Introduction
As a State agency, the Maryland Office of the Public Defender (MOPD) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. MOPD is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, physical or mental disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status or genetic information.
All applicants must be able to communicate with clients and visitors and possess the ability to complete tasks in a fast-paced work environment. MOPD is further committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs and activities by modifying or adjusting the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee be considered for the position they desire; to perform the essential functions of the position in question; or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation imposes an undue hardship. Applicants must be able to operate a computer and other office equipment. Applicants must have access to a motor vehicle or be able to navigate public transportation. If a reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Tawanda Jackson, Human Resources Supervisor, 410-767-8503 tawandal.jackson@maryland.gov
The Office of the Public Defender is a statewide independent agency charged with providing superior legal representation to indigent defendants. The agency’s vision is Justice, Fairness and Dignity for All. Employees are committed to the core values of culture of excellence, client centered representation, tenacious advocacy, and are united in achieving the agency’s mission. The Office of the Public Defender is seeking applicants with EEO and ADA experience to serve as a full performance level Equal Employment Opportunity Officer responsible for investigation Title VII Discrimination , Sexual Harassment and Bullying complaints. The EEO Officer will also be responsible for reviewing requests for reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) as well as overseeing and providing EEO training to MOPD staff.
GRADE
16
LOCATION OF POSITION
Baltimore City
Equal Employment Opportunity Division
6 St. Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Main Purpose of Job
The Equal Employment Opportunity Officer’s primary duty will be to investigate Title VII complaints of Discrimination/Sexual Harassment, violations of the State of Maryland’s Bullying Policy and Americans with Disabilities Reasonable Accommodation complaints/request.
The EEO Officer will oversee and conduct EEO Training in all MOPD districts and divisions which includes the directing, planning and development, assessment and implementation of training programs related to EEO, affirmative action, sexual harassment, bullying and the ADA. The EEO Officer will review and approve employment transactions, assist in the development of policies and procedures regarding EEO/ADA/AA, participate in interview panels to ensure fair hiring practices, review statistical data and monitor recruitment and retention progress and provide information and guidance to managers and supervisor regarding EEO/ADA/AA laws and requirements for compliance.
The EEO Officer will also conduct alternative dispute resolution and/or other forms of settlement session. The incumbent within this position must possess the technical expertise, and knowledge of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) practices. This position must be able to communicate effectively with senior staff, as well as, end users and third-party providers.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: Four years of administrative staff or professional work.
Notes:
1. Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for each year up to four years of the required experience.
2. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
3. Candidates may substitute the possession of a Master's degree from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
4. Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work related to the administration of rules, regulations, policy, procedures and processes, or overseeing or coordinating unit operations or functioning as a staff assistant to a higher ranking commissioned officer on a year-for- year basis for the required experience.
DESIRED OR PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Prior experience as an Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
Experience conducting EEO complaint investigations
Experience reviewing ADA accommodation requests and complaints
Experience preparing investigative reports and summaries
Experience coordinating and conducting EEO/ADA training
Strong familiarity with tools and techniques pertaining to interviewing and complaint investigation
Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with all levels of employees and managers.
LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator's license valid in the State of Maryland.
SELECTION PROCESS
It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Please report all related education, experience, dates and hours of work. All information concerning your qualifications must be submitted by the closing date. We will not consider information submitted after this date. Applicants certified to list will receive eligibility for a period of one (1) year.
EXAMINATION PROCESS
The examination will consist of a rating of your education, training and experience related to the requirements of the position. You may be required to complete a qualifications supplement, or the rating may be based on your application. Therefore, it is important that you provide complete and accurate information on your application. Report all experience and education that is related to this position.
BENEFITS
FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS
Online Applications Preferred. Please fax all paper applications and questionnaires to (410) 333-8134. Inquiries regarding applications and submitting paper applications can be directed to:Melody.Whyte@maryland.gov. Office of the Public Defender, Human Resources Division, 6 Saint Paul Street, Suite 1304, Baltimore, MD 21202; or by calling (410) 767-8503, toll free: 877-430-5187; TTY users call Maryland Relay Service 800-735-2258.
Please be sure to include your name, identification number (Easy ID#) and job announcement number on any documentation to ensure timely processing.
A paper copy of the MD State application form and questionnaire can be downloaded from the link below.
We thank our Veterans for their service to our country and encourage them to apply.
People with disabilities and bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Maryland is committed to recruitment, retaining and promoting employees who are reflective of the State's diversity.
