OVERVIEW OF ATHENA:

www.athenaconsultingllc.com

ATHENA Consulting is an award-winning staffing firm serving state and local governments. Our mission is to make lives better! We make our Clients’ Lives Easier by engaging and supporting our clients and partnering with them to be the most knowledgeable staffing partner. We make our Employees’ Lives Better by identifying and cultivating their talents and matching these talents with our customers’ needs. ATHENA places a high value on customer service, accountability and getting the job done.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are currently recruiting for a Human Resources Specialist. The Human Resources Specialist 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) and related duties as assigned. This full time position pays $35.00 per hour and is located in Towson, MD.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· 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 lws 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.

· Participate in developing department goals, objectives, and systems.

· Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings and seminars as assigned.

· Recommend new approaches, polices, and procedures, to continually improve efficiency of the department and services performed.

· Efficiently performs duties as assigned and works as a team within division and company.

· Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

· Excellent verbal, written, and listening communication skills within the English language.

· Proven, high quality customer service (internal and external customers).

· Ability to work collaboratively.

· 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.

· Solid ability to analyze situations carefully and adopt appropriate courses of action.

· Ability to understand and adhere to the duties, methods, and procedures required by the position.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability to prioritize tasks.

· Ability to effectively communicate to large and small group audiences.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education 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.

Licenses and Certificates:

· Possession of EEO Investigator Certification preferred.

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

Physical Requirements:

· Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

· Must be able to lift and move up to 25 – 50 pounds at times.

· Standard hours of work Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, however evening and weekend hours may be required

· Travel may be required up to 10% of the time

Successful ATHENA employees will display the following characteristics:

• You strive to be the best in your field currently and in the future.
• You like to make your employer look good.
• You find solutions, where others only see problems.
• You are proactive, you make and meet commitments, and you perform your duties exceedingly well.
• You are aware of the employer’s needs at all times and are well-versed in what you personally and ATHENA can offer them as a whole.
• You have the ability to work with diverse, integrated, deliverable-driven teams to accomplish the larger mission.

The benefits of working for ATHENA include:

· Support from a team of professionals committed to making your life better.

· Medical, dental and vision insurance.

· Health Savings Account

· Pet insurance.

· 401k with a generous employer match.

· ATHENA paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee.· Additional Voluntary Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance for employee, spouses, and children.

· Short and Long Term Disability.

· Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

· Easy to use employee self-serve HR portal.

· Paid time off varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

· Holiday pay varies by contract – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

· Sick leave varies by state – be sure to inquire with your Recruiter.

The statements in this Job Posting are intended to describe the general nature and minimum level of work required. The content should not be construed as a complete list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required to meet the criteria for this position. Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Application for employment is not intended to and does not create a contract or offer of employment and if hired, employment with the company is on an at-will basis and could be terminated at the will of either party.

ATHENA Consulting LLC does not discriminate in hiring based on federally protected classifications to include but not limited to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, marital status or other characteristics protected by law. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

#ATHENAJOBS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• HR Specialist: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• EEO Investigator Certification (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Towson, MD 21204: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person