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State of Hawaii

CIVIL RIGHTS SPECIALIST IV - OAHU

State of Hawaii, Hilo, HI, United States


Salary: See Position Description

Location : Island of Oahu

Job Type: Various

Job Number: 24-0039

Department: Various

Opening Date: 06/15/2024

Closing Date: Continuous

Recruitment Information

Recruitment Number 24-0039 - The immediate vacancies are with the following departments:

  • Department of Transportation Administration Office located in Halawa to Kalihi.
  • Department of Human Services located in Downtown.
  • Department of Land & Natural Resources located in Downtown.
THIS JOB POSTING WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 20 APPLICATIONS ARE RECEIVED.
PLEASE APPLY IMMEDIATELY AS THIS RECRUITMENT MAY CLOSE AT ANY TIME.
Salary: $5,258 to $6,399 per month (SR-22, Step D to I)

Note: Hiring rates will be based on availability of funds, the applicant's qualifications, and other relevant factors.
Duties Summary

The Civil Rights Specialist IV level independently performs civil rights compliance work which regularly encompasses complex problems, combined with the responsibility for providing management advisory services; and performs other related duties as assigned. Illustrative examples include:1) a position responsible for implementing a large department's civil rights program at the divisional level; and 2) a position responsible for providing staff support to the departmental specialist of a civil rights program. Assignments include developing, planning and implementing special projects as required by federal regulations; conducting staff studies and evaluations of program operations for compliance with applicable federal and State laws, rules and regulations; and preparing special reports to federal agencies (e.g., U.S. Department of Transportation) as requested.
Minimum Qualification Requirements

To qualify, you must meet all of the following requirements:

Legal Authorization to Work:

The State of Hawaii requires all persons seeking employment with the government of the State shall be citizens, nationals, or permanent resident aliens of the United States, or eligible under federal law for unrestricted employment in the United States.

Please review the required Prerequisite Knowledge and Abilities outlined in the Minimum Qualification Requirements link below, and which includes, in part:
Knowledge of the IV level: Interviewing, fact-finding, research and analytical and problem solving methods and techniques; report writing; civil rights laws, rules and regulations; issues of and principles and practices governing a civil rights program(s).
Ability to: "...investigate complaints and recommend corrective action;... analyze data and conduct research to identify problem areas and recommend solutions."

Basic Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.

General Experience: One and one-half (1-1/2) years of progressively responsible professional or other responsible analytical work experience which involved gathering, evaluating and analyzing facts and other pertinent information required to resolve problems; and identifying, evaluating and analyzing issues involved and understanding and applying various statutory provisions, rules or regulations to determine and recommend appropriate courses of actionSuch experience MUST have demonstrated the ability to elicit information orally and in writing, apply problem solving methods and techniques and prepare clear and concise written reports of findings and recommendations for action; and establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Specialized Experience: One (1) year of progressively responsible professional work experience which involved responsibility for ensuring an agency's compliance with civil rights requirements in one or more areas (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Title VI, Equal Employment Opportunity); developing, implementing and coordinating a program/activities to ensure compliance with civil rights requirements; monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and recommending improvements, e.g., new and revised programs, policies, procedures, and laws; investigating and participating in the resolution of civil rights complaints and charges; and advising agency personnel and others on civil rights laws and regulations and court rulings relative to interpretations and program implications.
Driver's License: Some positions require possession of a valid driver's license at the time of appointment. One of the immediate vacancies has this requirement.

Substitutions Allowed: Relevant substitutions as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements, will apply.

The information provided above represents a summary of the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements. To view the Requirements in their entirety, please CLICK HERE.

02117:052112:13:AS

Other Information

The State of Hawai'i complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodations in completing an application, any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the selection process, please call 808-587-0936 for assistance.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS (PSLF) PROGRAM
The PSLF Program is a federal program that is intended to encourage individuals to work in public service by forgiving the balance of their federal student loans. To qualify, the individual must have made 120 qualifying payments while employed by a qualifying employer. For more information, please click:

ELECTRONIC NOTIFICATION TO APPLICANTS
The Department of Human Resources Development (HRD) will use electronic mail (email) to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of their applications as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of green resources, and minimize delays and costs.

Please ensure that the email address and contact information you provide is current, secure, and readily accessible to you. We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our emails or fail to check your email-box in a timely manner. In addition, please be aware that you may no longer receive notification about applications submitted if you choose to disable the Job Application Emails feature in your Account Settings.

TESTING INFORMATION
The examination for this recruitment will be conducted on an unassembled basis where the examination score is based on an evaluation and rating of your education and experience. It is therefore important that your employment application provide a clear and detailed description of the duties and responsibilities of each position you held.

In-person interviews and/or further testing in Hawaii may be required at the discretion of the hiring agency. If in-person interviews and/or further testing is a requirement, applicants who meet the minimum qualification requirements and are referred to the vacancy must be available to participate in person and at their own expense in this required phase of the selection process.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible. In addition to employment availability and score, the referral of qualified applicants may be based upon other factors including date of receipt of application.

CLICK HERE for Important Information about Equal Employment Opportunity, the Merit Civil Service System, Citizenship and other requirements, Reasonable Accommodation, Veterans Preference, Examination Requirements, and the State Recruiting Office's Levels of Review.

YOUR JOB BENEFITS WITH THE STATE OF HAWAI'I

The State of Hawaii offers its employees who are members of the civil service a range of benefits. Some benefits are offered as a result of collective bargaining agreements and changes may occur.
A summary of these benefits, which is based on full-time employment, is listed below.

Note: Benefits for NON-CIVIL SERVICE appointments will be provided by the hiring department at the time of interview.

With Civil Service modernization, effective July 1, 2002, employees appointed to temporary positions may also gain membership in the civil service upon satisfactory completion of an initial probation period of at least six months. As a temporary member of the civil service, you will be eligible to apply for promotion and transfer opportunities to permanent as well as other temporary positions. You may also enjoy other rights and benefits afforded to members of the civil service, with the exception of return rights and placement rights associated with a reduction-in-force of a permanent member of the civil service.

Paid Holidays

You may be eligible for 13 paid holidays each year; 14 holidays during an election year.

Paid Vacation

You may earn vacation leave at a rate that other employers find tough to match - 21 days each full year from the FIRST year of employment. This compares to an average of 10 days offered by private companies. You may accumulate up to a total of 90 days (720 hours) of vacation.

Paid Sick Leave

You may earn sick leave at the same rate as vacation - 21 days per year from the FIRST year, and there is no limit on the amount you can accumulate. Expectant mothers may also use sick leave for pre-natal or post-natal check-ups or any illness related to pregnancy. Plus, unused accumulated sick leave may eventually be used to increase your retirement benefits in certain situations.

Other Leaves

Reasonable time off with pay may be provided for jury or witness duty, a death in the family, some military duty, and donation to the Blood Bank. Leave sharing donations may be granted to eligible employees who have serious personal illnesses or injuries or need to care for a seriously ill or injured family member. Various leaves without pay may also be granted with full re-employment rights.

Health Insurance

The State pays a part of the premiums for each employee's enrollment in a State sponsored Medical, Drug, Vision, and Dental Plan. For more information, visit the Employer Union Trust Fund website www.eutf.hawaii.gov for coverage and options.

Group Life Insurance

The State provides a free life insurance policy for employees.

Retirement Plan

The State contributes to a retirement plan for eligible employees. Generally, employees under the Hybrid Plan with 10 years of credited service and who have reached 65 years of age or have 30 years of credited service and have reached 60 years of age may retire and receive benefits. To find out more about the options you have, go to http://ers.ehawaii.gov.

Premium Conversion Plan

Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct the cost of health care premiums before payroll taxes are withheld.

Flexible Spending Accounts

Eligible employees can reduce their federal and state income taxes and social security taxes through a tax-savings benefit program called Island Flex. This program allows employees to set aside money from their paychecks to pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and eligible dependent care expenses on a BEFORE-TAX basis.

Transportation Benefits

Participating employees may increase their take-home pay by having the State deduct qualified transportation expenses (i.e. eligible parking fees, monthly bus passes for TheBus, fare coupons for The Handi-Van, Vanpool Hawaii participation fee, etc.) through pre-tax payroll deductions.

Deferred Compensation

The State offers employees a voluntary pre-tax retirement savings plan designed to give employees a tax break today and an opportunity to build a retirement nest egg through voluntary payroll deductions. Several types of investment options are available.

Temporary Disability Insurance

Qualified employees may be eligible to receive benefits for a disability caused by a non-work related injury or illness under this program.

Social Security

As an employer, the State also contributes to an employee's social security account.

Promotions & Transfers

For employees with membership in the civil service, the State offers promotion and transfer opportunities throughout the State Executive Branch.

Training & Continuing Education

The State supports developmental activities related to an employee's work. In many departments there are numerous in-service training opportunities available. Sabbatical leaves with pay are available for qualified employees.

Travel Expenses

The State may pay for certain business related travel expenses including mileage reimbursement for use of a personal car during work, airfare, meals and lodging expenses for trips to neighbor islands or out of state.

Incentive & Service Awards

The State has a program that recognizes employees for their years of service and provides cash awards for their superior accomplishments and other contributions that improve State operations.

Union & Collective Bargaining

Employees have the right to join the union for collective bargaining with the State and employee representation. Some employee unions provide discounts, insurance and other opportunities. Employees may also decide not to join a union, however, employees are required to pay union service fees unless the employee's job is excluded from collective bargaining.

The above information is solely intended as a summary of the benefits available to State of Hawaii employees and is subject to change. Whether or not you are entitled to a particular benefit will depend on your specific appointment and employment status (included, excluded, exempt, non-exempt). Please refer to the appropriate collective bargaining agreement or executive order and all applicable laws, rules, policies, or plan documents for further details. Nothing herein shall be deemed as creating an employment contract, promise of employment, promise of continued employment, or obligation of any kind on the part of the State of Hawaii.

CLICK HERE for more information on the State of Hawaii's Benefits At-A-Glance.

The State of Hawaii is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Revised 01/13

01

RECRUITMENT SURVEY (MANDATORY)Completion of this survey is mandatory. You must select one option; multiple selections permitted. The information you provide will be used to improve our recruitment efforts. We appreciate your cooperation.
What led you to explore career opportunities with the State of Hawaii?
  • State Recruiting Office
  • Job Announcement Posting (Visit to the State Recruiting Office or Workforce Development Office)
  • Job Fairs
  • Consolidated Theatres
  • TheBus
  • Shopping Mall Advertisements
  • Print Advertisements
  • Word of Mouth (State of Hawaii Employee, Speaker at a Presentation, School Counselor, etc.)
  • Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS)
  • SkillBridge Program
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.
  • Governmentjobs.com
  • Internships
  • Other


02

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - REQUIRED SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS
The responses you provide to these Supplemental Questions will be used in combination with your application to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements and/or your final score. Failure to provide detailed and complete information may result in your application being rejected or receiving a lower score. Please do not submit a resume only in place of completing the Supplemental Questions. A response of "see resume" or "see application" will deem your application incomplete.

You must submit verification (e.g., copies of official transcripts or diploma as directed below) in order to receive credit for education. In general, proof of education downloaded from and/or submitted through the internet will not be accepted. Education obtained outside the United States must be comparable to education earned at an accredited school in the United States. We also reserve the right to request further information about your academic program, evidence of comparability, or an original transcript.

To receive credit for substitute, temporary assignment, or volunteer experience, applicants must submit an official letter of verification. The letter should include the job title, employment dates, number of hours worked, a description of the professional duties performed, and a contact name and phone number.

Any information you submit may be verified. Supporting documents must be either electronically attached to your application or submitted to our office at: State of Hawaii Department of Human Resources Development, 235 South Beretania Street--11th Floor, Honolulu, Hawaii 96813.
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understand and agree to all of the above.
03

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Continued)
Applicants must meet all the requirements for the position they are seeking as of the date of the application, unless otherwise specified. In general, concurrent experiences and/or education will not be double credited unless otherwise specified. Your possession of the required amount of experience will not in and of itself be accepted as proof of qualification for the position. The overall paid or unpaid experience must be of such scope and responsibility as to conclusively demonstrate that you have the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Our calculation of experience will be based upon a full-time, 40-hour work week. Part-time experience will be pro-rated.

Example: Twelve months of experience at 20 hours/week will be pro-rated to six months of experience. Also, hours worked in excess of 40 hours/week will not be extra credited.

Example: Twelve months of experience at 60 hours/week will be credited as one year of experience, not one and a half years.
  • I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to all of the above.
04

APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS (Complete information and details)
A link to the Minimum Qualification Requirements (MQRs) has been provided in the online job announcement. Please review the MQRs in their entirety.
  • I acknowledge I have accessed and read the complete Minimum Qualification Requirements via the live link provided in the online job announcement.


05

BASIC EDUCATION REQUIREMENT
Please indicate how you meet this requirement by selecting one of following choices. (Refer to the Minimum Qualification Requirements for more detailed information.)

In order to receive credit for your academic training, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application, if you have not recently done so.

NOTE: If you are using relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelor's degree to fulfill the Education Requirement, clearly describe this work experience in your application. In order to receive credit, this experience must be comparable in scope, level, and quality to knowledge and skills gained via completion of study leading to a Bachelor's degree as specified in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
  • I do not meet the Education requirement.
  • I do not possess a Bachelor's degree, but possess excess professional work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements.
  • I have a combination of completion of partial university curriculum, and administrative or professional experience comparable to successful study leading to a bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university.
  • I possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university


06

PARTIAL SUBSTITUTION OF EDUCATION FOR GENERAL/SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
Please indicate if you meet this requirement by selecting one of the following choices.

In order to receive credit, you MUST SUBMIT a legible copy of your OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS by attaching it to your online application, if you have not recently done so.
  • I am not using the substitution.
  • I possess thirty (30) semester credit hours in graduate level coursework from an accredited college or university.
  • I possess fifteen (15) semester credit hours from an accredited college or university in equal employment or affirmative action relative to employment problems and issues, or civil rights, discrimination or other such related courses involving unlawful discrimination practices.
  • I possess excess Specialized Experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements which may be substituted for the General Experience on a month-for-month basis.


07

GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of progressively responsible professional work experience as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements do you possess?
  • No experience
  • Less than six (6) months of experience
  • Six (6) months but less than one and one-half (1-1/2) years of experience
  • One and one-half (1-1/2) years or more of experience


08

GENERAL EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)If you selected "No experience" for Question #7 above, indicate "N/A" below.

If you possess the General Experience, provide the following information to address your relevant background.

Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:

A. Employer's name, complete dates (Month/year to Month/year), your official job title, and average number of hours per week spent collectively on duties below;
B. Describe this employer, including the type of organization (government or private firm, self-employment, consultant, etc.), the major sections, the section you worked in, the number and types of professional staff you worked with, the activities or services provided, and clientele served;
C. The primary function/focus of your position and your major duties and responsibilities;
D. Describe your experience, if any, in each of the following areas. Include your specific role, the steps you took and relevant examples to illustrate the scope and extent of your responsibilities. If not involved in an area, state No:

1. Gathering, evaluating and analyzing facts and other pertinent information required to resolve problems. What kind of information did you gather? What kinds of facts did you evaluate and analyze? How were these facts used? What kinds of problems did you resolve? What were some of the more complex problems you resolved?;
2. Identifying, evaluating and analyzing issues involved. What kinds of issues did you identify, evaluate, and analyze? For what purpose? What did you do with this information?;
3. Understanding and applying various statutory provisions, rules or regulations to determine and recommend appropriate courses of action. What kinds of statutory provisions? How did you apply statutory provisions, rules and/or regulations to recommend courses of action? What kinds of recommendations did you make? What was the outcome?;
4. Elicit information orally and in writing. What kinds of information did you elicit and how did you obtain them? From whom? For what purpose were you required to elicit such information?;
5. Apply problem solving methods and techniques. What were these methods and techniques? How did you apply them?;
6. Prepare clear and concise reports. What was your specific role in the preparation? What kinds of reports or subjects did you cover? What kinds of recommendations and courses of action did you make? For whom did you prepare these reports of your findings (intended audience)?; and
7. Establish and maintain effective working relationships. With whom did you establish such relationships? How did you do this?

E. How did your duties and level of authority differ from those of your supervisor?

Be specific and complete in your responses. To receive credit, employers and each position held must be identified in the experience section of your application.

If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description.

09

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT
How many years of professional work experience which involved responsibility for ensuring an agency's compliance with civil rights requirements in one or more areas (e.g., Americans with Disabilities Act, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Title VI, Equal Employment Opportunity) as described in the Minimum Qualification Requirements do you possess?
  • No experience
  • Less than 1 year of experience
  • 1 year to less than 2 years of experience
  • 2 years to less than 3 years of experience
  • 3 years to less than 4 years of experience
  • 4 years to less than 5 years of experience
  • 5 or more years of experience


10

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT (Continued)
If you selected "No experience" for Question #9 above, indicate "N/A" below.

If you possess the Specialized Experience, provide the following information to address your relevant background

Address each change in employer or positions with the same employer separately. The information for EACH employer should include:

A. Employer's name, complete dates (Month/year to Month/year), your official job title, and average number of hours per week spent SOLELY on civil rights compliance duties below;
B. Describe this employer, including the type of organization (government or private firm, consultant, etc.), the major sections, the section you worked in, the number and types of professional staff you worked with, kinds of services provided, and clientele served. OR you may submit an organizational chart;
C. The primary function/focus of your position and your major duties and responsibilities. Avoid using vague terms such as "advised," "project management," etc.;
D. Identify one or more areas below in which you have experience in ensuring an agency's compliance with civil rights requirements. Address each area separately. If not involved in an area, state No:

1. Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
2. Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE);
3. Title VI;
4. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO); and
5. Other (describe).

In answering the following, identify your specific role and what happened as a result of your involvement. Give relevant examples. If not involved in an area, state No:

6. Developing, implementing and coordinating a program/activities to ensure compliance with civil rights requirements. How did you ensure compliance? What happened if you found that the program/activities were not in compliance? What kinds of solutions did you recommend?;
7. Monitoring and evaluating program effectiveness and recommending improvements. What steps did you take to monitor and evaluate program effectiveness? What factors did you evaluate? Describe the specific areas evaluated (e.g., new and revised programs, policies, procedures, and laws). What kinds of improvements did you recommend? To whom?;
8. Investigating and participating in the resolution of civil right complaints and charges. Describe how you investigated such complaints and charges. What types of complaints did you handle? What steps did you take in the investigative process? How were you involved in the resolution of such complaints and charges? What corrective actions did you recommend?; and
9. Advising agency personnel and others on civil rights laws and regulations and court rulings relative to interpretations and program implications. What kinds of technical assistance and advisory services did you provide on civil rights matters, rules, and regulations? To whom (e.g., internal staff, external staff/agencies or programs, contractors, etc.)? How did you assist an agency's staff and others in interpreting court rulings and program implications?

E. Which best describes the level of work you performed: trainee, assistant, fully independent, or supervisor?;
F. Did this employer have or employ a separate office or entity (or professional staff) whose primary function was to provide advisory services on compliance with civil rights requirements? If Yes, what was your role in relation to this entity?; and
G. How did your duties and level of authority differ from those of your supervisor?

Be specific and complete in your responses. To receive credit, the employer(s) and each position held must be identified in the experience section of your application.

A resume submitted in lieu of answering each supplemental question completely will not be accepted. We do not make assumptions.

If your write up is unclear, you may be asked to provide a copy of your official Job/Position Description and organizational chart.

11

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Thank you for your application. If you have additional information related specifically to these positions that you would like us to consider, include the information below.

Required Question