Equal Opportunity Director
Salary up to $90,515 plus comprehensive benefits package
Make a difference working with the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). We are nationally recognized for our progressive leadership in human services. Our mission, working with many others, is to help people meet their basic needs, live in dignity, and achieve their highest potential. We dedicate our talents to serve diverse communities through health care and human services programs.
What’s Great About This Job? This position offers the opportunity to apply your leadership, legal, and equal opportunity expertise within a large, complex organization and multi-faceted Office for Equal Opportunity. In addition to challenging work and the chance to serve Minnesota with a team of professional colleagues, DHS offers a comprehensive benefit package and a modern, flexible, and culturally diverse work environment in the historic state capitol area of St. Paul.
JOB DUTIES: This position directs DHS efforts in implementing equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and compliance with civil rights, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and related federal and state laws. The Director provides legal advice to the agency regarding their efforts to comply with state and federal laws requiring equitable access to both employment opportunities and human services assistance, and directs the activities of staff of the Office for Equal Opportunity. Specific responsibilities include:
- Direct DHS efforts in implementing equal opportunity, affirmative action, diversity, and inclusiveness in employment and service delivery.
- Provide legal advice and expert consultation to the agency regarding equal employment opportunity law, affirmative action principles, diversity issues, and ADA so that management decisions are consistent with relevant state and federal laws.
- Direct the investigation of complaints of unlawful discrimination filed internally or externally (with the Minnesota Human Rights Department or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) so that clients of federally funded human services programs receive appropriate treatment regardless of their race, ethnicity, sex, age, disability or religion and the liability of DHS is at a minimum.
- Direct the development, administration, approval, and monitoring of affirmative action plans and equal opportunity programs for DHS and the 70 Merit Counties so that the agency and counties are in compliance with state and federal affirmative action, EEO, and civil rights laws and regulations.
- Direct and oversee the development, monitoring, and implementation of service delivery plans which provide equal access for recipients of programs administered by DHS and according to the DHS Civil Rights plan.
- Direct the operations of the Office for Equal Opportunity to support and reflect implementation of equal opportunity and inclusiveness in employment and program delivery.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Graduate of an accredited U.S. law school, or a licensed or nationally recognized law school of a foreign country.
- At least five years of professional work experience, at least two of which must have been in the practice of law or in a legal teaching position.
- Proficient in the knowledge and understanding of AA/EEO and equal opportunity laws.
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational and interpersonal skills to direct, coach, develop and engage staff.
- Strong interpersonal, human relations, and verbal and written communication skills sufficient to engage in and motivate others in collaborative efforts; deal effectively with individuals and groups with conflicting perspectives, interests, and positions; and develop effective working relationships with individuals internally at all levels in a large, complex organization and with external organizations.
- Demonstrated skill in setting priorities, planning, and organizing; group facilitation; problem-solving, decision-making; and mediation, conflict resolution, and negotiation.
- Sensitivity to and respect for the cultural and other differences that will be encountered in interacting with co-workers and in serving our customers.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge of the DHS purpose and the function of state and local human service delivery systems.
- Expert knowledge of public administration and personnel management principles and the ability to integrate them into the EO program.
- Ability to allocate staff and fiscal resources.
- Knowledge and ability to conduct data collection and analysis.
TO APPLY: Submit your resume for job #11DHS000459 by April 25, 2011 via e-mail to:
sos.recruitment@state.mn.us Please list the job number in the subject of your e-mail.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Veteran Friendly Employer
This information can be made available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling (651) 259.3637 or (651) 282-2699 (TTY).