Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Manager - (Human Services Specialist III) - OHRE

Howard County Government; Maryland; On-site; USD 77,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

Howard County Government is seeking a Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Manager to lead the unit and advance equity, inclusion, and high performance across the workforce. You will provide strategic direction, advise County leadership, review policies, and partner with departments to remove barriers to access and opportunity for residents and employees.

This role also oversees training programs, stakeholder engagement, and the Equity Advisory Council, building a culture of trust,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience in public speaking and advocacy work.
• Training in Mediation, Restorative Practices, and inclusion initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Unit, aligning programs with County goals.
• Develop strategies to strengthen workplace culture, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish metrics to evaluate program impact and support continuous improvement.
• Advise leadership on workforce engagement and restorative strategies; review policies for equity.

Skills

Public policy

Diversity & inclusion

Mediation

Training & facilitation

Data-informed decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Policy, Social Work, Psychology or related field

Job 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:

The Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Manager leads the Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Unit and is responsible for advancing Howard County government as an equitable , inclusive, and high-performing workplace. This role provides strategic direction and oversight for workforce engagement, restorative approaches to conflict resolution, and practices that promote fairness, access, and opportunity within the workplace.

The Manager serves as a key advisor to County leadership, providing guidance on workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative practices, including the review of policies, legislation, and emerging issues that impact employees and the broader community. This role ensures that programs, practices, and decisions are informed by data, aligned with operational priorities, and responsive to the needs of a diverse workforce and resident population.

The position partners with departments, Human Resources, and community stakeholders to identify systemic and operational barriers to access to programs and resources recommend practical solutions and support the implementation of strategies that strengthen organizational effectiveness and service delivery. The Manager also builds and sustains external partnerships and represents the County in regional and community-based efforts related to workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative practices. The Manager also supports the development of Human Rights-centered initiatives and experiences that engage residents and employees, strengthen connections across Commissions, and advance awareness of rights, responsibilities, and protections within the County.

This role serves as Executive Secretary to one or more Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) Lead Commissions, providing strategic coordination, policy guidance, and serving as a key liaison between the Commission, County leadership, and the community.

In addition, the Manager leads the Equity Advisory Council and supports Employee Resource Groups and other engagement structures to ensure diverse perspectives inform decision-making and continuous improvement. The Manager oversees the design and implementation of employee engagement initiatives, including Countywide events such as Diversity Day, and leads the development and delivery of training programs and facilitated dialogues that strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration across departments.

STARTING SALARY HIRING RANGE:

$37.22 - $51.73/Hourly
$77,422 - $107,596/Annually

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 professional level human services work, which may include supervisory responsibility, under general supervision from an administrative or technical superior. Work typically includes administrative support of a Division within the Office of Human Rights and Equity; supervision over a major phase of citizen services delivery for the department; and planning, implementing, and evaluating program policies and procedures. Work also includes negotiating and administering grants; preparing budgets; designing instruments for use in data gathering; and contacts with public, health, and social service agencies.

*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*

Include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Lead and oversee the Workforce Engagement and Restorative Practices Unit, aligning programs and priorities with County workforce goals and operational needs.
• Develop and implement strategies that strengthen workplace culture, employee engagement, inclusion, and organizational effectiveness.
• Establish and monitor performance measures to evaluate program impact, ensure accountability, and support continuous improvement.
• Oversee restorative practices and conflict resolution efforts to address workplace harm, rebuild trust, and prevent escalation.
• Advise County leadership and departments on workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative strategies, including policy and practice recommendations.
• Identify systemic and operational barriers affecting workplace climate, employee morale, and organizational effectiveness, and recommend practical solutions.
• Partner with departments, Human Resources, and leadership to improve Howard County Government workplace policies, practices, and systems.
• Design, develop, and deliver training programs to Howard County Government employees and leaders on restorative practices, conflict de‑escalation, inclusive leadership, cultural competency, and related topics to build organizational capacity and support workforce effectiveness.
• Lead and oversee employee engagement strategies and initiatives, including listening sessions, facilitated dialogue, engagement forums, and Countywide workforce events such as Diversity Day, to strengthen communication, trust, and collaboration across the workforce.
• Lead and coordinate the Equity Advisory Council, Employee Resource Groups, and other internal engagement structures to support inclusion and workforce engagement.
• Serve as Executive Secretary to one or more Office of Human Rights and Equity (OHRE) Lead Commissions, providing strategic coordination, policy guidance, and serving as a liaison between the Commission, County leadership, and the community.
• Review legislation, policies, and emerging issues through an equity-informed lens and provide guidance, including written or oral recommendations, as appropriate.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with community stakeholders, regional partners, and other equity-focused leaders to inform and advance County initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of Human Rights-centered programs and initiatives, including cross-Commission efforts that promote education, awareness, and engagement among employees and the broader community.
• Monitor workplace and community trends, track outcomes, and prepare recommendations to support data-informed decision‑making.
• Support the development and implementation of strategic plans related to workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Design and implement restorative practices frameworks that respond to organizational and community needs, including addressing systemic and institutional inequities.
• Establish metrics to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and develop accountability mechanisms using data‑driven approaches.
• Serve as a key resource to County leadership, staff, and the community on workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Participate in recruitment, hiring, and supervision‑related activities for unit staff, as applicable.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and best practices related to workforce engagement, inclusion, and restorative practices.
• Represent the County in meetings, partnerships, and regional collaborations related to workforce engagement and inclusion.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May directly supervise staff in the unit. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recommending rewards and discipline; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Degree in the areas of Public Policy, Social Work, or Psychology or other related field and experience in community, education and/or social justice programs with managerial and/or program administration responsibilities.
• Experience in public speaking and/or advocacy work.
• Training in Mediation and/or Conflict Resolution.
• Training in Restorative Justice and Practices.
• Knowledge of cultural awareness, diversity, equity and inclusionwork.
• Demonstrated ability to be a collaborative problem‑solver and self‑starter; one who takes initiative and who can work with minimal supervision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including training, facilitation and dispute resolution skills.
• Must be a deep listener who appreciates and understands diverse perspectives, values intellectual exchange and respectful disagreement.
• Thorough understanding of Federal, State, and Local Equal Employment Opportunity laws and regulations.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and records in accordance with State and Federal laws and professional ethics; ability to manage and distribute information appropriately.
• Experience as a facilitator or trainer.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

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 sit and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, 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 quiet. Will need to work weekends or nights. May need to work overtime. May need to work out in the community at businesses, community events and trainings.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS AND REASONING ABILITY:

This position requires a high level of verbal and written skills and the ability to interpret management theory and legal theories of discrimination.

Ability to read and analyze legal treaties, cases, reports, professional journals, governmental regulations and guidelines.

Ability to make presentations to the public on relevant topics.

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as interest, percentage, discounts, commissions, proportions.

May need to analyze simple statistical reports or complete such reports.

Ability to think through complex factors and not become inundated with the trivia of information presented. Possession of a valid driver's license.