Investigations and Compliance Officer

NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) seeks an Agency Attorney II/III to lead EEO investigations and ensure compliance across city agencies. The role requires NYS Bar admission and at least one year of post-admission legal experience, or six months as an Agency Attorney Interne.

You will manage complex investigations, prepare reports, advise agencies, and collaborate with Law Department. Residency not required; civil service process applies.

Qualifications

• Admitted to the New York State Bar.
• Experience or internship in EEO/compliance is preferred.
• Strong investigative and reporting skills required.

Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with agency EEO personnel and provide guidance on EEO policy and accommodations.
• Oversee complex EEO investigations from start to finish with minimal supervision.
• Prepare well-reasoned investigative reports with findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with City agencies and the Law Department on compliance and enforcement.

Skills

Legal experience

EEO investigations

Public sector

Leadership

Education

Admission to New York State Bar

Job description

DCAS's mission is to make city government work for all New Yorkers. From managing New York City’s most iconic courthouses and municipal buildings, to purchasing over $1 billion annually in goods and services for more than 80 City agencies what we do ensures that all agencies can deliver on their mission. Our reach touches every facet of city government and is instrumental to the successful day-to-day operations of the City of New York.

Our Commitment To Equity, Effectiveness, And Sustainability Guides Our Work Providing City Agencies With The Critical Resources And Support Needed To Succeed, Including

• Recruiting, hiring, and training City employees.
• Managing 56 public buildings.
• Acquiring, selling, and leasing City property.
• Purchasing over $1 billion in goods and services for City agencies.
• Overseeing the greenest municipal vehicle fleet in the country.
• Leading the City's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from government operations.

When you work at DCAS, you're not just working for one agency, but in service of them all. It's an opportunity to provide impactful support, quality customer service, and help protect the future of New York City for generations to come. Visit our website at nyc.gov/dcas to learn more about the work we do.

Citywide Equity and Inclusion (CEI) sets the standards for City agencies to implement the City's EEO Policy. This includes the implementation of initiatives that align with, and operationalize, the legal mandates and legislation designed to prevent workplace discrimination and harassment under the City's legally protected categories. CEI also develops and updates the City's EEO and diversity, equity and inclusion trainings portfolio to promote the awareness of rights, responsibilities and resources for the city workforce. The unit also organizes mandatory EEO best practices meetings and other educational programs and professional development for EEO professionals; conducts third-party EEO investigations when the agency head or the EEO officer is a party in the matter; promotes compliance with training programs and reporting requirements; and designs and maintains compliance tools and reference resources. In addition, CEI provides guidance to agencies on emerging issues related to fair and effective employment practices, many of which impact retention and inclusivity; and guides agencies on preparation of their annual EEO plans as authorized by the New York City Charter Chapter 35, Section 814.1.

Under the direction of the Executive Director, Citywide EEO Investigations and Compliance, the Investigations and Compliance Officer will:

• Manage relationships with agency EEO personnel, including provide guidance on the proper interpretation and application of EEO Policy, investigative practices, and requests for reasonable accommodations;
• Assess complaints, inquiries, and process-related questions presented to CEI from employees throughout the city, and take subsequent appropriate actions;
• Manage multiple complex EEO investigations through to completion in accordance with CEI's mandate without the need for significant oversight;
• Prepare well-written and well-reasoned investigative reports that are clear and supported by the facts, including make associated recommendations in accordance with EEO Policy;
• Manage high-level CEI projects and specialized initiatives; supervise subordinate attorneys, college aides, interns, and CEI support staff, as necessary;
• Demonstrate good judgment in identifying and overcoming hurdles at all stages of investigation, and confer, as appropriate, with appropriate authorities such as the City's Law Department;
• Manage case practice reviews, including routine reviews of agency EEO complaint and reasonable accommodation files, training records, training content, instructor-led workshops, and the use of complaint tracking systems;
• Ensure agency compliance with the submission of annual and quarterly EEO/Diversity & Inclusion plans and reports on complaint data;
• Analyze citywide trends, including inquiry and complaint data, and offer appropriate guidance to agencies in addressing necessary shifts in workplace culture and other systemic concern;
• Formulate and monitor enforcement strategies with respect to new legislation, regulations, and policy;
• Develop policy and guidance memoranda to drive increased compliance with EEO, diversity, and inclusion, anti-harassment/anti-discrimination policies;
• Establish a standardized review and approval protocol for agency-delivered EEO training and policy statements;
• Plan and conduct training on investigative protocols/procedures, complaint filing and tracking, and other EEO-related topics;
• Work collaboratively with the General Counsels Office and Human Capital Division on compliance related to workforce data, training content, and other projects, as needed;
• Conduct legal research on EEO and employment-related issues and relevant legislation;
• Travel to meet with city officials, employees and members of the public as part of investigative interviews or processes, training, and compliance-related meetings or events;
• Perform additional duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Admission to the New York State Bar; and either "2" or "3" below.
• One year of satisfactory United States legal experience subsequent to admission to any state bar; or
• Six months of satisfactory service as an Agency Attorney Interne (30086).

Incumbents must remain Members of the New York State Bar in good standing for the duration of this employment.

AGENCY ATTORNEY - 30087

In Addition To Meeting The Minimum Qualification Requirements

To be assigned to Assignment Level (AL) II, candidates must have one year of experience at Assignment Level I or two years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment. To be assigned to AL III candidates must have two years of experience in Assignment Levels I and/or II or three years of comparable legal experience subsequent to admission to the bar, in the areas of law related to the assignment.

Preferred Skills

• In depth understanding of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, retaliation, and reasonable accommodations - Demonstrated experience conducting complex investigations, knowledge of proper objective interview techniques and due process principles - Significant knowledge and experience with handling EEO and employment-related matters, including the investigation of, and response to, EEO complaints filed at various human rights regulatory venues - Proven work experience developing and administering EEO compliance, investigatory, and reasonable accommodation policies - Knowledge of mediation and alternate dispute practices - Demonstrated interest in public service and prior experience working in a government setting and familiarity with the relevant processes and practices of EEO professionals - Detail-oriented, excellent analytical skills, including knowledge of statistical methods, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills - Ability to organize, synthesize, and analyze complex information and problems, including to review facts and assess relevant issues from a regulatory perspective - Superior presentation, verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to build coalitions of stakeholders, and nurture relationships - Strong organizational and follow-through to coordinate work plans, prioritize assignments and meet deadlines - High degree of professionalism, courtesy, strong work ethic, integrity, regard for confidentiality, and ability to work with discretion on sensitive matters - Ability to adapt to new situations, collaborate with team members, and work under pressure with minimal supervision, when necessary - Experience mentoring staff to hone their skills in the EEO field.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement

New York City Residency is not required for this position

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.