| SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under the direction of the Supervisor of the Background Screening Office, Division of Human Resources and Talent Management (DHRTM), the background screening specialist II (specialist II) is responsible for fulfilling all duties of a background screening specialist I. Additionally, the specialist II performs specialized and responsible work supporting background checks and associated activities for staff programs and initiatives. The specialist II assists the supervisor in developing strategies to achieve program goals, analyze and present data to demonstrate the team's productivity and work with other office leaders to ensure that new employees, volunteers, and contractors complete the required background clearances on time. The specialist II also collaborates with the supervisor in developing and implementing office policies and procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness; supports the supervisor with daily operations and activities; and serves as an additional point of contact and coverage as needed. Investigates and researches fingerprinting responses received from Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) Position requires sustained operation of keyboard devices, twisting, turning, stooping, bending, walking, lifting, standing, and sitting. May be required to lift and move equipment, up to 30 pounds.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) Annual leave is limited during the summer season. Must pass a background check, with acceptability determined by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. Certificate for fingerprinting from Maryland Criminal Justice system. Required to work overtime hours and travel to various locations to support school programs such as outdoor education, and field trip background services. |
|
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Extensive understanding of the background clearances mandated by federal, state, and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) policies. A thorough grasp of federal, state, and local regulations regarding fingerprinting, background checks, and employer review procedures. Thorough knowledge of fingerprinting terminology, principles, practices, methods, and techniques. Must be able to model and foster collaboration among team members and work cooperatively. Capable of overseeing and maintaining complex records, organizing data, and preparing reports. Must possess the ability to research, investigate or analyze, and perform data analysis with related data from multiple sources involving confidential information. Skilled in composing memoranda and letters based on general instructions. Effective and professional communication with various stakeholders and MCPS leadership. Able to anticipate and evaluate critical information related to background screenings, react effectively, and communicate solutions. Capable of working independently and performing under pressure to meet deadlines. Knowledge and expertise in local, state, and federal security and privacy policies affecting MCPS. Capable of managing multiple complex projects and tasks with close attention to detail. Proficient in software such as Filemaker Pro, Microsoft Office Suite, Web Design software, Docuware, and the Applicant Tracking System. Ability to manage departmental record-keeping and filing in compliance with state and federal law and MCPS policy. Must be detail-oriented, highly organized, and possess excellent oral and written communication skills. Skilled in providing and promoting excellent customer service. Ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS) is also an important part of this role. Finally, performing other duties as assigned is an essential expectation. |
|
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Associates degree and at least 4 years of experience providing administrative programmatic support relating to background screening processes required. Bachelor's degree preferred. Training and certification by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services are preferred. Previous experience in law enforcement is preferred. Experience in speaking before diverse audiences. Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered. Project management or project oversight and team leadership experience desirable.CERTIFICATE AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Must complete/renew fingerprinting training and certification required by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services within 3 months of hire. Must obtain training and certification as a notary public within 1 month of hire. Additional training and certification requirements to be completed at the discretion of the supervisor. |
|
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Serves as primary support to the supervisor for daily operations and additional point of contact for inquiries and issues related to background screening services.Supports the supervisor with daily operations.Maintains an understanding and compliance of established policies and best practices.Responsible for carrying out all the duties of a background screening specialist I.Conducts background research and data analysis at the supervisor's request, including overseeing reconciliation processes for associated fee collections.Responsible for attending meetings, setting up and maintaining unit files, and researching and compiling information for reports and other purposes.Assists in preparing program materials and conducting process improvement activities for the department; assists in the technical training of staff.Using available data and requests from other MCPS offices, they will prioritize the team's work.At the discretion of the supervisor, travels to various locations to support school programs such as outdoor education, and field trip background services. Provides fingerprinting and notary services and prepares paperwork for review.Under direction of the supervisor, serves as an additional point of contact for processes relating to the Criminal Justice Information Services.Serves as back-up to supervisor as needed in work related to payment processing and reconciling reports for the Office of Finance.Conducts investigations of fingerprinting responses received from Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS); collaborates with supervisors of various offices to draft correspondence regarding adverse employee actions.Responsible for preparing and presenting written and oral evidence received from CJIS to the Supervisor of the Background Screening Office, the Director of the Department of Talent Operations, the Executive Director of the Division of Human Resource and Talent Management and the Director of The Department of Compliance and Investigation or their designees.Assists in unit management operations, maintaining an understanding and compliance with established policies and guides, and communicating with school and office leadership.Performs administrative tasks and supports the supervisor.Assists supervisor in the development s and maintenance of s electronic data files and documents, following established procedures for creating a complex file management system.Assists the supervisor by serving as an additional point of contact to DHRTM, Department of Compliance and Investigations, and the Office of General Counsel to ensure that all background screening processes and procedures align with state and local requirements.Supports the needs of the system related to new hires, volunteers, and contractors.Supports, coordinates and conducts technical training for staff, monitors personnel production relating to background screening services.Provides explanations to inquiries relating to the fingerprinting and associated processes, ensuring adherence to MCPS policies, and ensuring positive customer service experiences.Maintains record keeping while ensuring state and federal compliance, and confirms compliance for auditing purposes.Performs other duties as assigned. |
