AFFIRMATIVE ACTION SPECIALIST

Code: 05278 Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, performs work involved in ascertaining that goals and objectives of the agency's or jurisdiction's affirmative action program are being met in its dealing with the public and/or outside agencies and in its own internal and external operations; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

May assist in implementing programs for recruitment and development of minority groups and women employees. Obtains factual material in connection with the development of an affirmative action plan. Summarizes information from reports, records, and other sources to recommend actions necessary to fulfill program responsibility. Confers with state, federal, and other relevant agencies regarding available information on training materials. Sets up work shops to acquaint department heads, supervisors, and employees with goals and requirements. Reviews requests for various types of training courses, evaluates needs, ensures that compliance to established guidelines are met, and makes recommendations for approval or disapproval of tuition reimbursement to ensure continued compliance with regulations. Recommends and prepares proposals for inhouse training programs, and presents all necessary data such as number of employees to attend, time involved, cost, and benefits to employees to provide a viable program. Participates in EEO complaint procedures, interviews and counsels employees having discrimination complaints and/or grievances, and attempts informal resolution of these complaints through discussions with involved parties to remedy grievances before formal complaints are filed. Provides technical assistance to departmental directors, supervisors, and employees, and answers questions regarding implementation of affirmative action programs, grievance procedures, and new legislation so that they fully understand their affirmative action responsibilities. May assist in coordinating activities with the personnel department concerning employment, training, recruitment, and development programs which will tend to equalize employment opportunities for minority group members and women. Studies and reviews in detail the internal and/or external operations of the agency or jurisdiction to discover those areas that may benefit from increased efforts in the application of the affirmative action program. Meets with supervisory officers and other personnel within and/or outside the agency or jurisdiction to ascertain areas where improvements may be made. Establishes and maintains an up-to-date job bank of available minority job seekers, and keeps track of hiring and termination of all minority and women employees. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and detailed statistical employment reports regarding composition of jurisdictions work force to disseminate findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the appropriate personnel. May post and disseminate EEO directives, laws, and regulations that arise from court cases to keep agency or jurisdiction personnel appraised of the latest development in affirmative action. Speaks to employee groups regarding training opportunities, disseminates information, and answers questions. Attends conferences and workshops to keep abreast of new legislation. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

License

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of specialized employment problems of minority groups and women as they relate to current placement problems, training, and employment availability. Knowledge of cross-cultural communication, social movement, and social dynamics to design and implement programs that meet agency equal employment and affirmative action needs. Knowledge of state and federal laws dealing with Equal Employment Opportunity and the workings of the agencies which administer and enforce these laws. Knowledge of personnel management and the broad principles of merit staffing, position classification, labor relations, grievances, and employee appeals. Ability to analyze internal and external operations of the jurisdiction or agency with a view toward discovering how improvements may be made in the application of affirmative action programs. Ability to maintain liaison with department officials and other public or private agency personnel to explain the jurisdiction's or agency's affirmative action commitment and gather knowledge of its impact and effectiveness. Ability to read, understand, interpret, and explain technical material such as written regulations, laws, or court decisions. Ability to deal effectively and communicate with men and women of various racial and ethnic backgrounds and socioeconomic strata of society. Ability to make detailed oral and written reports in concise and complete manner so that they will be effective in accomplishing goals of the affirmative action program. Ability to investigate and analyze problems by determining source of information, gathering information through systematic review of general and specialized references, and from individuals through interviewing to draw objective decisions from the evidence presented. Ability to prepare correspondence in the course of official duties, often on sensitive matters. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to establish and maintain good work relationships with coworkers, subordinates, and supervisors. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Five (5) years of professional experience in the implementation of programs involving affirmative action or equal employment opportunity, or in the development and/or operation of programs designed to further the recruitment, selection, training, and employment of minority groups. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range of basic knowledge of the profession's concepts and practices; and is performed with the authority to act and make accurate and informed decisions.