Program Specialist IV

Civil Rights Employment Investigator/Specialist (Program Specialist IV) is selected by and responsible to the Civil Rights Manager and/or Deputy Director, or designee.
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.
Primarily investigates, coordinates the gathering of information and prepares position statements to answer charges of discrimination filed with external employment compliance agencies, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWCCRD).
Investigates employment and service complaints.
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.
Provides civil rights training.
Performs other duties as may be assigned or identified.
Essential Job Functions: EJF 1.
Provides technical assistance to executive staff, managers and supervisors regarding civil rights and equal employment opportunity.
Provides accurate information relating to civil rights policy.
EJF 2.
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.
EJF 3.
Conducts investigations based on federal and state civil rights laws.
Prepares charge responses to state and federal compliance agencies and/or reports of investigations.
Researches and provides recommendations so that results are thorough and complete.
Prepares investigations reports and charge responses, within time frames established by CRO.
EJF 4.
Monitors administrative complaints in accordance with HR policy.
EJF 5.
Conducts mediation sessions and prepares resolution agreements.
Serves as a neutral facilitator of communication to resolve employment relation disputes.
EJF 6.
Develops and provides civil rights, EEO, and other training as requested or assigned.
Knowledge Skills Abilities: Knowledge of and ability to interpret applicable federal and state laws pertaining to federal and state legislation, especially related to employment discrimination, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act (CRA) 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, Title VI of the CRA 1964 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 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.
Attends work on a regular and predictable schedule in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
Registration or Licensure Requirements: N/A Initial Selection Criteria: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Work experience in civil rights and equal opportunity or a related field may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for a bachelor’s degree.
Experience in problem solving and conflict resolution (mediation).
Experience in complaint investigations or general investigative work.
Experience in presenting ideas and information (training).
Experience in use of a personal computer, especially Word.
Experience in a writing field (English teacher, journalism, etc.
) preferred.
Experience in Human Resources Employee Relations preferred.
Paralegal certification or paralegal experience is preferred.
Additional Information: MOS Code: There are no direct military Top 10 Tips for Success when Applying to Jobs at HHSC and DSHS HHS agencies use E-Verify.
You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability.
If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747.
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.