Agency Description:

The Department of Small Business Services (SBS) is a dynamic, client-centered Agency whose mission is to serve New York’s small businesses and commercial districts. SBS makes it easier for companies in New York City to form, do business, and grow by providing direct assistance to business owners, promoting commercial districts, promoting financial and economic opportunity among minority and women-owned businesses, preparing New Yorkers for jobs, and linking employers with a skilled and qualified workforce.

Job Description:

The Office of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)’s mission is to ensure that all employees and applicants for employment are given an equal opportunity to succeed in the workplace. The EEO unit works to provide a work environment that accepts and respects individual differences and is free of unlawful discrimination. It is also responsible for ensuring that the Department of Small Business Services (SBS) does not discriminate against any employees or applicants for employment in any manner prohibited by federal state and local law.

In a continuing effort to maintain and operate a culturally competent organization, will liaise with New York City Office of Citywide Equity and Inclusion to create, and carry out diversity and inclusion initiatives, which includes strategies for recruitment, retention, training, and employment engagement; and work alongside SBS’ internal partners.

The EEO Specialist will work under general supervision and perform a variety of professional and administrative duties in support of the day-to-day operations of EEO.

Specifically, the EEO Specialist will:

- Conduct and oversee internal EEO investigations and prepare advisory memos, investigative reports, including recommendations for complaint/issue resolution.
- Coordinate and facilitate agency staff EEO related training in conjunction with Local Laws and DCAS training and development.
- Assist in the creation of enforcement strategies with respect to policies and procedures in these areas and monitor compliance with promulgated policies and procedures.
- Oversee the EEO case management and database process including keeping an updated log that tracks each EEO and Reasonable Accommodations (RA) request, including intake date, facts, status of inquiry, close date, and conclusion.
- Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) Equity and Inclusion reports.
- Assist with the development of strategic goals to implement SBS’ EEO Plan.

1. A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent approved by a State's Department of Education or a recognized accrediting organization and four years of satisfactory full-time experience in an industrial or governmental agency in the field of investigation, auditing, law enforcement, security, inspections, or in a major operational area of the agency in which the appointment is to be made; or

2.A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; or

3. Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above.

- Significant knowledge and experience with handling EEO and employment-related matters, including the investigation of and response to EEO allegation of complaints filed. - Proven work experience administering EEO compliance, investigatory and reasonable accommodation policies. - In depth understanding of Federal, State and Local Laws and regulations and guidelines related to equal employment opportunity, sexual harassment, retaliation, reasonable accommodations, and affirmative action. - Superior presentation, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to build coalitions of stakeholders and nurture relationships. - High degree of professionalism, courtesy, strong work ethic, integrity, regard for confidentiality and ability to work with discretion on sensitive matters. - Demonstrated experience conducting complex EEO investigations, knowledge of proper objective interview techniques and due process principles. - Knowledge of mediation and alternate dispute practices. - Detail-oriented, excellent analytical skills, including knowledge of statistical methods, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. - Ability to organize, synthesize and analyze complex information and problems, including to review facts and assess relevant issues from a regulatory perspective. - Strong organizational and follow-through to coordinate work plans, prioritize assignments and meet deadlines. - Ability to adapt to new situations, collaborate with team members, and work under pressure with limited supervision, when necessary. - Two to four years of proven experience in EEO. - Prior experience with EEO investigations preferred. - Knowledge of employment laws, e.g., EEO, ADA, FMLA, Title VII, etc. preferred. - Must have strong analytical skills and ability to translate metrics, research, and trends into strategy. - Ability to write reports and to respond to audits. - Superior writing, verbal, communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work with individuals at all levels of the Department. - Proficiency in Microsoft Suite (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).

As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.