Civil Rights Specialist IV

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS•Edinburg, TX

2d•$4,263 - $5,521•Hybrid

About The Position

The Civil Rights Specialist (CRS) is selected by and responsible to the Area 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, including the Civil Rights Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, 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. 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. Investigates employment and service complaints and processes charges of discrimination. Prepares detailed and comprehensive investigative reports. 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. Processes reasonable accommodation requests. Some travel is required. Makes public speaking appearances and provides training on special emphasis areas such as sexual harassment. 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 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 and ability to investigate complaints of discrimination.
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.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with HHSC agency staff, organizations and community groups.
Ability to attend work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and perform other duties as assigned.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Work experience in civil rights and equal opportunity or related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in HR, civil rights, or management, to include the causes and effects of discriminatory practices.
Experience in complaint investigations or general investigative work.
Experience in problem solving and conflict resolution (mediation).
Experience in presenting ideas and information.
Experience in use of a personal computer, especially Word.

Responsibilities

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 guidance and counsel to employees regarding the discrimination complaint policy and procedure and/or civil rights related issues and concerns.
Responds to client inquiries and provides guidance and/or 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.