Senior Civil Rights Compliance Specialist

Senior Civil Rights Compliance Specialist

Salary range is $81K to $155K with a midpoint of $108K. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

• Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
• Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
• Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
• Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
• Pet Insurance.
• ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
• Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
• Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you'll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

General Purpose

Under general direction of the Director – Civil Rights Compliance, the Senior Specialist - Civil Rights Compliance is primarily responsible for supporting ADA program governance and compliance oversight. The position is also responsible for assisting the Civil Rights Compliance division with fulfilling programmatic requirements pertaining to Equal Employment Opportunity, and Transit Equity and Language Access (Title VI). Ensures compliance with all applicable federal/state laws, applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines and requirements, and other applicable regulatory agency guidelines.

Essential Functions

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Serves as Sound Transit's digital accessibility coordinator.
• Provides technical expertise on accessible web design, development, tracking and monitoring.
• Assists with developing accessibility training, tools and resources; may provide training to management and staff.
• Assists with development and implementation of the disability community engagement plan.
• Develops comprehensive civil rights compliance processes and procedures.
• Prepares a variety of written materials including correspondence, reports, briefing papers, presentations, manuals, and standard operating procedures.
• Coordinates work across the division by collaborating with Senior Program Managers for EEO, Title VI and ADA to ensure successful delivery of civil rights compliance programming.
• Facilitates coordination and collaboration with agency departments including Human Resources and Legal.
• Establishes and maintains effective internal and external working relationships including, but not limited to internal staff, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Leverages data and metrics to ensure effective implementation and measurement.
• Tracks, analyzes and communicates key success metrics and demographic trends generally and within our industry and recommend programs/solutions.
• Maintain working knowledge of ADA Title II requirements and WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards.
• Ensures compliance with all applicable federal/state laws, applicable Federal Transit Administration (FTA) guidelines and requirements, and other regulatory agency guidelines.
• Continuously evaluates the effectiveness of programs, processes and procedures and recommends timely changes.
• Approaches challenges with a systems-level thinking to work toward institutional change.
• Leads and participates in special projects.
• Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
• Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit's Equity & Inclusion Policy.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience: Bachelors degree in Public Administration, Social Services, Education, or related field; Four years of experience in developing and managing civil rights compliance programs, project management, preferably in a nonprofit, public sector or service environment; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills: Principles, practices and standards of civil rights programs and functions. Intermediate knowledge of ADA Title II compliance requirements Advanced knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 AA Standards Advanced Knowledge of Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 Knowledge of FTA Circulars (4701.1, 4704.1A and 4702.1B) compliance. Knowledge of equity & inclusion best practices. Exceptional program/project management. Establishing and maintaining effective relationships. Building trust and credibility. Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written Strong analytical skills: demonstrated ability to investigate and research facts prior to making recommendations or offering solutions; leadership skills and a commitment to teamwork and excellent service. Managing conflict Performing duties involving the use of independent judgement, personal initiative and resourcefulness. Ability to work in a changing environment; must be self-motivated.

Physical Demands / Work Environment: Work is performed in a hybrid environment with an expectation of working in office a minimum of 3 days per week. Positions working in field may occasionally be exposed to dangerous machinery, extreme weather conditions, physical harm, hazardous chemicals, and/or extreme noise. This position is responsible for attending community outreach events which may occur on weekends/nights. The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class. Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities