Oregon Health & Science University Hiring for Equal Opportunity Officer at United States Full Time

Department Overview:
The purpose of this position is to support the mission, goals and objectives of Oregon Health & Science University in all of its mission areas, as well as the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity (AAEO) Department. AAEO strives to be a trusted, expert resource and partner supporting, educating, and leading the OHSU community in the areas of equity, access, and civil rights. The position has the primary responsibility for addressing equal opportunity complaints, lodged by employees, students, patients, volunteers and others affiliated with the University, and administering the accommodation processes. These responsibilities include conducting investigations; handling reasonable accommodation requests for pregnancy, disabilities and religious beliefs; advising managers and others regarding civil rights matters; assisting in administration of the University’s prohibited discrimination training; and conducting community outreach to diverse populations. The position provides support to the entire OHSU community, including employees, students, patients, managers and the University’s Human Resources and Legal Departments.

Function/Duties of Position:
Administer equal opportunity complaint and accommodation processes, including Title IX, disability, pregnancy, and religious reasonable accommodation request processes independently and in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and the University’s policies.

This includes independently conducting and leading collaborative investigations, facilitations, meetings with appropriate personnel, corresponding with medical providers, and writing reports and recommendations.

Investigations include but are not limited to interviews, document reviews, background checks, and other fact-finding efforts. Investigations and the informal resolutions of complaints frequently require leadership in analyzing and managing complex situations and providing leadership to customers by recommending action plans and strategies for resolving conflict.

Provide an independent assessment of institutional processes (HR, academic, and other) in real-time in order to identify the need for independent review or other ad hoc processes to address potential bias within accepted policies and practices.

Work effectively with emotionally distressed and/or uncooperative individuals in a compassionate, professional, and courteous manner to defuse and manage situations involving intense conflict.

Display skill in working as part of a team, collaborating with colleagues, and establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with individuals at all levels of OHSU.

Develop, organize, coordinate and conduct training in the areas of prohibited discrimination such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, and religion under the guidance of the Director(s), accommodations, retaliation, and/or Title IX.

Advise and collaborate with directors, managers, Human Resources, and all other customers on equal opportunity, affirmative action compliance, and appropriate corrective action.

Interpret institutional policies based on relevant state and federal statutory and case law in order to advise Human Resources Business Partners and members of management regarding legal obligations and employee rights.

Gather information, analyze evidence, and organize and prepare draft responses to charges of discrimination from outside agencies, including the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the U.S. Department of Education, for review and filing by in-house attorneys.

Represent OHSU in conducting community outreach to diverse populations.

Provide leadership and modeling to OHSU in enhancing diversity and cultural competency. Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:
Juris Doctorate or equivalent experience in a related field.

Two years of experience involving civil rights complaint investigations or other equivalent intensive, neutral, fact-finding evaluation processes and procedures.

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and local civil rights laws and Title IX regulations.

Demonstrated understanding of equal opportunity laws, regulations, and processes.

Demonstrated knowledge and skill to conduct, plan, organize and lead collaborative investigations, facilitate, and prepare reports and recommendations.

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to effectively speak and write in a clear and concise manner.

Excellent interpersonal skills, including listening abilities coupled with the skill to analyze complex issues and present clear and logical recommendations.

Ability and skills to analyze and interpret problems while developing strategies for conflict resolution.

Fluent with technology, including but not limited to highly proficient use of computers and the Microsoft Office Suite and other office equipment.

Additional Details:
Experience working with diverse groups in a higher education setting is preferred.

Position requires frequent sitting, standing, reaching, typing, and lifting up to 3 lbs.

Long periods of computer screen viewing, keyboard, and mouse use.

Regularly required to talk, hear, and/or communicate with others by telephone, in person, and through email.

Frequent travel to and from various locations for meetings.

All are welcome: Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or [email protected].

As an organization devoted to the health and well-being of people in Oregon and beyond, OHSU requires its employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.