SENIOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY PROGRAM SPECIALIST (INVESTIGATIONS)

Performs complex assignments in support of Metro's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) unit investigating alleged violations of Metro's antidiscrimination and antiharassment policies. As part of Metro’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) department, performs complex and thorough investigations and prepares analytical reports primarily regarding alleged violations of discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation.

• Ensures Metro's EEO policies and programs are successfully administered
• Researches and stays up to date on relevant federal and state civil rights laws
• Collects and maintains EEO-related documentation and information from various sources
• Advises management and employees on matters pertaining to Metro's antidiscrimination and antiharassment policies
• Prepares responses to external EEO-related complaints, charges, audits, evaluations, and inspections
• Prepares complex internal and external reports and ensures their timely completion and submission
• Represents the Office of Civil Rights, Racial Equity & Inclusion in meetings, presentations, and events
• Provides guidance, coaching, training, and assistance to new, junior-level, and/or other EEO staff
• Assists in preparing and updating EEO policies, procedures, and related documents
• Evaluates workforce training needs regarding antidiscrimination and antiharassment laws and policies, and develops and presents trainings for Metro employees

Compliance 

• Conducts complex studies and prepares reports to evaluate and monitor compliance with EEO-related statutes and regulations, Federal Transit Administration requirements, and Metro policies and procedures
• Assists in preparing Metro's EEO Program, which Metro submits to the Federal Transit Administration every four years
• Monitors and supports Metro recruiting, hiring, and promotional processes to ensure nondiscrimination and promote outreach to historically disadvantaged groups
• Assists in conducting workforce utilization analyses to monitor and address racial and gender disparities
• Presents information regarding Metro's EEO Program to management and employee groups
• Responds to EEO-related inquiries from federal agencies
• Monitors subrecipients of federal funds, including through site visits, to ensure compliance with EEO-related legal requirements and Metro policies and procedures
• Responds to EEO compliance-related inquiries from federal agencies
• Researches EEO-related best practices of other transportation organizations in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors

Investigations 

• Receives, reviews, and preliminarily assesses incoming discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints
• Conducts complex investigations and/or proposes informal resolutions in response to discrimination, harassment, and retaliation complaints
• Prepares complex investigation reports that include factual findings and determinations of EEO policy violations
• Develops and presents recommendations for addressing EEO policy violations through employee discipline, training, and/or other methods
• Refers any non-EEO allegations to the appropriate department when presented in the complaint or during an investigation
• Remains up to date on investigative techniques and best practices in such areas as interview skills, report writing, and witness credibility
• Participates in mediation and conciliation efforts to resolve complaints
  
  

May be required to perform other related job duties

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected. The following are the preferred qualifications:

• Experience conducting complex personnel investigations and preparing clear, high-level reports regarding discrimination, harassment, and retaliation allegations
• Experience utilizing case management systems to ensure investigative case files are complete, well-organized, and up to date
• Experience summarizing and analyzing investigative evidence to determine whether a discrimination, harassment, or retaliation violation occurred
• Association of Workplace Investigations Certificate

 

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, Communications, Criminology, Sociology, or a related field

Experience

• Three years of relevant experience implementing compliance programs and/or conducting investigations for civil rights programs

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

 

Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)

• Theories, principles, practices, and legal authorities relating to civil rights compliance programs and/or investigations
• Civil rights compliance requirements and training techniques
• Labor relations, including collective bargaining agreements
• Training preparation and presentation techniques
• Interview techniques
• Quantitative and qualitative analytical tools
• Applicable business software applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)

• Performing complex work in support of equal employment opportunity and civil rights administration
• Preparing complex reports and correspondence
• Implementing civil rights compliance programs and/or conducting civil rights or personnel investigations Compiling and analyzing complex information and data
• Conducting interviews
• Interacting professionally with internal and external stakeholders at various levels
• Analyzing complex situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
• Assessing training needs and conducting training programs
• Operating a computer and other standard office equipment

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)

• Understand and interpret applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and contracts (including collective bargaining agreements)
• Exercise sound judgment and creativity in reaching conclusions and making recommendations
• Operate effectively with significant independence
• Meet deadlines while managing a full case load 
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Lead work teams as assigned
• Represent Metro before the public and other government agencies
• Analyze policies and collective bargaining agreements for relevance to complaint allegations, findings, and resolutions
• Effectively participate in mediation and conciliation to resolve complaints
• Handle highly confidential information
• Effectively communicate verbally and written
• Travel to offsite locations
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

• Typical office setting
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen
• Local travel

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operating and communicating through a telephone or other telecommunication device
• Using a computer, keyboard, and mouse (or equivalent means) to perform necessary computer-based functions

(JJC)