Equal Opportunity Specialist

Job Summary

The Equal Opportunity (EO) Specialist will conduct investigations of complaints of discrimination and harassment pursuant to federal, state, and local EEO laws and UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Equal Opportunity Policies. This position will have significant responsibility for the coordination of requests for disability-related accommodations for faculty and staff, for maintenance of compliance reporting, as well as tracking and facilitation of training programs. Serves as a liaison and internal consultant to employees and management on accommodation and equal opportunity requests. Additionally, this position supports the function with external agencies on complaint handling matters. Collaborate, when necessary, with the Employee Relations and Compliance departments regarding overlapping investigative issues.

Required Experience and Education

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a minimum of two (2) years of HR/legal/compliance experience or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Preferred Education:

Juris Doctorate from an accredited law school

Certification in human resources (SHRM-CP or equivalent)

Job Duties

• Analyzes ADA accommodation requests to determine eligibility, using independent judgment, for accommodation in accordance with University policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); manages the request for accommodations including providing requestors with procedural information, working with managers in the interactive process, and communicating accommodation decisions to requestors and management.
• Conducts internal investigations of discrimination and harassment complaints, including analyzing complaints, developing investigative plans, conducting fact-finding interviews, conducting related research, preparing any related correspondence, submitting confidential reports, and preparing corporate position statements outlining investigative findings. Provides over-the-phone and walk-in complainants with information regarding UT Southwestern Medical Center’s Equal Opportunity-related policies and internal complaint procedures.
• Performs case-management and maintains the filing and database for all incoming reports and concerns.
• Analyzes EO and non-EO related complaints, develops investigative plans, conducts fact-finding, reviews documents, conducts related research, prepares any related correspondence, and submits confidential reports containing investigative findings.
• Assists with the coordination and completion of any reports mandated by external regulatory entities.
• Assists in the analysis and/or preparation of reports indicating complaint trends based on data collected.
• Assists in the preparation, dissemination and implementation of rules, regulations, procedures and guidelines related to the review of internal complaints of alleged discrimination.
• Meets with individuals and uses independent judgment and initiative that will provide problem solving options and conflict resolution.
• Provides guidance and counseling to employees and managers regarding Equal Employment Opportunity matters.
• Assists in collecting and monitoring transactional data for AAP planning (i.e. hiring, promotion, termination, etc.) and generating AAP-related reports for management.
• Perform related duties as assigned

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.