Salary : $41,413.00 – $79,819.00 Annually
Location : Columbia, MD
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 23-00762
Department: Recreation & Parks
Division: R&P REC12F – Self Sustaining
Opening Date: 06/27/2023
Closing Date: 7/11/2023 8:40 AM Eastern
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 2023, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 51 Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) – the most in the state of Maryland. 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 in our continued work towards excellence in government.
What you’ll like most about working at Howard County Government:
- We are committed to workplace excellence in every area of County government.
- We take great pride in offering our workforce the best benefits and compensation packages in County Government, and we think you will too. This includes great medical, retirement, and wellness programs.
- Everyone at Howard County Government contributes to the development of programs, regardless of role. Your input will not only be heard; it will be encouraged.
- As a member of the Howard County Government team, you’ll be helping to drive our culture and directly impact what makes us an amazing place to work.
POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION
Provide registration support to the Department of Recreation and Parks in the areas of data processing, customer service, program statistics, financial reports and accounting functions. Working hours for this position is rotating weekly-Monday-Friday 8-5 or Monday-Friday 7:30pm-4:30pm.
STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:
$19.19 – $21..15
$41,413 – $43,997
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 performing responsible clerical and secretarial work essential to the successful operation of a specialized function. Work may also include supervision of data entry staff and coordination and work scheduling of the data entry function. Work at this level may also include independent responsibility for a moderately complex clerical process.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
- Works and cooperates with co-workers and supervisors at all levels.
- Learns and performs all essential job functions accurately.
- Process registrations via telephone, walk-in, fax and mail via the ActiveNet system.
- Maintain accurate information on the registration database.
- Complete the data entry of RLC programs and the seasonal brochure.
- Reconcile and verify daily deposits to include the opening and closing of the office.
- Maintain knowledge of all aspects of the childcare enrollment process.
- Maintain knowledge of the ActiveNet system for enrollment in all modules.
- Maintain Financial Assistance records, process applications and assists customers through the process.
- Complete Financial Assistance grant reports and track customer information for the grant.
- Maintain up to date records for DSS vouchers and 3rd party payments which includes the monthly billing and processing the payment.
- Submit data for seasonal reports.
- Maintain payment plans for the Department and contact customers if payments are not completed.
- Provide registration assistance at occasional weekend programs.
- Provides front desk coverage when needed.
- Facilitates monthly Customer Services Staff Meetings.
- Provides customer service to both the internal and external customers.
- Responsible for identifying and applying good sustainability practices into all aspects of Department operations.
- This position may be deemed as essential, in an emergency, at the discretion of the director.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
High School diploma or GED and four (4) years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Proficient in public relations skills, accounting procedures and effective data entry abilities.
- Competent knowledge of Windows, Word, Excel and ActiveNet.
- Strong customer service skills to handle calls directly from customers who are trying to work through the Financial Assistance process while answering a circle line phone for regular registrations.
- Ability to make independent decisions and ask difficult questions to help the customer complete the Financial Assistants process.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: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 sit; use hands to touch, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: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.
LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
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.
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent.
REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few 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 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.
01
The supplemental questions are a very important first step in our screening process. Therefore, you are required to complete these questions so that we may initially determine your eligibility for this position. A lack of detail and explanation in the supplemental questions and in your application may result in failure or disqualification for this position. This means you will be ineligible for further consideration in this recruitment process.Please check “yes” to show that you have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
02
Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $41,413 – $43,997
- Yes, I am willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
- No, I am not willing to accept the starting salary hiring range.
03
Do you possess a High School diploma or GED and four (4) years of administrative experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience?
- Yes
- No
04
If you possess four (4) years of administrative experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience, 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.
05
Do you possess experience performing administrative support work as part of a customer service team, acting as the receptionist?
- Yes
- No
06
If you possess experience performing administrative support work as part of a customer service team, acting as the receptionist, 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.
07
Do you possess experience registering individuals for programs using ActiveNet registration software?
- Yes
- No
08
If you possess experience registering individuals for programs using ActiveNet registration software, 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.
09
Do you possess customer service and public contact experience?
- Yes
- No
10
If you possess customer service/public contact experience, 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.
11
Do you possess experience in working with accounting functions such as maintaining financial assistance records, completing grant reports, and reconciling deposits?
- Yes
- No
12
If you possess experience in working with accounting functions such as maintaining financial assistance records, completing grant reports, and reconciling deposits, 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
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
14
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).
15
Are you aware that this position requires you provide assistance for occasional weekend programs?
- Yes
- No
16
Which of the following best describes your level of proficiency with Microsoft Office?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
17
Which of the following best describes your level of data entry experience?
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- None
18
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.
19
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