POSITION: Intake Investigator for the Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX)
The Intake Investigator is an exciting inaugural position for the growing Office for Equity, Equal Opportunity, and Title IX (EEO-TIX) at the University of Southern California. A key responsibility of this position will be to assist EEO-TIX with the management, coordination, and implementation of the initial intake, outreach, and support process for University community members and others (i.e., student, faculty, staff, patients, visitors, etc.) who may have been impacted by conduct prohibited by the Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (the Policy). In collaboration with other EEO-TIX team members, core functions of this position will include key aspects of EEO-TIX’s comprehensive initial intake process, including clarifying the nature and circumstances of a Reporting Party/Complainant’s initial report of Prohibited Conduct, preferred resolution options, and identification of any barriers to proceeding with Formal or Alternative Resolution. In addition, this position will make recommendations with respect to appropriate courses of action to the relevant EEO-TIX and University stakeholders. The position also will support EEO-TIX with regard to other important functions, including training/education about the intake process, assistance with Informal (Alternative) Resolutions and Informational Meetings. The Intake Investigator will support the University’s mission to maintain an environment for faculty, staff, students, and visitors in which all University programs and activities, including academics, extracurricular activities, employment, patient care, and athletics are free from discrimination and harassment based on protected characteristics and related retaliation.
SUPERVISOR: Equity and Equal Opportunity Coordinator, EEO-TIX
JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Conducts impartial, confidential trauma-informed interviews and fact-finding meetings to investigate formal and informal complaints and inquiries. Interviews employees, collects appropriate documentation, reviews information from a variety of sources, and provides support as the case is facilitated to resolution, ensuring a well-documented, prompt, and equitable process for all parties.
Based on the information gathered during the initial intake meeting, evaluate whether the reported conduct, if substantiated, falls within the scope and definitions of the Policy and, as applicable, what additional information is needed to complete this assessment.
Prepare clear, thorough written and/or verbal recommendations to the relevant EEO-TIX and University stakeholders regarding whether the reported conduct falls within the scope and definitions of Prohibited Conduct under the Policy and possible courses of action.
In partnership with other EEO-TIX team members, provide clear, prompt, caring, and empathetic responses to information gathered and/or requested by a Reporting Party during the initial intake process.
In partnership with other EEO-TIX team members, identify and promptly communicate issues raised during initial intake meetings that may implicate the Policy or Resolution Processes for Sexual Misconduct and Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation or other University policies, including urgent potential safety or wellbeing issues.
Develops and communicates results, corrective actions, and recommendations for appropriate resolutions to an array of complex workplace issues using a variety of tools (e.g., facilitated dialogue, shuttle diplomacy, other alternative dispute resolution methods). Drafts, implements, and monitors informal resolution agreements.
Develops, plans, and delivers student, parent, faculty, and/or staff educational programs, resources, and training. Assists in the maintenance of publication and website content. Maintains awareness of trends and developments in the field as well as knowledge of current changes within legal, regulatory, and technology environments, which may affect investigatory process and operations
Serves as a point of contact and information for students, faculty, and staff. Provides on-going updates regarding the status of complaints and investigations as required. Supports law enforcement personnel, university public security officers, and other stakeholders in appropriately and timely responding to reports of all forms of protected class discrimination and harassment and related retaliation.
Serves as a subject matter expert and resource for information for students, faculty, patients, and staff. Interprets related policies, rules, procedures and guidelines and advises university management, administrators, faculty and staff. Serves as an expert of a relevant field (e.g., civil rights law). Provides testimony, advice, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders as required
Participates in the evaluation and ongoing development of relevant policies and procedures for schools and/or departments to improve compliance adherence.
Collaborates with campus stakeholders to identify trends and to promote practices in prevention and response. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities for contributions through ideas, words, and actions that uphold principles of the USC Code of Ethics
Provides outreach and training on matters related to resolving workplace concerns according to university policies, procedures, and processes to various audiences. May work in collaboration with other unit members to perform projects and conduct background research to assist with cases, training, and development of outreach and other programming materials.
Assists with writing and maintaining employee policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with university policies and procedures. Works to foster and maintain effective and collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders in support of the university's goals and values. Stays current with modern case resolution methods and best practices to resolve workplace concerns in a proactive manner. Promotes an environment that fosters inclusive relationships and creates unbiased opportunities.
Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. The university reserves the right to add or change duties at any time
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal candidate:
J.D. or advanced degree in law, social work, psychology, or related field.
Nine years of directly-related investigation experience in civil rights in employment and/or education at or for an educational institution, large organization, and/or government agency. Experience engaging with students, faculty, and/or staff in a higher education setting or through an agency/organizational role adjacent to higher education or a similar industry.
Demonstrated commitment to fairness, diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Direct involvement or familiarity in work related to investigative reporting, journalism or law enforcement practices.
Experience with iSight case management software or other, similar case management software or database.
Experience working with diverse populations, in a higher education institutional setting including populations of color, the LGBTQ+ community, veterans, and persons with disabilities.
Experience in, and awareness of, the sensitivity required when interacting with a diverse community on trauma-related topics.
Certification and/or experience with complex workplace investigations.
Conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, or conflict management skills.
Strong presentation and facilitation skills with an emphasis on education and training for a variety of constituencies. Demonstrated excellence in writing comprehensive investigative reports.
The annual base salary range for this position is $104,633.93 - $137,168.00. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.
The University of Southern California is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Minimum Education: Master's degree Minimum Experience: 6 years Minimum Skills: Directly related investigation experience in civil rights in employment and/or education at or for an educational institution, large organization, and/or government agency. Ability to conduct interviews and investigations as an unbiased and neutral party. Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws (e.g., Title IX, Title VI, Section 504, the ADA, Title VII, FERPA, FEHA, etc.), regulations, and policies and procedures governing discriminatory practices and equal opportunity. Experience developing and presenting educational materials. Excellent writing skills. Excellent time management skills, with the demonstrated ability to effectively manage the pressure of multiple, competing deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills, judgment, and independence. Knowledge of applicable nondiscrimination policies and procedures. Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Ability to build trust and rapport easily; strong, compassionate, and straightforward. Demonstrable sound judgment and skill in applying equal opportunity principles and prevailing legal standards to solve complex problems fairly and decisively. Ability to collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues and stakeholders to resolve case-related challenges. Ability to present ideas clearly and effectively, both oral and written. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and emotional intelligence skills. Ability to manage and work with conflict and with individuals who may be experiencing high levels of stress. Ability to work independently and efficiently, and balance workload. Ability and desire to work actively, collaboratively, and creatively as part of a team. Ability to accept and implement constructive feedback.
