Human Services Specialist - County Administration, Office of Human Rights & Equity

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 is a leader in innovation, sustainability, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country. In 2025, Howard County Government received a record-breaking 83 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 out of any county in the State of Maryland which received a collective 136 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 policy making.

We are looking for outstanding individuals to join our team and contribute to excellence in Howard County operations.

• 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.

The Human Services Specialist I supports the Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Manager and the broader Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) by assisting in the development and implementation of workforce engagement initiatives, restorative practices programming, and Human Rights-centered activities that promote a fair, respectful, and high-performing workplace and community.
The position provides administrative, programmatic, and operational support for employee engagement efforts, trainings, and Countywide events, including Diversity Day and other initiatives that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration across departments. The Specialist plays a key role in staffing events, coordinating logistics, and supporting outreach and engagement efforts with employees and the broader community.
The position serves as Recording Secretary to one or more OHRE led Commissions, supporting meeting coordination, documentation, and communication to ensure effective Commission operations and alignment with County priorities.
Working under general supervision, the Human Services Specialist I assists with program implementation, data tracking, and community engagement efforts, while also supporting the administrative operations of the Office. This role contributes to the Office’s mission to promote human rights, strengthen relationships, and improve organizational effectiveness.

$27.37 - $30.86
$56,925 - $64,180

* 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.*

Performs professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work includes human service, administrative, and counseling work; providing counseling and programmatic services to the special populations; and providing assistance in identifying the population at risk, its needs and how to meet those needs. Organizes and publicizes large events for citizens or special groups.

Work also includes providing services needed to carry out human service programs or the operation of a medium sized center with extensive regional responsibility and concurrent programming.

* This is a Classified position, meaning that it is a part…