Job Description

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the Human Rights and Accessibility Program Coordinator for the Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (EODEI). Under the direction of the Executive Director of the Human Rights Commission, the position will work to promote justice, equity, inclusiveness, and accessibility by protecting the civil rights of all in Worcester. The position will support Boards and Commissions, which include the Human Rights and Accessibility Commission and the Accessibility Advisory Commission, and when directed, support any of the boards assigned to the Department.  The Human Rights and Accessibility Program Coordinator will assist the Director to administer the Human Rights and Accessibility Ordinance, Americans with Disability Act, and the Fair Housing Act to ensure the City’s compliance with all federal, state, and local mandates granting equal access to all City services and programs.  The position will assist with  the development and implementation of any external complaint processes related to Human Rights and Accessibility. The Human Rights and Accessibility Program Coordinator 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 and Accessibility Ordinance, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, 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 protected class and bias discrimination or the City’s obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act including reporting on all program activity.
• Assist in the development and facilitation of training for various City departments/agencies on the Americans with Disabilities Act and other Human Rights related laws, regulations, and topics.
• Assist in monitoring the EODEI annual operating budget; occasionally 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 and Accessibility 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 possibly two (2) other boards 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 events
• Assist in processing and refer complaints to Investigations Division to investigate complaints of discrimination and bias in the city.
• 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 but not limited to M.G.L. c. 151B, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Civil Rights Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, OR
  • An equivalent combination of education, training and three (3) years of experience in civil rights, Human Rights and Accessibility, accessibility, fair housing compliance, investigations, and/or administration 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.
• Experience with working with boards and commissions, staff, and multi-departmental agencies/employers.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, and major precedent including but not limited 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
• Five (5) years of experience in civil rights, Human Rights, Accessibility, fair housing compliance, investigations, or administration.
• Five (5) years of specific experience with working knowledge of the ADA and grievances.
• Five (5) years of specific working knowledge with state and local laws including, but not limited to, FMLA, PLA, M.G.L c. 149 sec. 148c, and Affirmative Action plans, state, and federal anti-discrimination laws.
• Three (3) years of experience communicating and working with populations diverse in language, socio-economic status, race/ethnicity and/or cultural backgrounds.
• Three (3) years of experience working in a human or civil rights organization/agency with direct constituent contact, program development and or program design/implementation.
• Demonstrated experience with the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law and the requirements for public meetings and standards for record keeping.
• Demonstrated experience with drafting policies, procedures and programs related to human/civil rights.
• Bilingual

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

How to Apply

Job Categories: Equal Opportunities. Job Types: Full-Time. Salaries: 60,000 - 80,000.

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