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Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator (University Staff Professional 2)
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Position Number: 3177658
Location: Storrs, CT
Position Type: Human Resources

Equal Employment Opportunity Investigator (University Staff Professional 2)

Search: 496518
Work Type: Full-time
Location: Storrs Campus
Categories: Executive

JOB SUMMARY

The Office of Institutional Equity (OIE) ensures the University of Connecticut's (University) commitment and responsibility to foster equitable and inclusive working and learning environments across the entire University of Connecticut system (Storrs main campus and four regional campuses located at Avery Point, Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury as well as UConn Health (UCH)). OIE's work focuses on consistent and neutral administration of the University's non-discrimination policies. OIE also ensures University compliance with state, federal, and local anti-discrimination laws.

OIE is charged by Connecticut law (Conn. Gen. Stat. 46a-68(b)(4)(A)) with investigating complaints of discrimination made against University employees and mitigating any discriminatory conduct that is found to exist. OIE is responsible for reviewing, and where applicable, objectively investigating complaints of discrimination and harassment based on protected classification to determine if employee conduct violates the University's non-discrimination policies.

Position Scope:

The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Investigator serves the entire University of Connecticut system. Reporting to OIE's Director of Investigations, the EEO Investigator

Serves as a resource for information regarding OIE's discrimination investigation process, assists in managing responses to inquiries relating to discrimination-related concerns, and makes referrals to other resources as appropriate.
Acts as an impartial, neutral investigator throughout all aspects of the investigation process, and ensures that all investigation activities and OIE decisions are consistent with University policies and procedures and that all investigation activities are conducted in a well-documented, prompt, fair, and thorough manner.
At the direction of management, assists in developing, implementing, and evaluating goals and objectives related to affirmative action and equal employment opportunity matter.
As assigned, assists with diversity, sexual harassment prevention, and related trainings in accordance with University training mandates and state and federal statutes.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Primary Responsibilities:

Case Management:

Conducts discrimination, harassment, and retaliation investigations, including, where appropriate, conducting joint investigations with other University offices, such as Human Resources or University Compliance.
Drafts memoranda of findings and recommendations.
Prepares supporting documents and materials as necessary.
Consults with Human Resources, the Office of General Counsel, and other University offices as necessary concerning investigation activities and findings.
Responds to inquiries from members of the University community regarding matters related to University discrimination and harassment policies.
Assists in maintaining OIE's case management database that shall include access to confidential information which may be used in collective bargaining.
As directed, assists with preparation and maintenance of statistical, demographic, and subject matter data necessary to respond to inquiries regarding the University's discrimination complaint management system, the annual Affirmative Action Plan, or other University reporting obligations.

Typical Activities:

Intakes inquiries and complaints and assesses for appropriate response. Provides consultation and education to members of the University community regarding discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation concerns, and available resources for support and assistance in addressing and resolving concerns.
Develops investigative plans, which include deciding which witnesses to interview, outlining which questions to ask, and planning which documents to request and how to acquire said documents.
Assesses allegations to determine whether interim measures are required and if so, ensure the appropriate implementation of such measures.
Provides updates and advises parties, direct supervisors, senior management, and parties' advocates (legal counsel or union representatives) on the investigative process. Executes investigative plans by leading witness interviews and reviewing documentation (including but not limited to personnel files, supervisory files, and disciplinary history of relevant parties). Analyzes witness statements, makes credibility assessments, records findings of fact, and communicates with parties and witness advocates while protecting the independence, integrity, and privacy of the investigation.
Drafts and presents memoranda of findings and appropriate supporting documents related to the resolution of each matter.
Consults with parties and/or management as necessary concerning options for resolving conflict.
Provides education and guidance concerning the University's non-retaliation policy during and after investigation for all parties involved in the complaint and investigation.
Interfaces with University offices including the Department of Human Resources, the Office of Faculty and Staff Labor Relations, University Compliance, the Center for Students with Disabilities, Patient Experience, and union representatives relative to informal conflict resolution, remedial action/training, interim measures prior to and during investigations, investigation activities, outcomes, and further response as needed following investigations.

Policy Development:

Assists management in the development and review of University-wide policies and procedures consistent with current law and policy concerning discrimination, affirmative action, and diversity objectives regarding employee conduct.
Regularly updates knowledge and awareness of trends and laws related to discrimination issues at institutions of higher education, including academic medical centers.
At the direction of the OIE Associate Vice President or the Director of Investigations, serves as liaison and representative to internal and external committees and professional associations.

Training:

Assists the OIE Associate Vice President and/or Director of Investigations in ensuring that diversity training and sexual harassment prevention curriculum complies with state and federal mandates. As directed, serves as OIE lead for development and delivery of discrimination, affirmative action, and diversity-related training specific to UConn Health.
Assists the OIE Associate Vice President and/or Director of Investigations in preparing, presenting, and/or overseeing diversity training and sexual harassment prevention training and other related trainings for supervisory and non-supervisory employees, as well as students, of the main campus in Storrs, regional campuses and UConn Health.

Additional Activities:

Assists the Director of Investigations in responding to requests for records.
Assists the Director of Investigations in compiling data for tracking and trending of data.
May consult with members of the search compliance unit and other stakeholders on matters related to faculty and staff recruiting and hiring activities.

Performs other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree.
Minimum of two years of recent and substantive work experience in conducting employment-based discrimination and discriminatory harassment investigations or employment litigation.
Advanced knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and regulations, including but not limited to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Connecticut Fair Employment Practices Act.
Advanced knowledge of investigatory methods and techniques: demonstrated ability to independently conduct thorough and neutral employment/civil rights investigations, including preparing written investigative reports.
Strong interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to function well in both leader and teammate roles and interact with colleagues and superiors in a positive and constructive manner when faced with significant deadlines or workloads and challenging subject matter.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and regularly exercise excellent judgment regarding interpersonal interactions, administrative detail, and confidential procedures.
Excellent writing and communications skills.
Strong work ethic and attention to detail: highly motivated, self-directed execution of routine and special projects.
Experience in and awareness of the sensitivity required when interacting with and addressing the needs of a diverse community on sensitive topics.
Proficiency with office administration and coordination of general office business functions, including demonstrated strong skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Juris Doctor with employment litigation experience is strongly preferred.
Three or more years of experience in conducting employment-based discrimination and discriminatory harassment investigations or employment litigation.
Professional experience in higher education and/or an academic medical setting.
Experience working in a unionized environment with a complex human resources or labor relations structure.
Experience in creating and/or delivering compliance or diversity-related trainings or educational programming.
Completion of sexual violence investigation, prevention, and/or response training.
Demonstrated leadership in promoting diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within a team or organization; experience working with and building relationships with diverse populations.
Ability to be a leader in promoting diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within a team or organization.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

Work is normally performed in a typical office environment. The position is based at OIE's Storrs office but may require presence at UConn Health and Regional Campuses.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online at https://hr.uconn.edu/jobs, Staff Positions, Search #496518 to upload a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

This job posting is scheduled to be removed at 11:55 p.m. Eastern time on July 22, 2022.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University's teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn's ranking as one of the nation's top research universities. UConn's faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.

Advertised: 06/23/2022
Application Close: Jul 22 2022

To apply, visit https://jobs.hr.uconn.edu/en-us/job/496518/equal-employment-opportunity-investigator-university-staff-professional-2