INVESTIGATION & RESOLUTION SPECIALIST
Apply NowCompany: University of Washington
Location: Seattle, WA 98115
Description:
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.
Compliance and Risk Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Investigation & Resolution Specialist.
CIRO investigates complaints of violations of the University's non-discrimination policies, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. CIRO 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 CIRO, investigates allegations against University students that may violate sexual misconduct provisions of the University's Code of Student Conduct.
The Investigation and Resolution Specialist, under the general direction of the CIRO manager or 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.
Duties & Responsibilities
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
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
Maintains data consistent with data integrity standards at CIRO and within Risk Management
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience conducting investigations
OR Juris Doctorate AND 4 years of professional work experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration
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
Desired Qualifications
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
Excellent 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
Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments 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.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.
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.
Compliance and Risk Services has an outstanding opportunity for a Investigation & Resolution Specialist.
CIRO investigates complaints of violations of the University's non-discrimination policies, including allegations of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. CIRO 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 CIRO, investigates allegations against University students that may violate sexual misconduct provisions of the University's Code of Student Conduct.
The Investigation and Resolution Specialist, under the general direction of the CIRO manager or 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.
Duties & Responsibilities
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
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
Maintains data consistent with data integrity standards at CIRO and within Risk Management
Other duties as assigned
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree and 7 years of experience conducting investigations
OR Juris Doctorate AND 4 years of professional work experience
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements such as a license/certification/registration
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
Desired Qualifications
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
Excellent 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
Application Process:The application process may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments 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.
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the University of Washington will honor your experiences, perspectives and unique identity. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming.
The University of Washington is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at [redacted] or [redacted].
Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.