Investigations and Compliance Officer

City of New York•New York City, NY

About The Position

The Investigations and Compliance Officer works in the Citywide Equity and Inclusion unit (CEI) at the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS). CEI establishes standards for City agencies to implement the City’s EEO Policy, supports initiatives addressing workplace discrimination and harassment, develops EEO and diversity, equity and inclusion training, conducts certain third-party EEO investigations, promotes compliance with training and reporting requirements, and provides guidance to agencies on fair and effective employment practices. Under the direction of the Executive Director, Citywide EEO Investigations and Compliance, the officer manages complex investigations and compliance work, advises agency EEO personnel, reviews agency practices and records, and leads projects and initiatives. The role also includes supervising staff as needed, developing policy and guidance, conducting training and legal research, analyzing citywide trends, and traveling to meetings, interviews, training, and other compliance-related activities.

Requirements

Admission to the New York State Bar.
One year of satisfactory U.S. legal experience after admission to any state bar, or six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).
Remain a member of the New York State Bar in good standing throughout employment.
For Assignment Level II: one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar in areas related to the assignment.
For Assignment Level III: two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience after admission to the bar in areas related to the assignment.

Responsibilities

Manage relationships with agency EEO personnel and provide guidance on EEO Policy, investigative practices, and reasonable accommodation requests.
Assess complaints, inquiries, and process-related questions submitted to CEI and take appropriate follow-up actions.
Manage multiple complex EEO investigations through completion in accordance with CEI’s mandate, without significant oversight.
Prepare clear, well-reasoned investigative reports supported by facts and make recommendations in accordance with EEO Policy.
Manage high-level CEI projects and specialized initiatives; supervise subordinate attorneys, college aides, interns, and support staff as necessary.
Use good judgment to identify and overcome investigative hurdles, consulting appropriate authorities, including the City’s Law Department, when appropriate.
Manage case practice reviews, including reviews of agency EEO complaint and reasonable accommodation files, training records and content, instructor-led workshops, and complaint tracking systems.
Ensure agency compliance with annual and quarterly EEO/Diversity & Inclusion plan submissions and complaint-data reporting.
Analyze citywide inquiry and complaint trends and advise agencies on workplace culture shifts and systemic concerns.
Formulate and monitor enforcement strategies concerning new legislation, regulations, and policy.
Develop policy and guidance memoranda to promote compliance with EEO, diversity and inclusion, anti-harassment, and anti-discrimination policies.
Establish a standardized review and approval protocol for agency-delivered EEO training and policy statements.
Plan and conduct training on investigative protocols and procedures, complaint filing and tracking, and other EEO topics.
Collaborate with the General Counsels Office and Human Capital Division on workforce-data, training-content, and other compliance projects as needed.
Conduct legal research on EEO and employment-related issues and relevant legislation.
Travel to meet with city officials, employees, and members of the public for investigative interviews or processes, training, and compliance-related meetings or events.
Perform additional duties as required.