiring processes, etc.
• Provides staff support during employment testing, training programs, benefits enrollment, new employee orientation (NEO), and related operations.
• Creates employee identification badges.
  
  

Payroll And Timekeeping

• Maintains office payroll and leave records.
• Records and processes biweekly timesheets for office personnel.
• Processes hours and leave adjustments, compensatory time, and annual leave reconciliations.
  
  

Financial And Expense Administration

• Serves as primary office contact for expense-related matters within Human Resources.
• Processes monthly settlements; maintains documentation to validate purchases and payments.
• Performs budget reconciliation, reviewing income and expense data for accuracy.
• Processes employee expense reimbursements in SAP for payment by the finance department.
  
  

Events And Special Programs Support

• Assists with planning and execution of special events, including benefits enrollment, organization-wide meetings, employee recognition events, holiday parties, and retirement celebrations.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no supervisory duties.

Minimum Required Education/Experience

Associates degree and two (2) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Associates degree in related field.
• Proficient with or the ability to quickly learn payroll management, applicant tracking systems, budget management applications, human resource information systems (HRIS), and similar computer applications.
  
  

Physical Demands And Work Environment

The physical demands and the work environment characteristics 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 is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
  
  

Language Skills, Mathematical Skills And Reasoning Ability

• Demonstrated experience of working in a fast-paced environment and successfully navigating multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with good attention to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
• Ability to write simple correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.
• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form.
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
  
  

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 (http://www.naces.org) or World Education Services: International Credential Evaluation (https://www.wes.org/).

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 HiringPreference@howardcountymd.gov. 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 https://www.howardcountymd.gov/human-resources/benefit-plans.

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 $2500 contingent upon County funding.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE: Employees who have worked for the county for at least twelve (12) months are eligible for twelve (12) weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the qualifying birth of a child, or the placement of a child with an employee for adoption or foster care. Leave must be used within the 12 months following the birth or placement.

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, and universal life insurance.

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

01

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.
  
  

02

Do you possess an Associate's degree and two (2) years of performing advanced technical level administrative support work in a fast-paced work environment or an equivalent combination of education and experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

If you possess an two (2) years of performing advanced technical level administrative support work in a fast-paced work environment such as a front desk role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, please explain where you acquired this education/experience include your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

04

Do you possess experience performing receptionist duties specifically responding to human resources related questions from both internal and external customers?

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

If you possess experience performing receptionist duties specifically responding to human resources related questions from both internal and external customers, 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.

06

Do you possess experience entering, storing, and retrieving data from various human resources data systems such as employee benefit administration platforms, offsite storage vendors, and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) such as ADP?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

If you possess experience entering, storing, and retrieving data from various human resources data systems such as employee benefit administration platforms, offsite storage vendors, and Human Resource Information Systems (HRIS) such as ADP, 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.

08

Do you possess experience ordering office supplies, processing supply orders and entering transactions charged to a credit card as well reconciling monthly bank statements?

• Yes
• No
  
  

09

If you possess experience ordering office supplies, processing supply orders and entering transactions charged to a credit card as well reconciling monthly bank statements, 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.

10

Please describe any experience you possess creating employee identification badges. If you do not possess any experience, please state N/A (Not Applicable) in the space provided. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

11

Do you possess experience planning special events such as benefit enrollments, organization-wide meetings, employee recognition, holiday parties and retirement celebrations?

• Yes
• No
  
  

12

If you possess experience planning special events such as benefit enrollments, organization-wide meetings, employee recognition, holiday parties and retirement celebrations, 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.

13

Do you possess experience processing Employee Expense Reimbursements using SAP to generate payments?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

If you possess experience processing Employee Expense Reimbursements using SAP to generate payments, 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.

15

Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

If you possess the customer service/public contact experience addressed in the previous question, 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.

17

Do you possess experience maintaining a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting?

• Yes, I have maintained confidentiality in a professional setting.
• No, I have not had to maintain confidentiality in a professional setting.
  
  

18

If you possess experience maintaining a high level of confidentiality in a professional setting, please explain where you acquired this experience including your employer, position title, dates of employment, and position responsibilities. Be advised that "See Resume" is not an adequate response.

19

Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)?

• Beginner: Can create and edit basic documents, enter data, and use simple formatting.
• Intermediate: Can format complex layouts, use formulas/functions (e.g. VLOOKUP, pivot tables) and build presentations with transitions.
• Advanced: Can create macros, complex data models, advanced animations, and master templates.
• None
  
  

20

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.
  
  

21

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