State Equal Opportunity Officer
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):
Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana’s employment future. If managed properly, Indiana’s workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country’s economic growth.
Role Overview:
The State Equal Opportunity Officer is a member of the Department of Workforce Development’s (DWD) Program Administration & Oversight (PAO) Division’s Policy Team and is responsible for the lead role in ensuring that DWD, as well as Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) boards and one-stop operators/providers/partners within Indiana’s workforce system comply with federal, state, and/or agency issued, laws, regulations, policies, and procedures regarding universal access and equal opportunity (EO) in programs and activities funded in whole, or in part, under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This position reports directly to the DWD Director of Policy and works closely with the PAO Division’s Compliance Team and leadership. The incumbent will be responsible for researching, analyzing federal/state law, conducting monitoring activities and developing recommendations for improvement, providing technical assistance, and serving/representing the agency as a subject matter expert. The incumbent will also be responsible for collaborating with other Divisions throughout the agency and facilitating workgroups/special projects, as assigned.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Coordinate federally mandated functions for Indiana under WIOA Section 188 and 20 CFR Part 38 (and any future related regulations) including, but not limited to:
- Monitor and investigate the state’s activities through DWD, and the activities of the entities that receive WIOA Title I–financial assistance from DWD to make sure that the state and sub-recipients are not violating their nondiscrimination and equal opportunity obligations;
- Create and publish the state’s procedures for processing discrimination complaints;
- Conduct outreach and education about equal opportunity and nondiscrimination requirements;
- Develop, implement, and revise the state’s Nondiscrimination Plan under §38.54;
- Lead the collection and analysis of EO data and information;
- Evaluate processes for affirmative outreach to expand access to services in order to ensure equal opportunity.
- Serve as DWD’s subject matter expert regarding EO/Nondiscrimination/Accessibility under WIOA and other applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations, including, but not limited to: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the ADA Amendments Act, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972;
- Plan and implement DWD’s state level monitoring of sub-recipients for EO and Accessibility Compliance on an annual basis;
- Develop and conduct EO/Nondiscrimination/Accessibility training for local EO Officers, state staff and/or other partners;
- Plan and implement marketing and outreach strategies to meet the affirmative outreach requirements as required in the regulations;
- Review statewide and local processes and architecture to coordinate and ensure programmatic and physical accessibility;
- Act as technical and enforcement consultant to local-level EO Officers;
- Serve as liaison between DWD and the US Department of Labor (DOL) Civil Rights Center (CRC);
- Review state and local level written policies to ensure they are nondiscriminatory;
- Develop EO/Nondiscrimination/Accessibility policies and procedures and assist in strategic planning and policy matters in related areas;
- Report EO matters to Director of Policy and other DWD leadership, as appropriate;
- Undergo training as needed to maintain competency;
- Perform other duties as assigned.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
Job Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree preferred;
- Broad knowledge of WIOA’s EO requirements and requirements of 29 CFR Part 38;
- Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references, including federal and state laws governing WIOA and EO/Nondiscrimination programs that are federally funded and administered by DWD and its sub-recipients;
- Working knowledge of the organization of DWD and of state and federal agencies dealing with the CRC and DOL guidelines;
- Ability to comprehend, analyze, interpret, and correlate technical material and develop and implement new principles and policies;
- Ability to work independently and effectively communicate orally and in writing concerning compliance, training, and evaluation methods;
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with federal, state and local agencies and personnel;
- Remain current on new and developing law, regulations, policies, or standards, as applicable;
- Ability and willingness to travel statewide and stay overnight, as needed, to conduct business.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
