EEO Specialist

Ocean State Job Lot; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Metra, the Chicago-area commuter rail system, is seeking an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist to oversee fair employment practices, conduct investigations, and prepare reports for regulatory agencies.

Reporting to the Director, EEO and Compliance, you will lead trainings, respond to inquiries, and help maintain Title VII compliance. Travel within Metra's six-county region and flexible hours may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business or public administration.
• Four years of EEO/workplace investigation experience.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local EEO/Title VII laws and regulations.
• EEO investigative interviewing techniques.
• EEO and HR recordkeeping principles.
• Strong verbal and written communication and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigatory interviews alleging discrimination, harassment or retaliation.
• Analyze supporting documents and prepare comprehensive reports for internal and external agencies (EEOC, IDHR, etc.).
• Respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns of potential EEO nature.
• Assist in preparing and filing required EEO reports and responses for local, state, and federal regulators.
• Make district location visits to conduct investigative interviews, trainings, and presentations.
• Prepare trainings related to EEO/Title VII compliance.
• Promote safe work practices and maintain a safe work environment.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet ongoing needs of the organization.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Discretion and confidentiality

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business or public administration

SHRM/PHR or EEOC certification (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft 365

HRIS software

Job description

Metra is America’s fourth busiest commuter rail system, providing essential transportation services to a community of over 9.4 million residents. As an organization of over 2,600 professionals, we are committed to safely and efficiently meeting the growing and changing transportation needs of the commuters and businesses we serve.
To meet those needs, Metra employs a diverse workforce in an environment that fosters creativity and drives innovation. We invite you to learn more about Metra and the many career opportunities we offer.

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

Metra’s Human Resources Department is committed to attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse and talented workforce. We foster a culture of fairness, trust, and mutual respect by promoting employee engagement, wellness, and professional growth. Through equitable compensation, flexible benefits, and compliance with employment laws, we empower employees to thrive and contribute meaningfully to Metra’s mission.EEO and Compliance is a division of the Human Resources Department.

Reporting to the Director, EEO and Compliance, the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Specialist is responsible for ensuring employees and job applicants are given equal opportunities in employment activities regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic in compliance with Metra's EEO Policy and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

The primary duties include: Conduct investigatory interviews alleging discrimination, harassment or retaliation. Analyze supporting documents, and prepare comprehensive reports which may include internal investigative findings and position statements to external enforcement agencies (i.e. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR), etc.). Respond to inquiries, questions, and concerns of a potential EEO nature. Assist in preparing and filing required EEO reports and responses as requested by local, state, and federal government regulatory agencies, including the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA). Make district location visits to conduct investigative interviews, trainings, and presentations. Prepare trainings related to EEO/Title VII compliance. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Perform otherrelated duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

• Bachelor's degree in human resources management, business or public administration, or related discipline, or in lieu of degree, a combination of education and experience that equals four years in EEO, human resources, or business administration.
• In addition to #1 above, must have four years of EEOworkplace investigation experience.
• Considerable knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws EEO/Title VII laws and other employment rules and regulations.
• Considerable knowledge of EEO investigative interviewing techniques.
• Good knowledge of EEO and HR recordkeeping principles.
• Good knowledge of training, development, and presentation techniques.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with attention to details.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and HRIS software.
• Ability to review and process complaints in accordance with established investigative procedures and timelines.
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion, independent judgment, impartiality, and confidentiality while working with sensitive information.
• Ability to prepare comprehensive investigative reports and related correspondence.
• Must be willing to travel within Metra’s 6-county region.
• Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.

Preferred:

• SHRM, PHR or EEOC certification.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees’ use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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