Civil Rights Officer

Washington County Administrative Office is now hiring a Civil Rights Officer to ensure the County's compliance with Civil Rights laws, regulations, and policies, including Titles II, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and language access mandates. This position supports the County's commitment to access, nondiscrimination, and inclusion in all programs, services, and activities, and coordinates internal and external civil rights efforts across departments.

Essential duties of this position include:

• Serve as the County's designated Civil Rights Officer, ADA Coordinator, and Language Access Coordinator.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and update county-wide policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable civil rights laws.
• Ensure compliance with civil rights laws, regulations, and guidelines; advise leadership on civil rights issues; and recommend strategies to promote access and opportunity.
• Lead investigations of public civil rights complaints, including allegations of discrimination or failure to provide reasonable accommodations.
• Provide technical assistance and professional development to departments on civil rights, ADA compliance, and language access obligations.
• Review County services, communications, and facilities for accessibility, equity, and non-discrimination.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the County's Language Access Plan, including translation and interpretation services.
• Coordinate public engagement and outreach efforts with marginalized and underserved communities.
• Compile and submit federal and state civil rights compliance reports and respond to audits or investigations.
• Act as a liaison to community-based organizations, advocates, and compliance partners.
• Stay current on civil rights laws, trends, and best practices and advise county leadership accordingly.
• Advise on Right of way concerns and complaints.

• Knowledge of Federal and Oregon laws related to the public sector and employment, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Equal Employment Opportunity, and the implementation of these laws within governmental jurisdictions.
• Commitment to advancing civil rights, equity, and access for historically overburdened and under-served communities.
• Oregon laws and public sector compliance frameworks related to equity and access.
• Language access, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive service delivery models.
• Disability rights, accessibility standards (e.g., ADAAG), and universal design principles.
• Complaint investigation methods and fact-finding techniques.
• Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination Principles in Government Operations.
• Strong critical thinking and objectivity skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to center equity in evaluation, analysis, and action.
• Knowledge of the investigations process for civil rights discrimination claims.
• Knowledge of comparing and interpreting state and federal guidelines to review written plans and ensure that requirements are met.

Skills:

• Program and policy development and evaluation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
• Conflict resolution, mediation, and complaint resolution.
• Interdepartmental collaboration and relationship-building.
• Training development and facilitation.
• Data collection, analysis, and compliance reporting.
• Working with diverse populations and historically excluded communities.

Abilities:

• Interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Exercise discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Influence organizational culture and practices toward inclusion and equity.
• Analyze systemic barriers and recommend practical, equitable solutions.
• Coordinate multiple projects and timelines with minimal supervision.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders with respect and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated experience in exercising independent, ethical, and sound judgment to recommend timely and practical strategies to address program deficiencies.
• Strong experience in conducting compliance reviews, which involve reviewing complex program data and information and comparing it to state and federal guidelines to identify any deficiencies.

Education and Experience:

• A Master's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or a field directly related to program operations; AND Three (3) years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the research and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of direct supervision of staff. OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or a field directly related to program operations; AND Five (5) years of relevant professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the research and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of direct supervision of staff.

1. Minimum Qualification (MQ) Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes.
2. Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your cover letter and responses to the supplemental questions.
3. Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME Review as soon as possible.
4. Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate and extend a conditional offer of appointment.
5. Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Veterans' Preference:
  If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions by clicking here.
• Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-846-8606 orcareers@washingtoncountyor.govat least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.

• Questions about this recruitment? Contact Elle at Elle_Krueger@washingtoncountyor.gov

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