Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer

Job Description

The Public Advocate for the City of New York is a citywide elected official who serves as a direct link between the electorate and city government, effectively acting as an ombudsman, or “watchdog,” for New Yorkers by providing oversight of city agencies, investigating citizens’ complaints about city services and making legislative or policy proposals to address perceived shortcomings of those services. The Public Advocate presides over New York City Council stated meetings and is a non-voting member of the Council with the right to introduce and co-sponsor legislation. Public Advocate Jumaane Williams seeks qualified candidates who value all of the diversity that exists within New York City, and believes that all New Yorkers deserve a government that is equitable, efficient and accountable.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Public Advocate Office is committed to employment practices that support a non-discriminatory workplace. The Public Advocate Office Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and city employment laws, which prohibit workplace discrimination through the implementation of the agency's EEO complaint and investigation procedures. The Public Advocate Office is seeking an EEO professional who will enforce these practices, the mission of the Equal Employment Practices Commission as well as the City of New York’s Equal Employment Opportunity Policy. Reporting to the Public Advocate, with great latitude to exercise independent judgment and working closely with the executive team. Responsibilities of the EEO Officer include, but are not limited, the following:

Manage all aspects of EEO operations: including the review, analysis, assignment, and resolution of investigative cases in a timely manner.

Advise on EEO Matters: Advise executive, managerial, and supervisory staff on EEO matters and meet with staff regularly to ensure that best practices are followed in connection with requests for reasonable accommodations, complaint resolutions, and implementing EEO-related policies.

Handle EEO Case Management: manage the EEO case management and database process including keeping an updated log, by month and year, that tracks each EEO and Reasonable

Accommodations (RA) requests, including intake date, facts, status of inquiry, close date, and conclusion.

Conduct internal EEO investigations and prepare advisory memos, investigative reports, including recommendations for complaint/issue resolution. Conducting mediation sessions/alternative dispute resolution when needed;

Conduct EEO Training: Develop and conduct EEO-related training for all Public Advocate staff.

Prepare Annual Plans: Develop Citywide Annual Diversity and EEO Plan as well as in-house Diversity Report. Work with executive team to develop strategies to improve diversity and promote a more inclusive workplace;

Manage RA and ADA Processes: Manage the RA process and American Disabilities Act (ADA) processes.

Serve as the Coordinator for the 55-A program; Serve as the Disability Rights coordinator;

Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports required by the Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the Equal Employment Practices Commission;

Develop strategies and initiatives specific to diverse workforce planning, fostering and maintaining an inclusive workplace culture, and designing diversity and inclusion leadership competencies;

Monitor and review the office employment practices, including recruitment, job postings, selections, promotions, performance evaluations, transfers, and separations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and City EEO guidelines;

Handle special projects and initiatives as assigned.

Assist the agency head and executive team in implementing all policy, standards, and procedures.

OFFICE MANAGER (PUBLIC ADVOCAT - 94508

Qualifications

Educational Background - A Bachelor’s degree in Law, Human Resources, Social Sciences, or related field. A law degree or master’s degree is highly desirable.

Certifications - Relevant certifications such as Professional in Human Resources (PHR), SHRM Certified Professional (SHRM-CP), or Certified EEO Investigator are advantageous.

Professional Experience - At least 5 years of experience in EEO compliance or related field. Knowledge of Employment Laws - In-depth understanding of federal, state, and city employment laws, including EEO laws, ADA, and other relevant civil rights legislation.

Investigative Skills - Proven ability to conduct thorough and confidential investigations into allegations of employment discrimination.

Problem-Solving Abilities - Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage complex cases effectively.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills - Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate EEO policies and procedures clearly to diverse audiences.

Strong interpersonal skills, with a proven track record of effectively advising and influencing executive, managerial, and supervisory staff.

Organizational Skills - Exceptional organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.

Training and Development Skills - Experience in developing and conducting EEO-related training programs.

Data Analysis Skills - Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and reporting EEO statistics and data.

Strategic Planning Abilities - Capability to assist in the development of strategic goals and plans, particularly related to EEO and diversity initiatives.

Collaborative Approach - Ability to collaborate effectively with various departments, including Human Resources, to ensure compliance and promote a non-discriminatory workplace.

Confidentiality and Discretion - Must possess a high level of integrity and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.

Must be proficient with MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.