Job Description
Position Summary
The Senior Civil Rights Investigator ("Sr. CRI") in the MassDOT/MBTA Office of Diversity and Civil Rights (ODCR) reports to the ODCR Director of Investigations, Training, & Mediation. The Sr. CRI will oversee, supervise, and provide training regarding the cases, tasks, and duties of Junior Civil Rights Investigators ("Jr. CRI"). Additionally, the Sr. CRI will be responsible for a caseload of investigations of complaints alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation and other potential infractions of MassDOT/MBTA's Anti-Discrimination/Harassment Prevention ("ADHP") and Equal Employment Opportunity ("EEO") policies. The Sr. CRI will be required to conduct factual investigations, and attempt to resolve informal complaints, and prepare written findings and recommendations to resolve formal complaints.
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ODCR is a shared service department between MassDOT and the MBTA. While this position sits within MassDOT, the responsibilities for this role will also cover similar responsibilities regarding the MBTA.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform timely and thorough investigations of civil rights complaints, including office and onsite interviews of parties and witnesses.
- Investigate complex and sensitive internal disputes, including complaints of discrimination and harassment, using best practice investigatory procedures.
- Supervise Jr. CRIs and their work.
- Oversee and assist in the professional development of the Junior CRIs.
- Complete special projects as assigned by Director of Investigations, Training, & Mediation or the Deputy Chief Diversity Officer.
- Work independently and collaboratively and ensure investigations of their own and the Jr. CRIs are completed within appropriate timelines and deadlines.
- Analyze situations and use appropriate judgment in making decisions and recommendations to ensure resolution.
- Analyze evidence and draft findings and recommendations thereon, and recommend remedial action where appropriate, including mediation and training.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding the sensitive nature of investigations.
- Exercise good judgement, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Employ effective organizational, multi-tasking, time management and qualitative and quantitative skills.
- Exercise excellent customer service, writing, communication, conflict resolution and comprehension skills.
- Prepare and timely execute effective investigative plans.
- Obtain and analyze party and witness statements and documentary evidence and make credibility determinations.
- Prepare thoughtful and thorough investigative reports and recommendations for corrective action.
- Handle multiple assignments in a fast-paced environment and quickly adapt to changing priorities.
- Exercise excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Assist managers and other internal stakeholders on Civil Rights Investigation and EEO-related matters.
- Educate managers and employees, through formal trainings, on prevention of workplace harassment.
- Build internal professional relationships to effectuate HR Compliance initiatives and policies.
- Maintain thorough records of investigations and keep such current.
- Respond to each inquiry, whether from an employee, customer, vendor or co-worker in a courteous and professional manner.
- Adhere to the rules, regulations, collective bargaining agreements (if applicable) and policies of MassDOT, including EEO and ADHP policies.
- Determine procedures to be used in collecting information and evidence in connection with complaints and alleged non-compliance with laws, rules, and regulations and policies.
- Participate in and contribute to the Partners in Transportation Events.
- Manage and make recommendations concerning updates and changes in policies and procedures governing assigned unit activities.
- Perform other related duties and projects as assigned.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and complexity of the work being performed by staff assigned to this job and do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities required of staff assigned to this position.
The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here-in are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Preferred Qualifications
- A minimum of two (2) years of experience conducting investigations alleging civil rights related violations or discrimination, including relevant work experience in EEO and/or Civil Rights Law, or relevant HR investigatory experience.
- A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
- Experience developing training materials and delivering training related to antidiscrimination and antiharassment laws and policies, and diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
- A demonstrated work history of progressively increased responsibility.
- A working knowledge of Massachusetts and federal civil rights statutes, regulations and policies, employment law, employee and labor relations, and investigation procedures.
- Bilingual or multi-lingual skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft programs including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, File Explorer (or similar software), Adobe, and LaborSoft.
- A satisfactory work record for the two (2) years immediately prior to the closing date of this posting, including overall employment, job performance, discipline, and safety records (infractions and/or offenses occurring after the closing of the posting and before the filling of a vacancy may preclude a candidate from consideration for selection).
- Ability to provide internal and external customers with courteous and professional experiences.
- Ability to uphold the rights and interests of MassDOT and the MBTA while building and maintaining effective relationships with employees and co-workers.
About MassDOT
The 4,000+ employees of Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) take great pride in connecting the Commonwealth's residents and communities. MassDOT is responsible for developing, implementing, and coordinating transportation policies and projects for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and to efficiently plan, design, construct, and maintain a safe statewide transportation system which effectively meets the transportation needs of the Commonwealth. Information about MassDOT's inclusive culture and career opportunities can be found at mass.gov/massdot-careers.
MassDOT's divisions include Highway, Registry of Motor Vehicles, Aeronautics, and Rail & Transit. Headquarters (Planning & Enterprise Services) provides business and administrative support and policy leadership for each of the four (4) divisions.
Qualifications
Minimum Entrance Requirements
This requisition will remain open until filled; however, first consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
All job applications must be submitted online through MassCareers to be considered. Current MassDOT employees should use their internal MassCareers account to apply.
Please provide a complete, accurate and current resume / application for MassDOT to review in order to determine if your submitted materials meet the minimum entrance requirements for the position.
Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in investigatory or law enforcement work, or (B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.
Substitutions:
An Bachelor's or higher degree may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required experience.
*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.
- For questions regarding the job posting, please email the MassDOT Talent Acquisition Team at talentacquisition@dot.state.ma.us.
- For general questions regarding MassDOT, call the Human Resources Service Center at 857-368-4722.
- For a disability-related reasonable accommodation or alternative application method, call the ADA Coordinator, Lucy Bayard, at 857-274-1935.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.