Equal Opportunity Specialist 2, Box EXEC-278/04206

Duties Description The New York State Education Department (NYSED) is seeking candidates for an Equal Opportunity Specialist 2 position in the Office of Diversity and Access (ODA) within the Office of Human Resources Management. Under the supervision of the Director of Diversity and Access, the Equal Opportunity Specialist 2 will assist with the development, implementation, oversight, and monitoring of the Department's equal employment opportunity (EEO), affirmative action, diversity and inclusion, reasonable accommodation, and language access programs.

Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Coordinate and implement equal employment opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives that support a fair and respectful workplace.
• Assist with implementing and monitoring NYSED’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan, including tracking progress, identifying measurable goals, and preparing updates for management.
• Conduct impartial investigations of employee complaints involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. Interview involved parties, review evidence, and prepare investigative reports, findings, and recommendations consistent with applicable laws and NYSED policies.
• Review and process reasonable accommodation requests involving disabilities and religious practices. Engage in the interactive process, review supporting documentation, assess essential job functions, identify effective accommodations, and prepare written determinations.
• Review and update NYSED policies and procedures related to equal employment opportunity, discrimination, harassment, reasonable accommodations, accessibility, and workplace inclusion to ensure compliance with applicable federal and State laws.
• Review personnel actions, including hiring, promotions, and terminations, to assess compliance with equal employment opportunity requirements and identify potential barriers to fair employment practices.
• Develop and deliver training for employees and supervisors on equal employment opportunity, discrimination prevention, reasonable accommodations, diversity, inclusion, and related workplace responsibilities.
• Develop and implement recruitment and outreach strategies to expand access to employment opportunities and attract qualified candidates from a broad range of backgrounds.
• Collaborate with the Department of Civil Service, other NYSED offices, and external organizations on examination planning, recruitment strategies, and candidate outreach to support equal employment opportunities.
• Analyze workforce and employment data, identify trends, and prepare reports related to equal employment opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and compliance initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports, findings, and recommendations to Department leadership to support informed decision-making and program improvements.
• Work with internal and external partners to promote equal employment opportunity, accessibility, and a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Represent NYSED at meetings, conferences, recruitment activities, and events related to equal employment opportunity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Plan and coordinate employee cultural recognition, educational, and awareness events that promote understanding and appreciation of different backgrounds and experiences.
• Supervise assigned professional and administrative staff, including assigning and reviewing work, providing guidance and training, evaluating performance, and monitoring the timely completion of investigations, accommodation requests, and other office responsibilities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications NON-COMPETITIVE MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Candidate's must possess at least seven years of experience* in equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, or human rights OR one year of State service in an equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, minority business, employment compliance, human resources, or training position allocated at or above Grade 18.

• Qualifying experience includes working with organizations concerned with equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion, civil rights, minority business development, or similar programs; or in recruiting, training, and upgrading the educational and job qualifications of protected class members.

SUBSTITUTIONS: an associate degree may substitute for two years of the non-supervisory experience; bachelor's degree for four years; and J.D. or master's degree for five years.

Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
This position is pending non-competitive status. Promotions and transfers may change appointees' negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period. This position will require 5% local, instate travel.

This position leads to a maximum salary of $113,292 based on annual performance advances.

New York State Education Department (NYSED) is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. NYS Human Rights Law prohibits discrimination because of age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital status, domestic violence victim status, gender identity, prior conviction records, prior arrests, youthful offender adjudications, or sealed records.
Interested in a job with New York State, but don't know where to start?
Visit these links for information on working for New York State:

• https:/ /www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/
• https:/ /www.cs.ny.gov/pio/publications/gettingajob.pdf

Generous benefits of working for New York State, including, but not limited to, the following:
Holiday & Paid Time Off

• Thirteen (13) paid holidays annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid vacation leave in year one, increasing to 20 days with additional years of service.
• Five (5) days of paid personal leave annually.
• Thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave annually for PEF/CSEA and eight (8) days paid sick leave annually for M/C.
• Annual professional leave and educational leave opportunities for eligible staff.

Health Care Benefits

• Eligible employees and dependents can choose from a variety of affordable and generous health insurance programs.
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost.

Additional Benefits

• Enrollment in the New York State pension system which has earned the distinction of being one of the best-managed and best-funded plans in the nation OR Optional Retirement Defined Contribution Plan with 8% salary match (eligibility requirements apply).
• NYS Deferred Compensation and an exclusive 403(b) Optional Retirement Savings Plan.
• Paid Parental Leave for all employees and Paid Family Leave (M/C Only).
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Eligibility for various life insurance options.