As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty. All of which has allowed the UW to be nationally recognized as a “Great College to Work For” for five consecutive years.
The University Complaint Investigation and Resolution Office (UCIRO) investigates complaints of violations of the University’s non-discrimination policies, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. UCIRO also investigates and responds to most charges of discrimination filed by individuals with external agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC), and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The Title IX Investigation Office, which is staffed by the same personnel as UCIRO, investigates allegations against University students that may violate sexual misconduct provisions of the University’s Code of Student Conduct.
We have an outstanding opportunity for an Investigation and Resolution Specialist.
The Investigation and Resolution Specialist, under the general direction of the UCIRO manager or his designee, acts as a neutral, objective fact-finder, and investigates alleged violations of the University’s non-discrimination policies and corresponding federal and state laws. The Investigation and Resolution Specialist may also investigate alleged violations of the University’s Code of Student Conduct related to sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and/or domestic violence. Depending on the matter, the Investigation and Resolution Specialist may also facilitate the resolution of a complaint.
Position Duties & Responsibilities:
65% - Investigates complaints made internally within the University that assert violations of University of Washington policies, including: non-discrimination policies and sexual misconduct policies. Prepares summary outlines and/or detailed written reports. Orally communicates investigative factual determinations and analysis to complainants, subjects, departments, and others with a business reason to know. Evaluates and advises on potential exposure risk associated with complaints investigated. Investigates complaints filed with external agencies and charges against the University of Washington, including: complaints of discrimination (e.g. Title VII, ADEA, ADA, Title IX, etc.), retaliation, and harassment. Conducts investigations in accordance with state and federal laws, regulations and applicable case law. Provides agencies with detailed written responses and information that complies with agency standards. Assists with implementation of compliance agreements. Participates in external agency fact-finding and mediation conferences as necessary. Prepares witnesses for interviews with administrative agencies conducting on-site investigations. Evaluates and advises on potential exposure risk associated with complaints investigated.
25% - Collaborates with University departments, Human Resources representatives, Assistant Attorneys General, and administrative personnel in handling complaints and related issues, as appropriate. Leads cross-departmental resolution teams in devising, refining and implementing appropriate and creative approaches to dispute resolution. Participates in investigation-related activities as necessary, such as testifying as a witness in internal proceedings related to employee or student misconduct. Negotiates settlements within delegated authority; obtains authority in excess of delegation, as appropriate and when necessary. Executes settlement agreements.
7% - Maintains data consistent with data integrity standards at UCIRO and within Risk Management.
3% - Other duties as assigned
Requirements include:
- Professional Degree: JD
- Four to five years of relevant experience
- Deep working knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations related to compliance with nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to: Title IX, Title VII, the WLAD, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, including: the ability to both be impartial and project impartiality, and the ability to establish rapport with a diverse range of community members.
- Excellent critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and facilitate resolution of difficult challenges.
- Ability to manage issues of complex and extreme sensitivity with a high level of professionalism.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and plan one’s work to meet critical deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to prepare complex written reports and provide reliable testimony explaining the investigation’s process, findings, conclusions and rationales.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team.
- Basic word processing skills.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
Desired:
- Professional experience in conducting civil rights investigations in a public higher education environment.
- Experience conducting investigations of alleged sexual misconduct, including reports of sexual assault, stalking, relationship violence, and/or domestic violence.
- Experience representing employers to enforcement agencies, such as the EEOC or the WSHRC.
- Strong skills in the areas of conflict resolution, problem-solving techniques, and interviewing best practices (including trauma-informed investigation practices for sexual misconduct matters).
- Ability to effectively and efficiently use computer systems and databases, including Windows-based software.
- Proven team player with a sense of humor.
Conditions of Employment:
- Office and classroom environments.
- Some travel required.
- The ability to multi-task, independently prioritize work, and manage a complex and varied workload is critical.
- Proven organizational skills are a necessary component of the work.
As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment, you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.
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