Civil Rights Investigator/Complaint Resolution Officer
University of California Santa Cruz
Application
Details
Posted: 07-Jul-23
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: 4340481
Civil Rights Investigator/Complaint Resolution Officer
Location: Santa Cruz Job ID: 54575
JOB POSTING
NOTIFICATIONS
The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California's COVID-19 vaccine program.
HOW TO APPLY
For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our Talent Acquisition website.
UC Santa Cruz staff jobs are posted until filled. Application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring unit for consideration. Materials submitted after the IRD will ONLY be forwarded at the request of the hiring unit. To ensure your application is routed for consideration, submit your materials before 11:59 p.m. on the IRD. Talent Acquisition cannot accept application materials outside of the jobs portal, and is unable to update submitted applications on an applicant's behalf, or forward communications to the hiring units. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.
The IRD for this job is: 06-27-2023
ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ
UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Equity & Equal Protection Office is responsible for the administration of UCSC's policies and procedures regarding discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, religion, disability, sex, gender, age and other protected identities including Title IX. Our work includes stewarding complaint processes for students, staff, and faculty who have experienced discrimination and ensuring that members of our community can engage in protected activity free from retaliation. We are responsible for the University's compliance with state and federal laws relating to discrimination to ensure that no member of our community is denied participation in an academic program or employment based upon a protected identity or engaging in protected activity.
Under general direction, the Civil Rights Investigator and Complaint Resolution Officer (CRI/CRO) focuses on responding to complaints of harassment and discrimination on the basis of a protected identity category including complaints based on race, religion, disability status, status as a Whistleblower and Title IX complaints of sexual harassment, sexual violence, and sex discrimination. The CRI/CRO exercises independent judgment during the assessment, alternative resolution, and formal investigation of complaints and in generating strategies and/or recommendations for the resolution of complaints. The CRI/CRO also provides impartial consultation, conflict resolution, and problem solving in response to complaints and inquiries received from members of the campus community and affiliates, including employees, students, parents, and the public. The CRI/CRO is considered a campus subject matter expert on investigation best practices, conducts relevant research and makes recommendations to the Director of Investigations and Equity & Equal Protection leaders regarding continuous quality improvement in unit investigation operations. The CRI/CRO will also conduct trainings and provide leadership and mentorship on the investigations team.
APPOINTMENT INFORMATION
Budgeted Salary: $110,000 - $136,000 / annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience. Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.
Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits
Schedule Information:
Full-time, Fixed
Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
Shift Includes: Day
Employee Classification: Career appointment
Job End Date: None
Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus
Union Representation: Non-Represented
Job Code Classification: ETHICS AND CMPLNC PROFL 4 (006061
Travel: Up to 25% of the time
JOB DUTIES
30% - Complaint Resolution and Investigation
Facilitates timely alternative resolutions and conducts timely formal investigations of complaints of harassment and discrimination. Exercises independent judgment in the assessment and resolution or investigation of complaints, keeping the Director of Investigations and Associate Vice Chancellor of EEP and other appropriate administrators informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, and implications of work performed.
Provides impartial consultation, problem solving, and options for problem resolution regarding complaints filed with the EEP office. When appropriate, facilitates informal resolutions of complaints arising under Federal, UC and UCSC policies.
Communicates effectively, maintains neutrality, meets deadlines and works effectively and respectfully with diverse constituencies to help create and support a safe and inclusive university community environment.
Advises complainants and respondents of possible consequences of conduct or actions, and generally informs them of their rights, responsibilities, and applicable procedures.
Conducts complex investigations of suspected and reported violations of laws and policies in accordance with best practices for civil rights investigations, applicable University of California policies and procedures, ethics and due process, and in a trauma-informed manner. Ensuring thorough, fair and impartial formal investigations of complaints of harassment and discrimination, including interviews with all relevant parties and reviews of all relevant documents and information, and applies facts fairly and appropriately to reach conclusions regarding policy violations.
20% - Writing and Record Keeping
Writes reports clearly and concisely, articulating findings of fact and conclusions, and independently interprets UC and UCSC policies and procedures and applies them to the facts of a particular case. Adheres to all writing timelines and ensures opportunities for supervisors and teammates to review writing prior to deadlines.
Maintains the confidentiality of all reports and complaints in accordance with UC policy and applicable laws and policies related to privacy and record retention.
Maintains detailed records of all investigations and communications within relevant department programs and case management systems.
15% - Assessment and Preliminary Inquiry
Performs primary and secondary roles in the intake process as needed for reports of discrimination and harassment that are in violation of University policies.
Assesses new complaints of potential policy violation and formulates response based on intake results, procured documentation and similar, historical patterns.
Participates in initial assessments in any capacity to gather information, take notes, provide safety and supportive measures or make assessments.
15% - Collaboration
Collaborates with other campus offices (e.g., Staff Human Resources, Academic Personnel Office, Campus Counsel, UC Police, Student Conduct, CARE, Respondent Support Services etc.) as necessary regarding issues on complaint processing and redress of complaints.
Develops and maintains professional relationships and clear lines of communication with students, faculty, staff and administration.
Consistently demonstrates openness to receiving and incorporating appropriate feedback to improve work in all areas.
Performs other duties and special projects as assigned.
10% - Research and Analysis
Conducts research on state and federal laws regarding EEP and Title IX matters and applicability to current complaints.
Keeps abreast of new relevant legislation and legal and investigation practices.
Reviews UC and UCSC complaint and grievance policies and procedures and works collaboratively with the Director of Investigations and Associate Vice Chancellor of EEP to make recommendations for updates and revisions.
Also works collaboratively with other EEP and Title IX staff in creating, maintaining, analyzing and reporting statistical data for the unit.
Assists in the identification of patterns of behavior and systemic problems, facilitates solutions, may participate in training campus community members on UCSC policies and procedures and performs other duties as assigned.
5% - Outreach and Training
Delivers employee communication, education and training programs that focus on the elements of University compliance program (s) under EEP's stewardship. May coordinate training of location department points of contact.
Works collaboratively with EEP staff in developing, revising, and evaluating educational materials as well as with other campus departments or units in identifying appropriate target audiences and subject matter for training.
Stays informed of current trends, best practices, and policy and legal changes in the field as it relates to all areas of policy stewarded by EEP.
5% - Exercising Accountability and Ethical Behavior
Consistently recognizes and acts on areas of responsibility and escalates any issues that require additional oversight or resources.
Exercises good judgment in effective problem solving even in new areas outside of the employee's direct experience.
Ensures each client and partner receives appropriate engagement from the office and continuity of support when transitioning issues to other areas.
Upholds confidentiality using appropriate tools, decision-making and discretion while handling highly sensitive matters.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience and / or training.
Advanced knowledge of the ethics and compliance profession, theories and systems of control and professional compliance and investigation standards.
Advanced knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations, case law, and guidance related to discrimination and sexual harassment in the educational and employment setting, including Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), and California (CA) AB1825.
Broad and thorough knowledge of the compliance and ethics profession, theories, and standards.
Ability to extract, verify, compile and develop recommendations related to ethics and compliance programs, issues, policies and procedures.
Advanced knowledge of the complexities of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual violence, in the postsecondary or employment setting.
Demonstrated ability to demonstrate professional judgment.
Demonstrated ability to develop and implement independent recommendations for action as related to complex and varying situations.
Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, analyze, and interpret compliance issues, policies, and regulations as well as complex written material and data, make recommendations, and effectively communicate results of analyses in written and presentation formats accessible to diverse groups.
Comprehensive project management skills.
Commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and inclusive excellence.
Demonstrated skill, sensitivity and experience interacting with constituents who are diverse in characteristics with the ability to establish rapport and professional credibility.
Ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential issues that require independent judgment and discretion, and maintain strict confidentiality of privileged information.
Knowledge of how to respond to requests from the Office for Civil Rights, CA Department of Fair Employment and Housing, and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission.
Understanding of the relevance of trauma in the context of sexual violence (for example, the neurobiology of trauma and trauma-informed investigation techniques).
Experience investigating sexual harassment or equivalently sensitive allegations in an empathetic and confidential manner.
Demonstrated oral communication skills; skill building rapport in an open, friendly, and accepting way; attentive listener.
Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Juris Doctor (J.D.) or professional degree in law.
Experience working with federal and state agencies.
Experience using a case management system.
Bilingual language skills (Spanish/English).
Leadership expertise and political acumen overseeing sensitive investigations within a large, complex organization.
Thorough knowledge of the Clery Act and experience with Clery reporting.
Thorough knowledge of Whistleblower and Whistleblower Retaliation laws.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
Ability to work long periods of time at a computer with or without accommodation.
Will be required to work a hybrid work schedule, days of the week and number of days to be determined, and be able to fulfill requirements of the UCSC telecommuting agreement.
Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
Ability to travel to multiple work locations on and off campus.
Ability to maintain appearance and conduct suitable for working in a professional setting.
Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.
SAFETY STATEMENT
All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.
EEO/AA
The University of California is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
To ensure review of application materials by the hiring unit, they must be submitted on or before the initial review date (IRD) via the Staff Employment Opportunities web site; https://jobs.ucsc.edu. A computer is available at the UC Santa Cruz Staff Human Resources Office located at Scotts Valley Center. The Scotts Valley Center is located at 100 Enterprise Way, Suite E100, Scotts Valley, CA 95066. To learn more or to request disability accommodations, call 831-459-2009. Hearing impaired are encouraged to use the California Relay Service at 800-735-2922. UC Santa Cruz is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or protected veteran status. UC Santa Cruz is committed to excellence through diversity and strives to establish a climate that welcomes, celebrates, and promotes respect for the contributions of all students and employees.
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UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the intimacy of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university.