Connections Program Assistant-(Human Services Worker I)-Community Resources and Services

Howard County

Columbia, MD

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$20.03–$38.55 Per Hour
SKILLS
Banking Regulations, Banking Services, Blood Bank, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Computer Skills, Credit Union, Data Quality, Database Administration, Emergency Management, Employee Assistance Plan, Employee Benefits, Food Services, Government Funding, Hardware Virtualization, Health Department, Health Plan, Human Resources, Interpersonal Skills, Marketing, Mathematics, Memory Hardware, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Payroll Forms and Checks, Payroll Tax, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Program Planning, Record Keeping, Recreation, Retirement Plan, Service Delivery, Spreadsheets, Team Player, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Columbia, MD
POSTED
14 days ago

Connections Program Assistant-(Human Services Worker I)-Community Resources and Services

Salary

$20.03 - $38.55 Hourly

Location

East Columbia Senior Center, Columbia, MD

Job Type

Part Time

Job Number

26-00455

Department

Community Resources and Services

Division

Citizen Services - Center

Opening Date

05/25/2026

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

POSITION SUMMARY/CLASS DESCRIPTION

THIS IS A PART-TIME BENEFITTED POSITION WORKING APPROXIMATELY 25-HOURS PER WEEK.

POSITION SUMMARY:

This is a part-time position working 25 hours, 5 days per week providing assistance and coverage in the Howard County Connections Social Day Program. Work includes providing assistance in a human service delivery program or the operation of a site with periodic on-site but no regional programming responsibility. Serves as a team member of all aspects of the programs operation.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$20.03 - $22.58

CLASS DESCRIPTION:

Performs technical level human services work under regular supervision from a technical superior. Work includes providing assistance in a human service delivery program or the operation of a site with periodic on-site but no regional programming responsibility. Work also includes managing a small center where activities are scheduled daily and being responsible for providing safe and efficient operation of a center or a site with limited regional responsibility and limited programming on a daily basis.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

  • Assists director in planning and implementing programs for cognitively and physically impaired adults in the Connections Social Day Program and other social engagement programs.
  • Develops and leads activity programs and discussion groups. Provides assistance and supervision to cognitively and physically impaired clients in their activities at the center
  • Provides physical assistance including assistance on/off bus, in/out of center/ walking. Transferring, using the bathroom, etc. as needed.
  • Provides input into the development of care plans
  • Assists with food service including set/up and clean/up
  • Communicates with families, caregivers, and other service providers
  • Assists in maintaining center records and reports
  • Assists with direction of students/volunteers
  • Assists with community outreach and marketing
  • Works as a team member on other center projects and programs
  • Attends meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor
  • Participates in activities related to Emergency Management as requested, including work outside normal business hours.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Associates Degree and one (1) year related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

  • Experience with individuals affected by memory loss, other forms of cognitive impairment, or similar conditions
  • Strong interpersonal skills, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work well with an ethnically diverse population.
  • Strong computer proficiency especially with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), database management and spreadsheet applications necessary.
  • Proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

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 use hands to touch, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and taste or smell. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.

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 moderate. There is the usual noise associated with a busy active senior center.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:

  • Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and memos.
  • Ability to write correspondences.
  • Ability to effectively present information in one on one and small group situations to the public 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 written and oral instructions.
  • Ability to deal with problems involving many variables with a diverse population.

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 part-time benefited positions. Additional details are also available in the Employee Manual and in summary plan descriptions which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

FLEXIBLE BENEFITS PLAN: Part-time benefitted employees may enroll in the Countys flexible benefits plan called CountyFlex. This plan provides employees the opportunity to purchase benefits including Medical, Dental and/or Optional Life Insurances, or to fund Health Care and/or Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts. All required employee contributions for benefit elections are made on a pre-tax basis. For a more detailed overview of our benefit package, Click here.

RETIREMENT PLANS: Part-time benefitted employees must enroll in the Howard County Retirement Plan. Part-time benefitted employees who hold recreation program support positions are not eligible to enroll in this benefit. This is a defined benefit plan that requires employees contributions, made on a pre-tax basis.

Currently, Part-time benefitted employees contribute 3% of their salary pre-tax to the plan. The County contributes an additional percentage to ensure that the plan is adequately funded.

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 employees direction on a tax deferred basis.

SOCIAL SECURITY: Participation is mandatory. Employees contribute at the current established rate.

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, part-time benefited employees accrue 4.34 hours per month.. From years 6 through 10, the accrual is 5.34 hours per month. From years 11 through 20, the annual accrual is 6.34 hours per month. From year 21 on, annual accrual is 7 hours per month. Annual leave may not be used during the first 6 months of employment. A maximum of 160 hours may be carried over from one fiscal year to the next.

DISABILITY LEAVE: Employees accrue 4 hours per month. 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 physicians certificate.

PERSONAL LEAVE: Part-time benefited employees receive 24 hours of personal leave days each calendar year to be taken during the calendar year. Employees hired after April 30th receive 16 hours of personal leave that year; those hired after August 31st receive 8 hours; 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 12 holidays.

New Years Day; Martin Luther King Day; Presidents Day; Good Friday; Juneteenth; Memorial Day; Independence Day; Labor Day; Ingigenous Peoples Day; Veterans 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.

LONG TERM DISABILITY BENEFITS: After a 6-month waiting period, part-time benefited employees meeting eligibility requirements may receive long term disability income benefits not to exceed 2/3 of the employees monthly salary or $1250, whichever is less. 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 Banks Rules and Regulations which are available in the Office of Human Resources.

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Employees experiencing problems that affect their personal lives and job performance may take advantage of confidential assessment and referral services provided by MHNet, Inc. The initial 3 sessions are conducted at no cost to the employee. A 24-hour counseling hot-line is available by calling 1-800-492-4357.

DIRECT DEPOSIT: Employees may elect to have payroll checks deposited directly into the bank account of their choice. Contact the Office of Human Resources to receive forms to take advantage of this convenient banking option.

CREDIT UNION: Employees may participate in the Tower Federal Credit Union through payroll deductions. Loans are also available to qualified applicants. A Tower ATM machine is located in the lobby of the Police Headquarters building in the County Office Complex in Ellicott City. Membership applications are available by calling Tower Federal at 301-497-7000.

BLOOD DONATION DRIVES: In conjunction with the Howard County Health Department and the American Red Cross, blood donation drives are conducted twice each year. County employees support and participation ensures that blood replacement is available to County employees, their family members and the community.

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

Are you willing to accept a salary offer within the salary hiring range commensurate with applicable experience/qualifications? $20.03 - $22.58

  • 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 an Associates degree and one (1) year of experience providing assistance in a human services delivery program?

  • Yes
  • No

04

If you possess a degree from an accredited college or university, was your degree conferred in one of the following disciplines: Social Work, Recreational Therapy, Gerontology, Human Services, Occupational Therapy, Public Policy, Public Administration or a closely related field? If so, of the choices list below, please select the option that most closely reflects your academic background.

  • Yes, I possess an Associates degree in one of the listed fields.
  • Yes, I possess a Bachelors degree in one of the listed fields.
  • Yes, I possess a Masters degree in one of the listed fields.
  • Yes, I possess a Doctorate in one of the listed fields.
  • Yes, I possess a degree in a closely related field.
  • Not Applicable

05

If you possess one (1) year of experience providing assistance in a human services delivery program, 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 working with a ethnically diverse adult population?

  • Yes
  • No

07

If you possess experience working with a ethnically diverse adult population, 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 working with individuals affected by memory loss, other forms of cognitive impairment, or similar conditions?

  • Yes
  • No

09

If you possess experience working with individuals affected by memory loss, other forms of cognitive impairment, or similar conditions, 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

Do you possess any experience developing programs/activities for the benefit of an aging population?

  • Yes, I have limited experience developing programs/activities.
  • Yes, I have assisted with the development, coordination, and delivery of programs/activities.
  • Yes, I have overseen the development of a comprehensive curriculum of programs and/or activities from conception to implementation.
  • No, I do not possess this experience but I am willing to undergo any necessary training.

11

If you possess any experience developing programs/activities for the benefit of an aging population, 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.

12

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

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • None

13

Please state your proficiency in virtual platforms and use of technology for human services delivery.

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced
  • None

14

Are you aware that this position may require you to work outside of normal business hours?

  • Yes
  • No

15

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.

  • Yes
  • No

16

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

Employer Howard County Government

Address 3430 Court House Drive

Ellicott City, Maryland, 21043

Phone 410-313-2033

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/howardcounty

About the Company

H

Howard County