Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1

The State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) is recruiting for an Equal Opportunity Specialist 1 in our Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Team, located at 55 Farmington Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. This position is full-time, 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday. The Department of Social Services DSS delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency.  DSS serves about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns.  We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities.  Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, and online and phone access options.  Follow us on twitter@ctdss and see what we are all about!                                                                                          

• This position will be filled in accordance with reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules.
• In addition to the checking of references and of facts stated in the application, a thorough background investigation of each candidate may be made before individuals are certified for appointment.  
• In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.  You must specify your qualifications on your application.     
• Due to the volume of applications anticipated, we are unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process.  Updates will be provided through your JobAps portal account.   
• Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience most closely meet the preferred requirements of the position.  
• Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.
• Applicants invited to interview may be required to submit additional documentation, which supports their qualification(s) for this position. documents may include:  performance reviews, supervisory references, college transcripts, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. 
• If selected for further consideration, State employees may be required to provide last 2 service ratings and last 2 years attendance records, non-state employees may be required to provide 2 current letters of professional reference and resume. 
• Should you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Rose Marie Orsini at RoseMarie.Orsini@ct.gov, 860-424-5571.  

In a state agency this class is accountable for independently performing a full range of tasks for an Equal Employment Opportunity program.

Compiles and analyzes statistical affirmative action data; develops and implements affirmative action plans; develops and/or revises equal employment opportunity procedures; defines and conducts outreach initiatives to include recruitment efforts through community and minority organizations and career fairs; conducts career counseling; conducts discrimination complaint investigations; counsels staff on equal employment opportunity matters; reviews supplier contracts to ensure incorporation of affirmative action considerations; prepares reports; assists Equal Employment Opportunity staff with special projects; assists in training activities; may participate in employment interviews; may assist in development of equal employment opportunity policy; may assist in monitoring agency compliance with State of Connecticut Minority & Small Contractor's Set Aside Program; may participate in administering affirmative action for patient, student, inmate and/or client rights programs; may serve as the agency's ADA coordinator; performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; knowledge of affirmative action programs; knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques; knowledge of merit system selection process including recruitment, examination and classification; knowledge of needs and issues of patients, inmates, students and/or clients; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; ability to develop and implement affirmative action plans; ability to compile, analyze and evaluate human resource records and statistical information; investigatory ability; ability to assess and define training requirements; ability to utilize human resources information systems.

Six (6) years of professional experience in affirmative action, equal opportunity assurance or human resources management.

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have involved primary responsibility for affirmative action or equal opportunity assurance in an employment setting.

1. College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.
2. A Master's degree in public administration, human resources management, labor relations or a closely related field or a law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.
3. For state employees two (2) years of experience as an Equal Employment Opportunity Assistant may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.
2. In accordance with Connecticut General Statute, incumbents in this class must complete five (5) hours of training during the first year of service or designation and a minimum of three (3) hours biannually thereafter. This training shall include (1) state and federal discrimination laws and (2) internal discrimination investigation techniques which will be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.