AFFIRMATIVE ACTION SPECIALIST

CLASS DESCRIPTION

General Responsibilities:

This is responsible professional and administrative work in the implementation, coordination and development of City Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action program(s). Under the general supervision of the Affirmative Action Director, this position is primarily responsible for developing, administering, coordinating and monitoring comprehensive affirmative action and equal employment opportunity programs. This work is characterized by a high degree of independent judgment and discretion.

Examples of Duties and Responsibilities:

Plan, develop, organize and recommend the establishment of affirmative action policies, guidelines, initiatives, and performance standards. Work with managers and affirmative action designees in the development of department affirmative action plans integrating numerical goals and timetables for improving targeted group representation. Establish needs assessment parameters. Provide specialized expertise and consultation to policy makers and City departments on Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action legislation and guidelines.

Develop and implement systems to evaluate and monitor affirmative action efforts. Conduct analysis to identify issues and consult with policy makers, managers and/or designees in order to develop responsive action plans. Identify and report areas of non-compliance and/or performance deficiencies in order to initiate corrective action.

Oversee and/or develop and conduct City wide training programs on local, state and federal requirements and other issues relative to civil rights compliance (e.g., racial/sexual harassment, equal employment laws, civil rights regulations, city affirmative action ordinances, related supervisory skills, cultural awareness, human relations, etc.). Participate in related team efforts, and recommend alternative training resources and methods.

Develop and administer complaint procedures and investigative processes. Provide related guidance and consultation to department/division directors. Evaluate investigative reports and findings to assess compliance with requirements and EEO/AA legislation and guidelines and participate in issue resolution.

Develop and implement activities aimed at increasing employment opportunities for targeted population. Promote career ladders, cross-training, etc. Direct and/or provide employment assistance and consultation to targeted group members. Oversee the development and administration of special recruitment efforts and the job skills bank.

Develop and oversee the maintenance of related reporting systems. Provide overall supervision and direction to assigned para-professional and clerical staff.

Develop, maintain and coordinate working relationships with other governmental agencies. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of related legislation, policies, and guidelines in order to provide professional consultation and technical assistance.

Develop and implement operational and statistical analysis, and prepare and present written and oral reports. Represent the Affirmative Action Department before various policy review bodies and community groups as assigned.

Serve as affirmative action representative on various ad hoc teams engaged in policy and/or administrative procedure analysis and the drafting of responsive revisions.

Perform related work as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledges, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of affirmative action and equal opportunity. Thorough knowledge of relevant laws, rules and regulations. Working knowledge of public administration principles and practices. Working knowledge of human resource management principles and practices. Ability to develop, recommend, and administer Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Programs. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships. Ability to conduct related operational and statistical demographic analysis inherent in EEO/AA program development and administration. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Ability to develop and oversee the maintenance of effective recordkeeping systems. Ability to analyze and address complex affirmative action issues. Ability to prepare and present written and oral reports. Ability to exercise judgment and initiative in achieving program goals.

Training and Experience:

Three years of directly related professional experience in a responsible affirmative action/equal opportunity role which placed considerable emphasis on problem resolution, policy analysis/development and program/plan development and administration. Such experience would normally be gained after graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration, the Social Sciences, or a related field. Other combinations of training and/or experience which can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledges, skills and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position will also be considered.