EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ADMINISTRATOR
(Equal Opportunity)

 

 

MAJOR FUNCTION  
 

The Equal Opportunity Administrator performs professional and administrative work, managing the equal opportunity office, under the direction of the Equity and Human Resources Director (EHR).  Responsible for supervising and performing various equal opportunity/affirmative action and employment law functions to ensure compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and Polk County Board of County Commissioners (County) equal opportunity policies, programs and initiatives. Responsible and accountable for timely response to US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Florida Commission on Human Relations (FCHR) charges, and all discrimination/sexual harassment charges against the County.     

 
 

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES
 

Develops, updates and administers the County’s Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)/ Affirmative Action Program Plan and policies. Conducts research, analyzes and interprets state and federal EEO laws and regulations, and County policies. Trains and educates management and staff, in order to ensure organizational compliance with employment laws and County policies.  Reviews and advises management on disciplinary actions and employee performance issues to ensure policy compliance, fairness and consistency. Investigates and resolves federal, state and internal discrimination and sexual harassment charges brought against the County.  Updates, interprets and enforces the County’s anti-discrimination policies and procedures.  Conducts investigations in compliance with County policies and procedures. Writes professional and accurate investigative reports and EEOC position statements.  Writes professional and accurate letters, memorandums, and correspondence responding to the public, EEOC, County administration and employees. Prepares policy and procedural statements, information, materials and administrative standard operational policy manuals.  Attends, participates in, and/or makes presentations at public functions, meetings, and conferences representing the County, as assigned by the EHR.  Represents the County in EEOC and other mediation and negotiation hearings and meetings, as assigned by the EHR. The Equal Opportunity Administrator enters into binding contracts and settlement agreements on behalf of the County, in consultation with the EHR.
 
Plans, directs, and supervises the operation and personnel of the Equal Opportunity Office. Assists the EHR with preparing and managing the Equal Opportunity office budget. Serves as the liaison between offices and divisions/departments of Polk County, governmental and regulatory agencies, minority and women organizations and other community groups, regarding equal opportunity/affirmative action matters. Partners with the Supplier Diversity Director and the Equal Opportunity Diversity Representative on work assignments, programs and projects to ensure a comprehensive equal opportunity/affirmative action program and initiatives.  Meets with the public, the Community Relations Advisory Council, minority vendors, contractors, and employees to review and/or evaluate their programs, projects, requests, problems and/or complaints, regarding equal opportunity compliance, and attends meetings. Conducts inquiries and workplace audits. Consults with county, state or federal agencies/departments to provide information or referrals as situations might require.  Provides regular reports to the EHR relative to EO investigations, workplace diversity, minority affairs and community relations. 
 
Coordinates and facilitates employee appeals hearings and name clearing hearings, in consultation with the EHR.  Develops, coordinates, and/or conducts diversity awareness training programs and courses for County personnel. Develops, updates and assists the EHR with administering the County’s EEO/AA program plan.  Prepares and updates required federal and state employment reports for submission to the Secretary of State and other federal and state agencies, as required.  Serves as the County’s Americans with Disability Act (ADA) coordinator, advising and assisting departments/divisions regarding ADA compliance, and verification for grant funds.  Advises management and employees on the grievance procedure, receives employee grievances and explains the appropriate chain-of-command to address grievances.  Analyze layoff evaluations and ranking of employees, and advise directors/managers regarding layoff decisions.
      
Performs related duties as required.

 
 

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS
 

Extensive knowledge of employment law and of established procedures for the investigation and resolution of discrimination and sexual harassment complaints. Thorough knowledge of the provisions of a variety of federal contracts compliance programs.  Ability to exercise discretion and judgment in interpreting and applying employment laws, and EEO/AA rules and regulations, County policies and procedures.  Knowledge of management and administration operations, principles, policies, methods, and procedures.  Ability to learn County operations, policies and procedures.  Ability to analyze, advise and assist with and solve administrative problems.  Ability to train, plan, direct and coordinate the work of others.   Ability to concentrate on detail and sequential work tasks. Must have skillful research, report writing, record keeping and communication skills (written and oral).  Ability to recognize incorrect information or work and take remedial actions independently. Ability to prepare presentations and speak at public meetings. Ability to use good judgment and make independent decisions.  Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with employees, officials and the public. Ability to think and react calmly and responsively to emergency situations.  Ability to see, ambulate independently, bend, stoop, sit, and stand. Ability to drive in order to provide on-site investigations. 
 
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
 
Graduate of an accredited four (4) year college or university with a degree in management, business administration, legal studies or a related field, and have a minimum of five (5) years responsible work experience in employment law, equal employment opportunity, or employee relations, which includes three (3) years supervisory experience, and three (3) years investigation and/or research and writing experience.
 
Must be able to utilize various software, including personal computers and other equipment currently used by the work unit.
 
Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to secure a valid Florida driver’s license at the time of employment.

 

SPECIAL PREFERENCE
 

Juris Doctor Degree with training and experience in federal and state employment law.

 
 

JOB LOCATION:  Equal Opportunity, Bartow, FL
 
WORK SCHEDULE:  8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
 
HIRING RATE:  $58,052.80 - $66,435.20 (Pay Grade 33)
 

 

Interested applicants and employees should apply by creating an application profile as detailed below.  Apply no later than the closing date indicated above. 
 

APPLICATIONS MAY ONLY BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY ON THIS WEBSITE.  
 
POLK COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, HUMAN RESOURCES  (863) 534-6030

POLK COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. IT IS OUR POLICY TO PROVIDE EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL QUALIFIED PERSONS, REGARDLESS OF RACE, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, DISABILITY OR ANY OTHER CATEGORY PROTECTED BY LAW.