OVERALL DESCRIPTION

Investigates and responds to employment discrimination complaints filed internally and with external compliance agencies. Manages Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) activities and processes to determine ADA eligibility of employee accommodations through the review of documentation, consultation with employees and department managers.  Provides overall coordination and reasonable accommodations under the ADA Act to evaluate medical information, restriction limitations and requests. Performs assigned Employee Relations (ER) activities including informal and formal problem resolution steps. Assists in the planning, development and implementation of projects/programs to affect Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and ER objectives.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts investigations into individual charges of discrimination filed by applicants and employees under federal and/or state laws/regulations and the Authority’s EEO Policies.
• Writes position statements on behalf of SEPTA regarding allegations made by complainants filed with external compliance agencies (e.g., EEOC, PHRC and FTA). 
• Assesses due dates required by regulatory agencies and, if deemed unreasonable, secure additional time to respond.
• Assesses fact finding dates to ascertain that there is sufficient preparation time; reschedules when necessary.
• Represents SEPTA during the fact finding, mediation, and conciliation process and prepares managers, supervisors or other employees to represent the Authority during such proceedings. 
• Provides guidance to managers in the resolution of discrimination complaints consistent with findings. 
• Assists managers through the employee relations conflict resolution process which relates to the administration of existing policies and procedures.
• Implements a metric system which requires periodic review against Authority goals and potential problem areas.
• Serves as a Liaison with other human resource professionals on matters which may affect objectives for the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) program.
• Provides assistance with interpreting EEO policies and regulations as related to the discrimination complaints.
• Provides project management to initiate and sustain the goals and initiatives of SEPTA’s Human Resources Division. 
• Assists in the development of an EEO/ER Training curriculum to conduct training for management and supervisory personnel. 
• Assists in the development of an EEO/ER on-site program to orient and to advise employees of the Department’s responsibilities and objectives pursuant to its Mission Statement.
• Provides technical support and assistance to managers and employees for conflict resolution.
• Complies with all Authority and departmental safety and security policies and procedures as well as all applicable job safety responsibilities. Reports any safety concerns, compromises or hazards affecting operations, the public, self and/or other employees. Responsible for personal safety and is encouraged to promote the safety of others.
• Performs other duties as required.

DISCIPLINE SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Responsibilities:
• Assures that disabled applicants and employees are provided equal employment opportunities pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2009.
• Manages SEPTA's ADA compliance by reviewing reasonable accommodation requests and determining eligibility for accommodations in accordance with SEPTA's ADA Policy and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Coordinates with management and employees to develop and provide employees effective and reasonable accommodations.
• Develops written materials and other informational pieces regarding the ADA program.
• Provides training and guidance to Supervisors and Directors on ADA related matters.
• Regularly updates and maintains an accommodations database.
• Tracks and documents all ADA accommodation requests, approvals and denials. 

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, human resource management, business administration or related field from an accredited college/university and a minimum of six (6) years work related experience in the investigation of employment discrimination complaints, position statements, and/or other employee relations activities required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience (i.e., two (2) years of experience equating to one (1) year of post-high school education) may be considered in lieu of the above degree requirement.
• PC experience with a working knowledge of Word, Excel and database software packages required.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and organizational skills with exceptional written and verbal abilities required.
• Must have demonstrated workplace experience in the application of the Americans with Disabilities Act (as amended). This experience must include an active role in reviewing and/or approving reasonable accommodation requests for applicants and employees which ensure both the employee’s rights and employer’s obligations under the ADA
• J. D. law degree preferred.