Equal Opportunity Investigator - Internal Investigations

University of Texas Medical Branch•Galveston, TX

47d•Remote

About The Position

Conducts protected class investigations to include race, ethnicity, color, sex, national origin, age, U.S. military veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or mental or physical disability, as well as general employee relations investigations, if necessary. Conducts fact-finding investigations, which may include interviewing witnesses and reviewing documentation in compliance with applicable statutes and regulations. Prepares written reports and findings of facts, with supporting documentation.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent and one (1) year of related experience in Human Resources, Legal/Compliance, or Higher Education.
Competent internal workplace investigator.
Moderate knowledge of Human Resources and employment/labor laws.
Knowledge of employment and higher education discrimination, sexual harassment/misconduct, and retaliation laws and regulations.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated presentation and facilitation skills.
Ability to deal with difficult employees, faculty, students, and third parties.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to provide recommendations to Human Resources, departments, and leadership.
Competent use of personal computers and general office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Microsoft Outlook, and investigation databases.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
Ability to work independently and within a team.
Project management skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects/investigations and prioritize work.

Nice To Haves

Experience conducting Title IX and Title VII investigations in a higher education or complex organizational setting, with a demonstrated understanding of applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
Proven track record in case management, including the ability to effectively triage and assess incoming complaints, prioritize investigations, and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree with experience in employment law, preferably including work related to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation cases in educational or workplace settings.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, and investigate allegations related to the University's policies addressing non-discrimination, sexual harassment/misconduct, and retaliation.
Receive, review, and investigate allegations from students, faculty, staff, and third parties concerning unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment/misconduct, retaliation, and violations of labor/employment laws.
Receive, review, and consult with Human Resources, appropriate departments, and leadership to appropriately respond to, and/or investigate allegations involving general employee relations concerns, bullying, hostile work environment, and violations of employment, faculty, and/or student policies and procedures.
Adhere to institutional grievance policies and procedures.
Adhere to departmental procedures for conducting investigations.
Prepare investigation plans and interview questions by analyzing the complaint and identifying the issues, potential witnesses, and types of documentation to request/review.
Conduct fact-finding investigations, which may include interviewing witnesses, gathering and reviewing documentation, and researching relevant laws and/or institutional policies/procedures.
Draft investigation reports with findings of fact.
Work with Human Resources and appropriate leadership to provide recommendations based on investigation findings of fact.
Organize and maintain investigative files, documentation, notes, and all allegations submitted to the department for review.
Ensure that all Fraud and Abuse Hotline allegations are appropriately triaged and reviewed by the appropriate department and upload resolutions through the appropriate database.
Work with the investigative team and Title IX Coordinator to achieve departmental goals.
Provide investigative support to colleagues as needed.
Assist with developing investigation training programs for Human Resources Generalists throughout the institution and CMC Human Resources Generalists.
Review, analyze, and provide recommendations for previous investigations conducted by other investigators, departments, Human Resources, and CMC Human Resources.
Assist with institutional reporting requirements in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations.
Assist with developing, revising, and editing relevant institution and/or department policies and procedures.
Assist with EEO training for new employees and annual compliance training.
Consult with the Department of Legal Affairs as necessary.
Adhere to internal controls and reporting structures.
Performs related duties as required.