Assistant Manger - Background Investigations Unit PROGRAM MANAGER I

About the role

The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) is seeking a dedicated candidate to serve as the Assistant Manager of the Background Investigations Unit. This is a Management Service position and serves at the pleasure of the Appointing Authority.

Responsibilities

• Operational leadership, supervisory oversight, and regulatory compliance management to ensure completion of high-quality background investigations and timely Application for Certification (AFC) processing in accordance with COMAR, MPCTC standards, DPSCS policy, and applicable federal and state laws.

• Serves as the primary point of contact for the Background Investigations Unit, overseeing daily operations, caseload distribution, productivity monitoring, and workflow management.

• Reviews and approves completed background investigations, conducts quality-control checks, corrective coaching, and performance reviews for investigators and administrative personnel.

• Provides technical guidance to staff on complex, sensitive, or escalated background cases.

• Manages the full AFC submission workflow, ensuring accurate verification of citizenship requirements, training prerequisites, medical/psychological/physical standards, and all supporting documentation.

• Maintains AFC submission timelines, monitors rejection rates, and implements corrective strategies as needed.

• Develops and updates SOPs, training materials, process maps, and compliance guidelines for both the Background Investigations and AFC programs.

• Aids in strategic planning, workload forecasting, staffing evaluations, and performance benchmarking.

• Prepares and delivers presentations, reports, and data summaries for executive leadership, OSU, MPCTC, and other partners.

• Supports Department-wide hiring initiatives, recruitment events, and HR projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

• Experience: Four (4) years of professional HR experience involving talent acquisition and full cycle recruitment processes. At least two (2) years of this experience must have been in a supervisory capacity.

• Preferred Qualifications: Two years’ experience in employment background investigations or security clearances, experience completing record checks using NCIC, CJIS, MVA, or other criminal history databases, and experience supervising in a fast-paced multi-location environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance, dental, and vision plans offered at a low cost.

• Personal Leave - six (6) personnel days annually (prorated based on start date).

• Annual Leave - ten (10) days of accumulated annual leave per year.

• Sick Leave - fifteen (15) days of accumulated sick leave per year.

• Parental Leave - up to sixty (60) days of paid parental leave upon the birth or adoption of a child.

• Holidays - State employees celebrate at least twelve (12) holidays per year.

• Pension - State employees earn credit towards a retirement pension.