Introduction
Our mission at the State of Connecticut, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), is to promote the overall health and wellness of persons with behavioral health needs through an integrated network of holistic, comprehensive, effective, and efficient services and supports that cultivate dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency in those we serve.
We are currently seeking a full-time experienced Equal Employment Opportunity Director (23531) to actively provide oversight to DMHAS non-discrimination activities including training, investigation and mediation/conciliation. You will provide important services to our agency.
Located in Middletown (1000 Silver Street), we are conveniently located off of Route 9. The work schedule is 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. with off hours and travel throughout the State to accommodate operational needs.
Are you a self-starter? Do you want to make a difference while participating in a dynamic and reciprocal Affirmative Action position in our agency? If so, we have a superb opportunity for you to join our Affirmative Action Unit.
You will report directly to the Commissioner on all matters concerning the Affirmative Action Plan, per CT Affirmative Action Regulations 46a-68-81(c).
You will play a key role in:
- Providing oversight, developing, implementing, and leading compliance of the annual Plan submitted to the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO);
- Advising Commissioner on changes in laws and regulations as well as providing information to our Legal Affairs Office;
- Ensuring agency compliance with federal and state civil rights laws/regulations;
- Directing non-discrimination programs and initiatives in coordination with agency and facility leadership;
- Participating in multicultural education efforts;
- Representing the agency at annual CHRO commission meetings and attends CHRO technical assistance;
- Assisting with the provision of state-mandated sexual harassment training and training for new employee orientation.
You will work with Human Resources and Agency staff to:
- Collaborate with and advises human resources and hiring managers to ensure hiring justifications align with CHRO's standards;
- Approve hires and promotions for inclusion of affirmative action goal candidates and information/justifications of applicants;
- Conduct complex investigations as needed;
- Ensure reasonable accommodations for employees are handled in accordance applicable laws;
- Serve as the ADA appeals person for employees denied reasonable accommodations under the ADA.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Chair the statewide Affirmative Action Advisory Committee;
- Collaborate with the Director of the Office of Multicultural Health Equity;
- May serve on the statewide Multi-Cultural Advisory Committee (MCAC).
Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once your submit you application into the JobAps system.
Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Cheryl Thompson, DMHAS HR, Cheryl.Thompson@ct.gov or (860) 418-6876.
Selection Plan
In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has permanent state status* and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
*For employees in the classified service, permanent status is obtained after successful completion of a working test period. For employees in the unclassified service, permanent status is obtained after serving in a position for at least six months (full-time or full-time equivalent).
Please ensure that your application is complete. You will be unable to make revisions once you submit you application into the JobAps system.
Questions about this recruitment should be directed to Cheryl Thompson, DMHAS HR, Cheryl.Thompson@ct.gov or (860) 418-6876.
PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)
In the Departments of Children and Families, Correction, Education, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Developmental Services, Emergency Services and Public Protection, Social Services and Transportation this class is accountable for directing and monitoring the agency's Equal Employment Opportunity program.
In the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), this class is accountable for directing and monitoring the Equal Employment Opportunity programs of DAS and the agencies serviced by DAS as well as completing the Federal Affirmative Action Plan for the State of Connecticut.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
Directs staff and operations of the Equal Employment Opportunity unit; coordinates, plans and manages unit activities; formulates program goals and objectives; develops or assists in development of related policy, legislation and regulations; interprets and administers pertinent laws; evaluates staff; prepares or assists in preparation of unit budget; maintains contacts with individuals both within and outside of unit who might impact on program activities; advises agency officials on affirmative action goals, initiatives and issues to mitigate any discriminatory conduct; recommends and/or implements solutions; develops strategic affirmative action programs; communicates and trains agency staff; develops and oversees outreach and recruitment programs; implements procedures to ensure internal and external compliance with federal and state laws, statutes, regulations and Executive Orders; monitors effectiveness of policies and procedures; conducts or leads complex investigations and reports findings and recommendations upon conclusion to Commissioner or Attorney General when appropriate; may oversee the State of Connecticut Minority & Small Contractor's Set Aside Program and contract compliance; may oversee 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, SKILL AND ABILITY
Considerable knowledge of and ability to apply management principles and techniques; considerable knowledge of relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations; considerable knowledge of employment practices related to civil rights, equal employment opportunity or affirmative action plans and programs; knowledge of needs and issues of patients, inmates, students or clients; knowledge of interviewing and counseling techniques; knowledge of merit system selection process including recruitment, examination, classification and certification; considerable interpersonal skills; considerable oral and written communication skills; investigatory skills; ability to develop and implement affirmative action plans; ability to compile, analyze and evaluate statistical data; supervisory ability.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE
Nine (9) years of professional experience in affirmative action, equal opportunity assurance or human resources management.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE
Four (4) years of the General Experience must have involved primary responsibility for affirmative action and equal opportunity assurance in an employment setting with at least two (2) years at the level of Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 2.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED
1. College training my be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equaling 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 Specialist 2 or one (1) year of experience as an Equal Employment Opportunity Manager may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Preference will be given to candidates who possess four (4) years of experience in the following:
- Producing successful Affirmative Action plans;
- Management and oversight of staff;
- Managing and overseeing investigations;
- Creating, presenting and training on EEO related topics;
- Handling ADA appeals.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
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.
Conclusion
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.