DEI Program Coordinator

DEI Program Coordinator

Executive Office of Diversity and Inclusion

City of Worcester

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for a DEI Program Coordinator for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Under the direction of the Director of Human Rights and Accessibility, the position will work to ensure equal opportunity and promote justice, diversity, equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility by protecting the civil rights of all in Worcester. The position will support City Boards and Commissions which include the Human Rights Commission and the Accessibility Advisory Commission and, when directed, support any of the boards assigned to the Department. The DEI Program Coordinator will assist the Director to administer the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program and Affirmative Action Policy to ensure the City’s compliance with all federal, state, and local mandates.  The position will be responsible for ensuring  equal access to all City services, programs, and employment opportunities, development and implementation of any external complaint processes related to human rights and shall be required to attend evening and off-site meetings to complete their job duties.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Assist in the management of all strategic and operational programs and activities in accordance with the City’s Human Rights Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, the City’s Affirmative Action policy, and related equity programs.

• Assist in the coordination of the City’s civil rights functions and responsibilities, ADA functions and compliance responsibilities, possibly serving as staff liaison to designated boards and commissions and collaborating with other City employees and officials.

• Assist in the receipt, investigation, and resolution of complaints regarding discrimination or the City's obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act; including reporting on all case activity, assist in mediations as needed, assist in conducting hearings as needed.

• Assist in the development and facilitation of training for various City departments/agencies on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other related topics.

• Assist in preparing and monitoring the EODEI annual operating budget; assist in seeking additional funding from grants and private donations in support of operations and services.

• Assist in establishing office goals and objectives, policies, and procedures ensuring that all support the City and the Human Rights Commission and Accessibility Advisory Commission initiatives.

• Assist in the administration of the affairs of the Human Rights Commission and Accessibility Advisory Commission and serve as the keeper of the record.

• Attend and serve as staff liaison for up to four (4) additional board and commissions, as may be assigned by the Director based on considerations of need and available time and resources. Workday schedule(s) may be adjusted on assigned meeting days to reflect attendance at evening or after/off hours.

• Assist in processing and refer complaints to Investigations Division to investigate complaints of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, and education on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability and in housing on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, source of funds, or disability.

• Contribute to office activities and participate as a collaborator in a team-oriented environment.

• Attend as directed/approved - professional development workshops, trainings and/or seminars to stay abreast of changes in state and/or federal rules and regulations pertaining to human rights and accessibility.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge or the ability and interest to learn of the legal and administrative requirements for investigating, preparing, and processing cases of alleged discrimination.

• Knowledge and awareness of anti-discrimination laws, including M.G.L. c. 151B, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Knowledge and understanding of best practices and trends in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, with the ability to translate them into actionable and successful strategic goals.

• Knowledge and understanding of the City of Worcester and municipal government structures

• Ability to analyze and interpret anti-discrimination laws and regulations.

• Ability to analyze information, make recommendations and provide information generally to the public/customer.

• Ability to assist in the development of policies and practices and adhere to City policies and procedures.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with senior management, employees, board and commission members, and the public.

• Ability to listen to the perspectives of competing interests and making clear, well-informed decisions.

• Ability to work successfully with diverse communities and have demonstrated exceptional commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

• Personal and professional commitment to fairness for all people

• Superior analytical skills and problem-solving abilities, including a demonstrated ability to proactively assist in identifying solutions that are creative, innovative, and flexible.

• Program management skills with the ability to gather data, measure outcomes, assess, plan, research, and execute projects with minimal supervision.

• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.

• Highly skilled at listening to the perspectives of competing interests and making clear, well-informed decisions and presentations of City and departmental policies, practices, and procedures.

• Critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills with the capacity to work through complex problems, paying attention to detail and thinking rigorously and broadly about issues and challenges.

• Ability to operate effectively in an environment of ambiguity and constant change, managing multiple concurrent projects, setting priorities, and driving them to completion.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, OR

- An equivalent combination of education, training and five (5) years of experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job will be considered in lieu of the above requirements.

• Three (3) years of experience in civil rights, human rights, accessibility, fair housing compliance, investigations, and/or administration.

• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and major precedent related to M.G.L. c. 151B, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• Proficient with the use of computers; with experience using Microsoft Office Suite and other office productivity software.

• Excellent communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s Degree in a related field

• Seven (7) years of experience in civil rights, human rights, accessibility, fair housing compliance, investigations, or administration.

• Two (2) years of experience with working with boards and commissions, staff, and multi-departmental agencies/employers.

• Five  (5) years of experience working with  ADA and grievances.

• Five (5) years of working knowledge with state and local laws including, but not limited to, FMLA, PLA, M.G.L c. 149 sec. 148c, the  Equal Employment Opportunity Policies and Affirmative Action plans.

• Three (3) years of experience communicating and working with populations diverse in language, socio-economic status, race/ethnicity and/or cultural backgrounds.

• Bilingual

SALARY RANGE: $68,520 - $89,768 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: https://apptrkr.com/5756994 or send resume and cover to:  City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA  01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2024, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to:  City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, HR@worcesterma.gov.