Investigations and Compliance Officer

About the role

The Investigations and Compliance Officer will manage relationships with agency EEO personnel, conduct complex investigations, prepare investigative reports, manage projects, supervise staff, and perform legal research.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with agency EEO personnel, including providing guidance on the proper interpretation and application of EEO Policy, investigative practices, and requests for reasonable accommodations;
• Assess complaints, inquiries, and process-related questions presented to CEI from employees throughout the city, and take subsequent appropriate actions;
• Manage multiple complex EEO investigations through to completion in accordance with CEI's mandate without the need for significant oversight;
• Prepare well-written and well-reasoned investigative reports that are clear and supported by the facts, including make associated recommendations in accordance with EEO Policy;
• Manage high-level CEI projects and specialized initiatives;
• Supervise subordinate attorneys, college aides, interns, and CEI support staff, as necessary;
• Manage case practice reviews, including routine reviews of agency EEO complaint and reasonable accommodation files, training records, training content, instructor-led workshops, and the use of complaint tracking systems;
• Ensure agency compliance with the submission of annual and quarterly EEO/Diversity & Inclusion plans and reports on complaint data;
• Analyze citywide trends, including inquiry and complaint data, and offer appropriate guidance to agencies in addressing necessary shifts in workplace culture and other systemic concerns;
• Formulate and monitor enforcement strategies with respect to new legislation, regulations, and policy;
• Develop policy and guidance memoranda to drive increased compliance with EEO, diversity, and inclusion, anti-harassment/anti-discrimination policies;
• Establish a standardized review and approval protocol for agency-delivered EEO training, and other EEO-related topics;
• Work collaboratively with the General Counsels Office and Human Capital Division on compliance related to workforce data, training content, and other projects as needed;
• Conduct legal research on EEO and employment-related issues and relevant legislation;
• Travel to meet with city officials, employees and members of the public as part of investigative interviews or processes, training, and compliance-related meetings or events.

Requirements

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Qualifications

• To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.
• To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Skills

• In depth understanding of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations;
• Demonstrated experience conducting complex investigations, knowledge of proper objective interview techniques and due process principles;
• Significant knowledge and experience with handling EEO and employment-related matters, including the investigation of, and response to, EEO complaints filed at various human rights regulatory venues;
• Proven work experience developing and administering EEO compliance, investigatory, and reasonable accommodation policies;
• Knowledge of mediation and alternate dispute practices;
• Demonstrated interest in public service and prior experience working in a government setting and familiarity with the relevant processes and practices of EEO professionals;
• Detail-oriented, excellent analytical skills, including knowledge of statistical methods, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to organize, synthesize, and analyze complex information and problems, including to review facts and assess relevant issues from a regulatory perspective;
• Superior presentation, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build coalitions of stakeholders, and nurture relationships;
• Strong organizational and follow-through to coordinate work plans, prioritize assignments and meet deadlines;
• High degree of professionalism, courtesy, strong work ethic, integrity, regard for confidentiality, and ability to work with discretion on sensitive matters;
• Ability to adapt to new situations, collaborate with team members, and work under pressure with minimal supervision, when necessary;
• Experience mentoring staff to hone their skills in the EEO field.

Benefits

Public Service Loan Forgiveness program eligibility is available for this position.

Pay

Salary range: $115,000 - $145,000

Schedule

Full-time, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM