Equal Opportunity Specialist

The Equal Opportunity Specialist performs professional work involved in the development and administration of the Title IX and Equal Opportunity (EO) policies and procedures of the University of Houston-Downtown Office of Title IX/Equal Opportunity Services (EOS).

• Provides prompt and equitable resolution of complaints of unlawful discrimination, including sexual misconduct.
• Interprets University policies and procedures, and local, state and federal rules and regulations related to equal opportunity issues.
• Investigates and resolves complaints of unlawful discrimination which includes interviewing witnesses, analyzing evidence, making determinations and in conjunction with the appropriate administrators, formulate courses of action to address those matters.
• Designs, implements, and delivers antidiscrimination programming for the University, including delivering ongoing training designed to promote awareness and prevent sexual misconduct, including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
• May schedule, plan, coordinate and organize special events for the EOS.
• May prepare, edit and produce publications for the EOS.

• Performs other related duties as required

Direct Reports:

• None

Delegation of Work:

• None

Supervision Given:

• N/A

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university or an equivalent in-depth specialized training program that is directly related to the type of work being performed.

Required Experience:

• Requires a minimum of three (3) years of directly job-related experience and/or advanced degree in relevant field in lieu of experience.

License/Certification:

• None required

• JD preferred

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of current trends, issues, and accepted practices relevant to the position

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills

Abilities:

• Ability to effectively communicate with a wide range of individuals and constituencies in a diverse community

Primary Work Location:

• Works in an office environment

Physical Demands:

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior work environment which does not subject the employee to any unpleasant elements
• Position is physically comfortable; individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc.
• Work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks

Commitment to Excellence - UHD

• Demonstrates a commitment to competently perform his/her job duties and responsibilities within established time frames.
• Continuously strives to improve work performance.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her commitments to the university.
• Contributes to the success of the university by consistently providing quality results in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.

Integrity

• Demonstrates high ethical standards of conduct in the performance of his/her job duties and responsibilities.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her actions.
• Respects and complies with department and university policies, procedures, and work rules.

Respect and Cooperation

• Treats others with courtesy, respect, and dignity in the workplace.
• Promotes cooperation through open and honest communications and consideration of others ideas, thoughts, and opinions.

Dependability

• Takes responsibility to accomplish job assignments within reasonable deadlines.
• Willing to accept new projects and/or commitments.
• Does due diligence to complete projects within specified timeframes and/or fulfill commitments.
• Arrives to work on time prepared and ready to contribute.

Flexibility

• Willingly adjusts to changing work assignments or conditions.
• Open to changes in operational procedures, technology, and/or organizational structure.
• Views changes as opportunities for learning and professional development.
• Displays a positive attitude to encourage others.
• Promptly responds to changes in work priorities and/or unexpected circumstances or situations.

Proficiency

• Possesses required job skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply those skills and knowledge to competently perform his/her job duties and assignments.

Focus on Customer Service

• Focuses on customer's needs and expectations. (Customers can be students, external constituents, employees, or university guests.)
• Respectfully ascertains customer's needs and determines appropriate response.
• Promptly responds by providing requested information, takes appropriate action, or refers customer to appropriate individual or department.
• If further actions need to be taken, advises customers of realistic timeframes for a response to their request.
• Follows up with customers on outstanding requests in a timely manner.
• Tactfully explains to customers why their needs and/or expectations cannot be met if the university does not provide the requested information or services.

Computer/Automated System Proficiency

• Proficient in the use of university applications or automated systems to perform job duties.
• Complies with related policies, procedures, and work rules to maintain system security and data integrity.

Problem Solving

• Formulates plans and strategies to proactively resolve anticipated problems.
• Prudently responds to unforeseen problems through careful consideration and analysis of problem and relevant information and circumstances.
• Recognizes and apprises appropriate university administrator when resolution requires senior management input and/or approval.

Instruction/Training

• Demonstrates the ability to orally convey subject or message clearly and concisely to the intended audience.
• Generates interest and enthusiasm in the subject or message from the participants.
• Responds to participants' reactions or comments, and adjusts delivery style and/or format of presentation as needed.
• Possesses a thorough understanding of the subject or topic to provide practical responses to questions or issues.
• Displays applicable visuals and provides appropriate written materials to support the presentation.

Student Success Indirect Support

• Contributes to student success by assisting students with anything that supports their student experience, whether directly or indirectly.
• Helps students navigate their way through the different offices, programs, and services at the university and/or connects students with the appropriate party(ies).
• Connects students with services or resources that can help them with career exploration, goal selection, and ongoing academic assistance.
• Helps students build peer support networks.
• Encourages student participation in out-of-class activities.
• Provides encouragement and guidance to foster student success.
• Treats students with respect
• Maintains the learning environment to ensure quality and/or sound pedagogy.