Civil Rights Officer

THE POSITION

Washington County Administrative Office is now hiring a Civil Rights Officer to ensure the County's compliance with Civil Rights laws, regulations, and policies, including Titles II, VI, and VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and language access mandates. This position supports the County’s commitment to access, nondiscrimination, and inclusion in all programs, services, and activities, and coordinates internal and external civil rights efforts across departments.

Essential Duties Of This Position Include

• Serve as the County’s designated Civil Rights Officer, ADA Coordinator, and Language Access Coordinator.
• Develop, implement, monitor, and update county-wide policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable civil rights laws.
• Ensure compliance with civil rights laws, regulations, and guidelines; advise leadership on civil rights issues; and recommend strategies to promote access and opportunity.
• Lead investigations of public civil rights complaints, including allegations of discrimination or failure to provide reasonable accommodations.
• Provide technical assistance and professional development to departments on civil rights, ADA compliance, and language access obligations.
• Review County services, communications, and facilities for accessibility, equity, and non-discrimination.
• Oversee the development and implementation of the County’s Language Access Plan, including translation and interpretation services.
• Coordinate public engagement and outreach efforts with marginalized and underserved communities.
• Compile and submit federal and state civil rights compliance reports and respond to audits or investigations.
• Act as a liaison to community-based organizations, advocates, and compliance partners.
• Stay current on civil rights laws, trends, and best practices and advise county leadership accordingly.
• Advise on Right of way concerns and complaints.
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

A Successful Candidate Will Have The Following

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Federal and Oregon laws related to the public sector and employment, including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), Equal Employment Opportunity, and the implementation of these laws within governmental jurisdictions.
• Commitment to advancing civil rights, equity, and access for historically overburdened and under-served communities.
• Oregon laws and public sector compliance frameworks related to equity and access.
• Language access, reasonable accommodation, and inclusive service delivery models.
• Disability rights, accessibility standards (e.g., ADAAG), and universal design principles.
• Complaint investigation methods and fact-finding techniques.
• Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Discrimination Principles in Government Operations.
• Strong critical thinking and objectivity skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to center equity in evaluation, analysis, and action.
• Knowledge of the investigations process for civil rights discrimination claims.
• Knowledge of comparing and interpreting state and federal guidelines to review written plans and ensure that requirements are met.
  
  

Skills

• Program and policy development and evaluation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentations.
• Conflict resolution, mediation, and complaint resolution.
• Interdepartmental collaboration and relationship-building.
• Training development and facilitation.
• Data collection, analysis, and compliance reporting.
• Working with diverse populations and historically excluded communities.
  
  

Abilities

• Interpret and apply complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
• Exercise discretion, diplomacy, and sound judgment in sensitive situations.
• Influence organizational culture and practices toward inclusion and equity.
• Analyze systemic barriers and recommend practical, equitable solutions.
• Coordinate multiple projects and timelines with minimal supervision.
• Engage with internal and external stakeholders with respect and cultural humility.
• Demonstrated experience in exercising independent, ethical, and sound judgment to recommend timely and practical strategies to address program deficiencies.
• Strong experience in conducting compliance reviews, which involve reviewing complex program data and information and comparing it to state and federal guidelines to identify any deficiencies.
  
  

Civil Rights Officer is a working title. This position is classified as a Program Manager. Classification specifications are typically written broadly. To review this classification, including essential duties, knowledge, skills, and abilities, please use this link: Program Manager.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every task in the job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job and that candidate may come from a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences. If you're interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set, even if you believe you do not meet all of the hiring criteria described above.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• A Master's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or a field directly related to program operations; AND Three (3) years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the research and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of direct supervision of staff. OR
• A Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice, social work, psychology, social sciences, an applied research-related field, or a field directly related to program operations; AND Five (5) years of relevant professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility. Experience must include responsibility for the research and evaluation of program activities and at least two (2) years of direct supervision of staff.
  
  

Please be clear and specific in the applicable sections of the employment application about how your background applies to this position. This information must also be consistent with your supplemental question responses.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

• Minimum Qualification (MQ) Review: Human Resources will screen applications for MQs after the posting closes.
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Review: Depending on the number of applicants that meet MQs, a SME panel may perform an in-depth evaluation of your application materials, including your cover letter and responses to the supplemental questions.
• Panel Interview(s): Our goal is to schedule panel interviews with candidates who successfully pass the SME Review as soon as possible.
• Conditional Offer of Appointment: Human Resources will conduct a salary analysis for the successful candidate and extend a conditional offer of appointment.
• Start Date: A start date will be determined after all conditions of employment have been met.
  
  

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on their relative knowledge, skills, and abilities. Washington County values a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration and work-life harmony. We offer job stability, a comprehensive benefits package, and an opportunity to serve and support our diverse community. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity and an inclusive workforce. Women, minorities, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

• Veterans' Preference: If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review instructions by clicking here.
• Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: A reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance, please contact Human Resources at 503-846-8606 orcareers@washingtoncountyor.govat least 48 hours before the step(s) of the selection process for which you feel you need an accommodation.
  
  

Additional Resources

• Questions about this recruitment? Contact Elle at Elle_Krueger@washingtoncountyor.gov
• New to GovernmentJobs.com? Visithttps://www.governmentjobs.com/home/applicationguidefor a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on the application process.
• Need technical support? Call Government Jobs' Live Application Support at 855-524-5627.
  
  

Management, Administrative and Professional Personnel System (MAPPS) - FLSA exempt employees are paid on a salaried basis. The premise of salaried/exempt employment is that established compensation recognizes the time and effort needed to accomplish all assigned job duties. Job responsibilities may require work outside of the employee's standard work week or a work week in excess of 40 hours.

For more information on the MAPPS policy, please review the specific document using this link:Click Here

This position is not represented under a collective bargaining agreement.

Regular and limited duration full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week and job share employees are eligible for benefits beginning on the first of the month following employment. Job share employees are responsible for 50% of the premium. Part-time regular, variable hour, and temporary positions are not eligible for medical, dental, and vision benefits.

Check Out Our Award-Winning Benefits & Wellness Program!

Benefits

Washington County values your dedication to lead the future of our community through public service. Our total compensation package, which is comprised of more than just your annual salary, was built to show our commitment to the physical and financial health and wellbeing of you and your family. Your total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits program with medical, dental, and vision coverage at up to 95% employer paid! Other benefits you’ll enjoy as part of your total compensation package include:

• Paid Time Off - 11 paid holidays including one floating holiday, 12 vacation days for new employees (accrual rates increase based on length of service), AND up to 96 hours of sick leave per year (unused sick leave accumulates from year to year without limit to provide pay and security if needed).
• Wellness Program - Washington County has been named one of Oregon’s Healthiest Employers by the Portland Business Journal for the past 7 years. We are proud to receive this award and will continue to make your health and wellbeing a priority by providing resources and support to help you and your family live and work well. Resources include smoking cessation, weight management, and stress management classes (online or telephonic with a personal health coach); discounts on gym memberships, fitness activities, and sports tickets; and Health & Wellness events and onsite flu shot clinics.
• Alternative Care Coverage
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life and Disability Insurance (both County-provided and voluntary)
• Oregon Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)
• 457b Deferred Compensation Plan
• Emergency Travel Assistance
• TriMet Hop Card at no cost to the employee
• Bike lockers and repair stations
• A charitable giving program
• Oregon College Savings Plan
  
  

To learn more about our Benefits and Wellness program and view our current benefits guide, plan summaries, and premium rates, click here.

Already have medical, dental, and vision coverage? No problem! Full-time employees who choose to waive medical, dental, and vision coverage will receive a $125 monthly contribution into a tax-free Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) VEBA account, which can be used to reimburse you for qualified out-of-pocket medical care costs, such as copays, deductibles, and prescription drugs. HRA accounts offer many benefits including significant tax savings, and no annual “use it or lose it” requirement. Proof of other creditable coverage is required.

01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of related education?

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• None of the above
  
  

02

In the space provided below, describe the focus of your college education and/or degree(s). If you do not have a college education and/or degree, enter N/A.

03

Select your years of pertinent professional experience related to the specific program area of responsibility (i.e., civil rights compliance) and that includes the research and evaluation of program activities.

• 10 or more years of experience
• 9 years but less than 10 years of experience
• 8 years but less than 9 years of experience
• 7 years but less than 8 years of experience
• 6 years but less than 7 years of experience
• 5 years but less than 6 years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• No experience
  
  

04

Select your years of experience as a lead for a project, program, team, or as a supervisor.

• 5 or more years of experience
• 4 years but less than 5 years of experience
• 3 years but less than 4 years of experience
• 2 years but less than 3 years of experience
• Less than 2 years of experience
• No experience
  
  

05

Select the areas in which you have experience. Please note you will be asked to expand on these areas during the interview process. Check all that apply.

• Establishing program goals and objectives for core service delivery needs in the PRIVATE sector.
• Establishing program goals and objectives for core service delivery needs in the PUBLIC SECTOR / LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
• Developing organization-wide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), civil rights, accessibility, inclusion, and compliance initiatives in the PRIVATE sector.
• Developing organization-wide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO), civil rights, accessibility, inclusion, and compliance initiatives in the PUBLIC SECTOR / LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
• Building program support with internal and external stakeholders which inform compliance policies and procedures in the PRIVATE sector.
• Building program support with internal and external stakeholders which inform compliance policies and procedures in the PUBLIC SECTOR / LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
• Documenting outcomes of Federal and State Civil Rights laws, including preventing and addressing discrimination, retaliation and harassment, advancing disability rights, and improving affirmative action practices in the PRIVATE sector.
• Documenting outcomes of Federal and State Civil Rights laws, including preventing and addressing discrimination, retaliation and harassment, advancing disability rights, and improving affirmative action practices in the PUBLIC SECTOR / LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
• None of the above
  
  

06

A cover letter is required to apply for this position. Your cover letter should:

• Highlight key qualifications, including any relevant experience, education, training and skills; 2. Address how you meet the ideal candidate profile; and 3. Discuss your experience navigating civil rights compliance in governmental jurisdictions or in the private sector. What challenges did you face and what were their outcomes?
  
  

By selecting yes below, you are indicating that you have read and understood the information provided, and agree to the above instructions.

• Yes
• Required Question