Civil Rights Reasonable Accommodation Specialist

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • San Antonio, TX

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

Civil Rights Reasonable Accommodations Specialist (CRS) is selected by and responsible to the Civil Rights Manager and/or Operations Director, or designee.
The CRS performs in a progressively consultative, professional, and technical capacity and coordinates planning, developing, and administering the Civil Rights Program in compliance with applicable federal/state civil rights laws, specifically relating to the Civil Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act, etc.
Works under general supervision, exercising considerable independence. Responsibilities include - Provides advice and counsel to employees regarding civil rights issues specifically related to reasonable accommodations requests, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other related legislation and civil rights issues.
Provides technical support to managers and/or supervisors regarding civil rights issues. Provides managers and supervisors with information about civil rights laws and legislation and methodologies that assist in promoting a nondiscriminatory environment.
Primarily processes reasonable accommodation requests for HHSC, DSHS, and DFPS employees.
Conducts civil rights compliance reviews for client service programs administered by the system as described in applicable federal and state statutes and HHS policy.
Serves as a mediator and prepares resolution agreements. Investigates employment discrimination complaints. Prepares detailed and comprehensive investigative reports. Some travel is required.
Provides civil rights training..
Performs Other duties as may be assigned or identified.

Requirements

• Knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable federal and state laws pertaining to federal and state legislation, especially Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act of 1983, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and related executive orders and EEO guidelines.
• Knowledge of the reasonable accommodation process.
• Knowledge of the causes and effects of discriminatory practices.
• Knowledge of HHSC programs, policies, functions, and objectives.
• Knowledge of planning and coordinating civil rights activities.
• Skill in investigative methods.
• Skill in presenting ideas and information.
• Skill in human relations and counseling.
• Skill in problem solving and conflict resolution.
• Skill in counseling and ability to relate to employees at all levels.
• Skill in the use of personal computer and software, especially word processing.
• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships including the ability to work with people under pressure, negotiate among multiple parties, resolve conflicts, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with various levels of stakeholders within and outside of the HHS Enterprise.
• Ability to attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Education and work experience can be substituted on a year-for-year basis if you have work experience in human resources, employment investigations, employee relations, reasonable accommodation requests, ombudsman, management or another related field.
• Experience in managing a caseload or multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in problem solving, mediation or conflict resolution.
• Experience communicating effectively and professionally, including presenting information or training.

Responsibilities

• Provides advice and counsel to employees regarding civil rights issues specifically related to reasonable accommodations requests, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other related legislation and civil rights issues.
• Provides technical support to managers and/or supervisors regarding civil rights issues.
• Provides managers and supervisors with information about civil rights laws and legislation and methodologies that assist in promoting a nondiscriminatory environment.
• Primarily processes reasonable accommodation requests for HHSC, DSHS, and DFPS employees.
• Conducts civil rights compliance reviews for client service programs administered by the system as described in applicable federal and state statutes and HHS policy.
• Serves as a mediator and prepares resolution agreements.
• Investigates employment discrimination complaints.
• Prepares detailed and comprehensive investigative reports.
• Provides civil rights training.
• Performs Other duties as may be assigned or identified.
• Provides technical assistance to executive staff, managers and supervisors regarding civil rights and equal employment opportunity.
• Provides accurate information relating to civil rights policy.
• Provides accurate guidance to employees and/or programs regarding the discrimination complaint policy, administrative complaint policy, and  reasonable accommodation policy and procedure and/or civil rights related issues and concerns.
• Responds to client inquiries and provides guidance/counseling on proper procedures, etc.
• Conducts investigations based on federal and state civil rights laws and prepares charge responses to state and federal compliance agencies.
• Researches and provides recommendations so that results are thorough and complete.
• Prepares investigations and charge responses, within time frames established by CRO.
• Conducts compliance reviews and recommends and/or monitors corrective action.
• Prepares administrative reports and special documents relating to the overall responsibility of the Civil Rights Office.
• Conducts mediation sessions and prepares resolution agreements.
• Serves as a neutral facilitator of communication to resolve employment relation disputes.
• Develops and provides civil rights, EEO, and other training as requested or assigned.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• a defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level