Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1 (Hybrid)

Introduction

\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAre you a current employee of the State of Connecticut with a passion for fostering a diverse and inclusive working environment? If so, we invite you to consider the Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1 position below!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThe�State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) – is accepting applications for one (1) anticipated full-time Equal Employment Opportunity Specialist 1 position for the Division of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity located in Hartford, CT. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIn this role, you will help advance a fair, inclusive, and equitable workplace by supporting affirmative action initiatives, promoting equal employment opportunities, and helping ensure compliance with applicable policies and requirements. You will play an important role in developing and implementing affirmative action plans, analyzing employment data, conducting discrimination complaint investigations, and coordinating outreach and recruitment efforts to expand access to career opportunities. You will also collaborate with agency staff on equal employment opportunity matters, contribute to training and policy development, and support initiatives that strengthen diversity, accessibility, and inclusion throughout the agency.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you are passionate about equity, fairness, and creating a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, we encourage you to apply and make a difference with DSS!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPosition Highlights:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Full-time | Hybrid | 40 Hours per week\r\n Monday - Friday | 8:00 am – 4:30 pm \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWhat we can offer you:\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n View our State Employee Benefits Overview page!\r\n Professional growth and paid professional development opportunities.\r\n A healthy�work-life balance to all employees!\r\n The State of Connecticut is an eligible Public Service Loan Forgiveness employer, meaning you may be eligible to have qualifying student loans forgiven after 10 years of service.� Click here for more information.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAbout the Department of Social Services:\r\nThe State of Connecticut, Department of Social Services (DSS) delivers and funds a wide range of programs and services as Connecticut’s multi-faceted health and human services agency.� DSS services about 1 million residents of all ages in all 169 Connecticut cities and towns.� We support the basic needs of children, families, older and other adults, including persons with disabilities.� Services are delivered through 12 field offices, central administration, online and phone access options.� Follow us on twitter�@ctdss�and see what we are all about!\r\n\r\n\r\n

Selection Plan

In order to be considered for this job opening, you must be a current State of CT employee, who has worked for the state for at least six (6) months of full-time service or full-time equivalent service, absent any applicable collective bargaining language, and meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening.\r\nFOR ASSISTANCE IN APPLYING:�\r\nCheck out our Applicant Tips on How to Apply! Need more resources? Visit our Applicant Reference Library for additional support throughout the recruitment process.�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nBEFORE YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Meet Minimum Qualifications: Ensure you meet the Minimum Qualifications listed on the job opening by the job closing date. You must specify your qualifications on your application. The minimum experience and training requirements listed must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified. �\r\n Educational Credits: List your earned credits and degrees from accredited institutions accurately on your application. To receive educational credits towards qualification, the institution must be accredited. If the institution of higher learning is located outside of the U.S., you are responsible for providing documentation from a recognized USA accrediting service which specializes in determining foreign education equivalencies to the contact listed below. \r\n Resume Policy: Per Public Act 21-69, resumes are not accepted during the initial application process. As the recruitment process progresses, candidates may be required to submit additional documentation to support their qualification(s) for this position. This documentation may include: a cover letter, resume, transcripts, diplomas, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the request and discretion of the hiring agency.�\r\n Preferred Shift/Location:�Select all location(s) and shift(s) you are willing to work on your application. Failure to do so may result in not being considered for vacancies in that specific location or shift.�\r\n Timely Submission: All application materials must be received by the job posting deadline. You will be unable to make revisions once you officially submit your application to the State. �Late submissions are rarely accepted, with exceptions only for documented events that incapacitate individuals during the entire duration of the job posting. Request exceptions by emailing DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.�\r\n Salary Calculations: For current state employees, salary calculations are not necessarily comparable from one of the three branches of state government (i.e., Executive, Legislative, Judicial) to the other.�\r\n Note: The only way to apply to this posting is via the ‘Apply’ or ‘Apply Online’ buttons on the official State of Connecticut Online Employment Center job posting.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nAFTER YOU APPLY:�\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Referral Questions: This posting may require completion of additional Referral Questions (RQs), which must be completed by the questionnaire’s expiration date. If requested, RQs can be accessed via an email sent to you after the job close date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section).���\r\n Prepare For An Interview: Interviews are limited to those whose experience and training are most aligned with the role. To prepare, review this helpful Interview Preparation Guide to make the best impression!�\r\n Stay connected! Log in daily to your JobAps Personal Status Board to track your status and check email (including spam/junk folders) for updates and tasks.��\r\n The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.��\r\n Note: This position will be filled in accordance with contractual language, reemployment, SEBAC, transfer, promotion and merit employment rules. Candidates who are offered and accept a position with the State of Connecticut are bound by the State Code of Ethics for Public Officials and State employees, available at www.ct.gov/ethics. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nQUESTIONS? WE’RE HERE TO HELP:�\r\nDue to high volume, we are unable to confirm receipt or provide status updates directly. For recruitment updates, please check your Personal Status Board and review our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have additional questions about the recruitment process, reach out to Rocky Young at Rocky.Young@ct.gov\r\n

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In a state agency this class is accountable for developing and implementing affirmative action plans and conducting other activities in an Equal Employment Opportunity program.\r\n

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

\r\n\r\n Develops and implements affirmative action plans in an Equal Employment Opportunity program;\r\n Compiles and analyzes statistical affirmative action data;\r\n Develops and/or revises equal employment opportunity procedures;\r\n Defines and conducts outreach initiatives including recruitment efforts through community and minority organizations and career fairs;\r\n Conducts career counseling;\r\n Conducts discrimination complaint investigations;\r\n Counsels staff on equal employment opportunity matters;\r\n Reviews supplier contracts to ensure incorporation of affirmative action considerations;\r\n Prepares reports;\r\n Assists Equal Employment Opportunity staff with special projects;\r\n Assists in training activities;\r\n Participates in the recruitment and hiring of staff, including outreach, interview and selection;\r\n May participate in employment interviews;\r\n May assist in development of equal employment opportunity policy;\r\n May assist in monitoring agency compliance with State of Connecticut Minority and Small Contractor's Set Aside Program;\r\n May participate in administering affirmative action for patient, student, inmate and/or client rights programs;\r\n May serve as agency's ADA coordinator;\r\n Performs related duties as required.\r\n\r\n\r\n

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

\r\n\r\n Knowledge of\r\n \r\n relevant state and federal laws, statutes and regulations;\r\n affirmative action programs;\r\n interviewing and counseling techniques;\r\n merit system selection process including recruitment, examination and classification;\r\n needs and issues of patients, inmates, students and/or clients;\r\n \r\n \r\n Considerable\r\n \r\n interpersonal skills;\r\n oral and written communication skills;\r\n \r\n \r\n Ability to\r\n \r\n develop and implement affirmative action plans;\r\n compile, analyze and evaluate human resources records and statistical information;\r\n investigate;\r\n assess and define training requirements;�\r\n utilize human resources information systems.\r\n \r\n \r\n\r\n\r\n

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - GENERAL EXPERIENCE

Six (6) years of professional experience in affirmative action, equal opportunity assurance or human resources management.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SPECIAL EXPERIENCE

Two (2) years of the General Experience must have involved primary responsibility for affirmative action or equal opportunity assurance in an employment setting.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED

\r\n College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.\r\n A Master's degree in public administration, human resources management, labor relations or a closely related field or a law degree may be substituted for one (1) additional year of the General Experience.\r\n For state employees two (2) years of experience as an Equal Employment Opportunity Assistant may be substituted for the General and Special Experience.\r\n\r\n

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

\r\n\r\n In accordance with Connecticut General Statute, incumbents in this class must complete five (5) hours of training during the first year of service or designation and a minimum of three (3) hours biannually thereafter. This training shall include (1) state and federal discrimination laws and (2) internal discrimination investigation techniques which will be provided by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and the Permanent Commission on the Status of Women.\r\n Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.\r\n\r\n\r\n

Conclusion

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER\r\nThe State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.\r\n