Specialist: Human Resources Certification bei Anne Arundel County Public Schools

JOB SUMMARY
Performs and supervises functions governing teacher certification matters. Serves as liaison between the Division of Certification and Accreditation of the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the Division of Human Resources and certificated employees by assisting, counseling, and corresponding with teachers/administrators regarding all certification matters; and subsequently forwarding all required documents to MSDE for certification approval/changes. As a Lead, the Specialist directs and trains the clerical staff as well as the planning, clerical processing, and record keeping systems for assigned areas of responsibility.

Additional Work Days/Hours
Based on the assignment, the following additional work days and/or hours may be required as needed:

• Ability to work flexible schedules
• Weekends

ESSENTIAL DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serves as the liaison between the MSDE, the Division of Human Resources and certificated employees with regard to certification matters. Reviews, evaluates and forwards transcripts, applications for certificates, and related documents to the MSDE for certification approval and/or changes. Assists, counsels and corresponds with teachers/administrators regarding certification requirements/forms/procedures.
• Maintains an appropriate system of current employee records/files/correspondence with respect to: (a) Employment Status, (b) Types of Certificate, (c) Creditable Work Experience, (d) Transcripts, (e) Salary Data, and (f) Assignments. Reviews applications for promotions and other changes of status; advises applicant of ineligibility or prepares summary of qualifications for review committee and/or the Board of Education. Manages the maintenance of personnel files of professional employees with regard to certification and the reimbursement for approved coursework completed by teachers and for follow-up on individual employee's certification status.
• Uses the MSDE’s Teacher Certification system (currently The Educator Application and Certification Hub) for data retrieval, data entry document scanning, renewal processing, application processing, etc. Monitors TEACH to ensure teachers have been issued their certification after payment. Requests transfer of certificates for all new teachers coming from other Maryland counties.
• Maintains regular contact with the Office of Staff Development as to local in-service offerings. Keeps abreast of college offerings in nearby colleges/universities to provide teachers with source of acceptable credits for certification. Maintains a current file of college/university catalogs including course offerings and content description. Approves all programs of certificated staff for advanced study. Coordinates with Staff Development Office of College and University Partnerships for cohort reimbursement as necessary.
• Performs verification, data processing, and scanning of certification records files and inputs / updates records of all credits submitted by AACPS employees on the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). Records grades/course/in-service workshop in the HRIS.
• Maintains and updates Certification information on the AACPS SharePoint site dedicated to certification and related topics. Creates, updates and issues form letters with all appropriate information included utilizing Word or Crystal Reports as appropriate. Distributes copies to all relevant parties. Prepares and distributes new contracts to returning teachers as applicable.
• Evaluates eligibility for changes in certification for the teachers and other certificated staff. Counsels employees accordingly per evaluation findings.
• Interprets the school system, the teaching profession, and personnel policies and procedures to interested individuals and such groups as career days, recruitment events, conditional trainings, and other venues. Supervises and participates in the development of forms and other written materials used in the hiring processes. Advises applicants and other personnel staff members regarding applicants’ certificate eligibility.
• Oversees clerical functions associated with: newly employed professional employees; the maintenance of personnel files of professional employees; the reimbursement for approved coursework completed by teachers for certification purposes; the follow-up on individual employee's certification status; resignations and requests for leaves of absence.
• May be required to assist in tracking licensures for non-certificated staff.
• Performs other related duties as assigned within the same classification or lower.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in applicable field of education from a regionally accredited college or university required.

Experience

• Two (2) years successful experience as a Certification Authorized Partner Associate (CAPA) or in the field of personnel administration - certification and accreditation or required;
• Four (4) years professional teaching or administrative work in Education, Educational Administration/Supervision or related field in or affiliated with an education program preferred;

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of MSDE and County Requirements for Certificates: Administrators, Supervisors, Teachers.
• Knowledge of the use and feasibility of computerized record management systems.
• Excellent organization, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work and communicate with diverse populations.
• Demonstrated proficiency with business technology applications (e.g. Video/Web Conferencing, Microsoft Office Suite -Word, Excel, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint preferred).

Licenses and Certifications
Employee must retain active licenses, certifications, and enrollment as a condition of employment.

• Hold or be eligible for Certification Authorized Partner (CAP) issued by Maryland State Department of Education preferred.

Driving Requirements

• N/A

LEADERSHIP ROLE

• N/A

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS
The physical demands and working conditions 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.

Physical Demands

• Standing: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Walking: under 1/3 percent of the time
• Sitting: over 2/3 percent of the time
• Keyboarding: over 2/3 percent of the time
• Talking: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• Hearing: between 1/3 and 2/3 percent of the time
• As required by the duties and responsibilities of the position.

Vision
The vision demands with correction described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• No special vision requirements

Work Environment
Location

• Office, school or similar indoor environment: over 2/3 percent of the time

Noise Level

• Moderate: under 1/3 percent of the time

Weight & Force
Lifting and carrying requirements

• None:

Travel Requirements

• N/A

JOB INFORMATION

ORGANIZATION

HR JOB INFORMATION

VR# 26048