Case Resolution Officer

About the Role

Using independent judgment, while maintaining an experienced level of professionalism and initiative, and adhering to a strict policy of confidentiality, the Case Resolution Officer provides direct analytical, caseload management and complaint handling to support the Title IX Compliance & Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Office (Title IX/DHP Office). The Case Resolution Officer serves as the primary contact and intake person for all assigned cases of harassment and discrimination pursuant to the University's Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment (SVSH) Policy and the University's Anti-Discrimination Policy. The Case Resolution Officer acts with the requisite interpersonal sensitivity to deal effectively with the campus community, colleagues and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Initiates response processes by conducting initial investigative outreach to parties, conducts informational sessions and intakes, responds to advisor and/or support people's procedural inquiries, conducts the initial assessment for all assigned cases, and assumes responsibility for case trajectory and preliminary determinations.
• Is charged with developing the investigative response for cases proceeding in that process, and for engaging in effective communication with the parties and campus partners throughout the investigation process, and is responsible for maintaining investigative timelines per the University's policies.
• Assists in the preparation and distribution of final reports, including consultation about case analysis and preliminary findings.
• Oversees and maintains complaint filing system for assigned cases.
• Assists in unique, sensitive and confidential projects assigned by office leadership.
• Implements and maintains the University's policies and procedures by independently evaluating and simultaneously responding appropriately to multifaceted claims under the applicable University policies enforced by this office. Assumes considerable risk and liability in the event of audit and/or litigation.
• Is charged with the assumption of responsibility to provide appropriate resources and transparent reporting information for parties who may be at immediate risk as a result of their participation in reporting and/or engaging in response processes including complainants, respondents, witnesses and other reporting parties.
• Promptly assesses new complaints for potential policy violation(s) and formulates response(s) based on their own initial assessment determinations comprised of procured documentation and similar, historical patterns related to the allegations.
• Independently performs investigations in complex and/or high profile complaints. Conducts interviews with complainant(s), respondent(s), reporting parties and witnesses. Charged with deescalating contentious situations and responding to parties needs, whether directly or via referral, throughout the process.
• Reviews and interprets relevant data and documentation as they pertain to the alleged claims. Ensures appropriate interaction with and notification of all relevant internal parties at UCSB and/or external representatives in relation to filed complaints and investigations.
• Makes determinations about safety measures and reasonability of accommodations and is charged with implementing both for parties. Makes probable cause determinations, prepares written factual findings and determines resolution recommendations, assesses potential liability and campus impact.
• Produces resultant documentation with a view to its potential discoverability in legal and quasi-legal proceedings. When making referrals to campus and/or external resources, directly interacts with noted resources to ensure continuity of service and/or support.
• Acts as primary liaison in joint investigations with other campus resources. Oversees the administrative management of complaint records and regularly updates the complaint database.
• Serves as a witness when cases progress to a hearing through adjudication and/or in litigation, and assumes the liability of speaking on behalf of this office when providing on-the-record responses to inquiries submitted by relevant parties and external hearing officers.
• Is responsible for responding to external agency queries related to assigned cases e.g. procuring documentary evidence and participating in depositions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and training.
• 2+ years of experience working with laws and regulations related to harassment and discrimination in the educational and employment settings or of substantially similar laws and regulations.
• 4+ years of experience with conducting analysis and developing recommendations.
• Proven track record of effective written and oral communication skills, building rapport while maintaining neutrality, effectively communicating with advisors and support people, diffusing contentious interactions, providing effective support for parties, effective listening skills, and the ability to memorialize high volumes of information shared verbally.
• Demonstrated ability to gather and organize information, conduct analysis, and develop recommendations in the completion of assignments; critical thinker.

Preferred Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) Degree or Advanced Degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience and training
• 2+ years of experience working with complex populations in a higher education or similar setting.
• 2+ years of experience interacting with constituents that are diverse in characteristics such as age, education level, race, gender identity & expression, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds, in a culturally-competent manner.
• Through knowledge of best practices & methodologies for conducting investigations, including interviewing, gathering and analyzing evidence, and writing investigation reports; laws and regulations related to harassment and discrimination in the educational and employment settings, or of substantially similar laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated basic understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques) and discrimination and harassment.
• Proven experience in all computer applications and systems used in the course of performing the duties of the position.

Policy Advisement for Campus

• Maintains experienced knowledge of relevant federal and state laws, university policies, local campus procedures, department case history and political environments relevant to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable laws and regulations.
• Reviews campus discrimination and sexual harassment complaint processes and suggests updates to campus stakeholders in an effort to comply with updated policies and definitions of discrimination, sexual harassment and sexual violence.
• Advises campus departments and individuals on complaint and investigation policies, procedures and best practices.
• Assists this office staff in advising campus leadership on the following policies: UC Policy On Sexual Harassment/Sexual Violence; UC Anti-Discrimination; UC Non-Discrimination Policy Regarding Academic & Staff Employment; UC Staff Personnel Policy 12 Non-Discrimination In Employment; UC Staff Personnel Policy 70; APM 35 Affirmative Action And Non-Discrimination In Employment; APM 015 Faculty Code Of Conduct; UC Non-Discrimination Policy Statement For UC Publications Regarding Student-Related Matters; UCSB's Athletics Department Gender Equity Policy; Published "Dear Colleague Letters" from the Office for Civil Rights.

Legal Research & Analysis

• Conducts extensive research on state and federal laws regarding discrimination, harassment, sexual violence, and sexual harassment laws and regulations.
• Keeps abreast of relevant new legislation and legal practices.
• Reviews both campus and UC policies and recommends appropriate updates and revisions.
• Responsible for ensuring assigned cases adhere to applicable regulations under state and/or federal law.

Pay

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $90,600 to $98,180/year. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience; the budget for the position; and the application of fair, equitable, and consistent pay practices at the University. The full salary range for this position is $90,600 to $166,400/year.

Schedule

M-F; Flexible hours within 7am-7pm. Hybrid (Both UC & Non-UC locations). 100% time. Full Benefits eligibility.

Benefits

Excellent retirement and health benefits. Learn more about the benefits of working at UC.

Special Conditions of Employment

• Training of at least 10 hours is required annually after initial training requirements are met.
• Satisfactory criminal history background check.
• UCSB is a Tobacco-Free environment.
• As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccinations Programs. As a condition of Physical Presence at a Location or in a University Program, all Covered Individuals must participate in any applicable Vaccination Program by providing proof that they are Up-to-Date with any required vaccinations.

This response is AI-generated, for reference only.