MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Code No. 0083

ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND Grade 25

CLASS SPECIFICATION

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY ETHICS COMMISSION

This work involves providing staff support to a small group of appointed Commissioners who are responsible for carrying out the requirements of the Montgomery County Public Ethics Law. Contacts involve employees, supervisors, managers and Department Directors, union representatives, high level appointed and elected officials of the County Government, and citizens, the purpose of which is to answer their questions and give information about the provisions of the Ethics Law, and to inform them of decisions and actions taken by the Ethics Commission. Regular contact is also maintained with the Chairperson and members of the Ethics Commission, to present findings and recommendations about the issues which are before the Commission for action/decision, to provide information about precedential actions and decisions of the Commission, to receive work assignments and instructions pertaining to same, and to report on completed actions. Discussions between the employee and an attorney from the County Attorney's Office occur based on the complexity and novelty of the issue/question which is brought to the employee for a response. While this class of work involves an employee talking with citizens, such discussions occur occasionally and do not require providing direct public service or assistance.

An employee in this class is responsible for supporting and facilitating the analysis, deliberation and decision making steps of the Ethics Commission. In between periodic meetings of the Commissioners, the employee oversees administration of the office of the Ethics Commission by researching and responding to questions and issues either assigned by the Commission or submitted to the employee by employees and management of the County Government and citizens. The employee is responsible for keeping Commission members apprised of controversial issues which occur between meetings, preparing the agenda for each of the Commission's meetings, publishing the waivers and decisions of the Commission, and maintaining the permanent records of the Commission. Almost all of the employee's work is performed independent of Commission members. The employee is expected to plan their own work based on the priorities of the Commission and those assignments which are of a recurring nature. Most work is reviewed upon completion and evaluated against precedential actions of the Commission as well as the provisions of the Ethics Law and other laws and regulations which impact the authority of the Commission. The guidelines which affect and control the work of the employee are found in various County and State Government legislation, as well as past decisions of the Commission and advice and opinions received from the County Attorney's Office. From these available guidelines, the employee provides information to and answers questions of those who contact the Ethics Commission office, verbally and in writing. The work of the employee must be in accordance with existing guidelines, but there is opportunity for the employee to suggest innovative solutions to presenting issues. The complexity of this class of work is derived from managing a small office independent of direct supervision by the Ethics Commission Chairperson. Work complexity is also characterized by researching and analyzing issues, questions and situations which come to the employee's attention to either craft recommendations for the Commission's consideration and decision or to provide answers to questions posed by those inquiring of the Ethics Commission. The impact of properly performed work is realized by the facilitating and supporting role of the employee in this class. Through this employee, decisions of the Commission are carried out and communicated to the affected parties. Furthermore, the Commission is able to fully understand and discuss the issues, questions and situations which come before it largely as the result of background work completed by this employee preparatory to Commission meetings. To those who inquire of the Ethics Commission office, this employee provides factual information which may impact their future actions and decisions. All work is carried out in an office environment which is appropriately lighted, heated and air conditioned. The work is of a sedentary nature, with no unusual physical demands accruing to the employee except for occasional walking, bending, stooping and carrying of light papers, books and manuals. There are no unusual hazards associated with this work.

Prepares agenda for periodic meetings and work sessions of the Commission, gathers background materials and documents for the issues and questions to be addressed during the meetings, and makes distribution of the materials to the Commissioners prior to the meeting date. Offers opinions and recommendations to the Commission during its conduct of meetings.
Takes notes during Commission meetings and prepares official minutes concerning all issues discussed and acted upon.
Does follow up work directed by Commission Chairperson, and notifies affected employees/elected officials/citizens of Commission rulings and decisions.
Questions those who inquire of the Ethics Commission to obtain relevant facts and information surrounding the issue presented to the employee; determines if issue should be brought to the attention of the Commission or not.
Coordinates work of contractors who provide investigatory services to the Commission.
Drafts opinions and recommendations and related correspondence for Commission approval.
Designs all forms and instructional and educational materials used and distributed by the Ethics Commission.
Serves as a liaison between the Commission and all those addressing a question or issue to the Commission for its consideration and decision.
Reviews and informally investigates all complaints, financial disclosure statements, lobbying activity reports, and outside employment requests for content and accuracy.
Confers with the County Attorney's Office about unusual matters to obtain information, advice, and recommendations.
Prepares and monitors Commission operating budget.
Performs other related duties.

Experience:
Three (3) years of professional level experience in support of a commission, board or an administrative position which involves drafting opinions, setting agendas, providing background materials and documents and oral briefings about same, and investigating the facts and statements surrounding a variety of issues.
Education:
Possession of a Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.
Equivalency:
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the mission and working relationship of the Executive and County Council branches of the County government.
Knowledge of and ability to apply automated information systems to the record keeping and related administrative needs of the Ethics Commission.
Ability to research issues and statements and provide a concise, thorough summary of the facts and a recommended course of action based on available guidelines, instructions, legal opinions and actions taken in similar situations.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to oversee administration of a small independent office without direct supervision.
Ability to attend meetings or perform other assignments at locations outside the office.

Individuals appointed or promoted to this class will be required to serve a probationary period of six months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continuation in this class will be contingent upon successful completion of the probationary period.

MEDICAL PROTOCOL:

Medical History Review

Class Established: January 1994