Equal Specialist

Duties Description

The Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at OPWDD was formed with the charge to infuse DEI objectives and methodologies throughout different key business functions and executive ranks within OPWDD. The DEI Office oversees a portfolio of over 100 active projects, a vision-to-action plan for cultural competence, linguistic competence, and equity, and key statewide functions. These functions include: language access;

community engagement; policy audits; DEIA training and professional development; annual employee experience surveys; data collection and reporting; referral processes; statewide DEI committees; and much more. With this, we are looking for a strong leader who is a lifelong learner committed to systems-change and outcomes-driven work in state government.

The Executive Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) at OPWDD was formed with the charge to infuse DEI objectives and methodologies throughout different key business functions and executive ranks within OPWDD. The DEI Office oversees a portfolio of over 100 active projects, a vision-to-action plan for cultural competence, linguistic competence, and equity, and key statewide functions. These functions include: language access;

community engagement; policy audits; DEIA training and professional development; annual employee experience surveys; data collection and reporting; referral processes; statewide DEI committees; and much more. With this, we are looking for a strong leader who is a lifelong learner committed to systems-change and outcomes-driven work in state government. The Equal Opportunity Specialist 3 (EOS
3) will report to the Assistant Director and work closely with the Chief Diversity Officer and DEI team to lead key functions of the DEI Office related to workplace, strategy and impact. They will lead, coach, and supervise DEI staff to design and implement innovative approaches to advance cultural and linguistic competence, and equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility  person will be expected to create and sustain an environment in the DEI office where new ideas can be shared and explored, meaningful conversations lived experience can take place, and staff are supported to implement creative and long-lasting solutions to increase equity and accessibility for employees, people with developmental disabilities and their families, and all New Yorkers in need of government services.

The EOS 3 will be working directly with research scientists, equal opportunity specialists, program specialists, assistant director, and interdisciplinary teams within the agency. The position requires meaningful collaboration, ongoing communication, and developing shared goals with internal and external partners. As such, the EOS 3 will be expected to maintain knowledge and expertise around diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, cultural and linguistic competence, and lived experience of people with developmental disabilities.

The EOS 3 will be expected to provide routine updates to DEI management and ensure the success of the DEI office portfolio, as well as support staff growth and professional development.

• Lead the DEI Office interdivisional partnerships with the agency's divisions and units, which includes:
• Forming interdivisional work groups;
• Facilitating recurring meetings, setting agendas, and tracking deliverables;
• Information gathering on DEIA hiring practices;
• Developing toolkits for employees, and more.
• Oversee and coordinate the DEI team's participation in DEI work groups and committees.
• Draft and deliver internal and external presentations on the DEI Office.
• Support ongoing collaboration between divisions and help facilitate meetings, prepare agendas, and track and follow through on action items.
• Represent the Chief Diversity Officer and Assistant Director on the Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council, as needed.
• Attend interdivisional meetings to advance DEIA practices throughout the agency.

• Lead the implementation of ongoing DEIA strategic objectives, including:
• Developing accessible resources and communications for OPWDD employees in plain language, including monthly agency messaging on observances, celebrations, updates, resources, and more.
• Designing and disseminating an annual Diversity Calendar.
• Designing and facilitating meaningful employee engagement with DEIA initiatives, such as virtual lunch and learns, webinars, and…