People Strategy, Equity, and Culture

Equity Investigator

  • Title: Equity Investigator
  • Category: Confidential
  • FLSA: Exempt
  • Grade: HH

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Chief Diversity Officer, and with considerable discretion, investigates claims of discrimination and/or harassment lodged by students, employees, faculty and others associated with the college.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Equity Investigator performs professional level work for the Office of Equity and Inclusion with a significant degree of latitude and independent judgment in carrying out job responsibilities.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Conducts investigations of Equal Employment Opportunity, Affirmative Action and Americans with Disabilities Act related complaints to determine whether federal, state or local rules, policies or regulations were violated.
  2. Interviews complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other individuals, including conducting site visits; reviews records of past practices.
  3. Corresponds with deans and managers, and/or appropriate personnel to obtain needed information; analyzes information and data obtained from investigations to determine validity.
  4. Mediates and utilizes alternative resolution and problem solving processes to resolve internal organizational complaints and claims; prepares and submits fact-finding reports and makes recommendations on appropriate resolution of claims.
  5. Assists and provides guidance to employees in completing complaint forms; explains complaint investigation processes and procedures.
  6. Maintain files and databases of inquiries and investigations and reports activity as requested by the Chief Diversity Officer; records, reviews and catalogs all documents related to a complaint.
  7. Works closely with Title IX coordinators to identify and support policy improvement and recommends programs, strategies and other collaborative activities to prevent discrimination and harassment from occurring at the College.
  8. Works with the Chief Diversity Officer in identifying training needs for supervisors, managers, and employees on EEO, ADA, and harassment related issues.
  9. Provides guidance and training on appropriate methods and strategies for mediation and conflict resolution to supervisors, managers, and employees on EEO, ADA, and harassment related issues.
  10. Performs other related duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social science, business, human resources, or related field and 2 or more years of experience in the investigation of EEO, ADA, affirmative action or employment related complaints and mediating conflict.  Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.  Experience working in a unionized environment and with a diverse population of students and staff is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:
  • Affirmative action, equal employment opportunity, the Americans with Disabilities Act, other applicable civil rights and employment laws, regulations and court decisions
  • Equal employment and affirmative action investigations, including interview methods and techniques
  • Principles and practices of employee labor relations, including negotiation and contract administration practices
  • Research methods and data analysis techniques
Skills in:
  • Organization, synthesis and analysis of varied and complex information and problems
  • Effective oral and written communication of policies, procedures, and legal concepts
  • Negotiation, problem-solving, analytical and conflict resolution
  • Working with diverse academic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds of community college students and staff
  • Utilizing computer technology used for communication, data gathering and reporting
Ability to:
  • Conduct, plan, organize and lead investigations, facilitations, and preparation of reports and recommendations
  • Listen, identify, elicit and distill essential information needed to assess and resolve problems and issues
  • Work collaboratively with others and foster effective working relationships
  • Maintain confidences and exercise sound judgment and discretion
  • Tolerate a high degree of ambiguity
  • Design, implement and utilize data gathering and reporting procedures
  • Work with hostile and emotional individuals in a compassionate, professional and courteous manner and to diffuse and manage situations involving intense conflict
  • Maintain confidentiality and professional relationships in dealing with sensitive, complex civil rights, legal and human resource issues and situations

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Work is generally performed in an office environment, with frequent interruptions and irregularities in the work schedule. Frequent reaching, sitting, walking, and standing may be required. No special coordination beyond that used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials is needed to perform the job. Incumbents are required to work and maintain offices at more than one location. Frequent travel within the college district is required. Occasional early morning, evening and/or weekend work may be required.

Reviewed: 12/2018
New: 3/2013