Civil Rights Hearing Officer

at  University of Maryland Baltimore County

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Civil Rights Hearing Officer, (Specialist) is a staff position within the Office of Equity and Civil Rights (ECR). The Hearing Officer’s primary responsibility will be to serve as the decision-maker for complaints of sexual misconduct, sexual assault, harassment, discrimination and retaliation by students, faculty or staff.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• Two years of experience in conducting investigations and/or adjudications of Title IX, civil rights, student conduct or labor relations complaints
• Knowledge of hearing administration theory and best practices to include trauma informed strategies
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with students, faculty, staff and advisors (who may be attorneys) from diverse populations
• Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking abilities to assess complex and large volumes of information and data, determine facts, interpret and apply policy, legal or regulatory requirements and document findings in a clear, concise manner
• Ability to use independent judgement and to manage and impart confidential information
• Knowledge of applicable civil rights and privacy laws and regulations including, but not limited to, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADEA, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, Clery Act, VAWA and FERPA
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and a keen attention to detail
• Proficient in using virtual meeting platforms (e.g., WebEx, Zoom, Teams)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• J.D. preferred.
• Prior experience performing similar work in a higher education setting
• Proficiency in case management software (e.g., Advocate, Maxient, etc.)

Specific responsibilities include:

• Schedule and conduct prompt, thorough, fair and impartial hearings and review meetings regarding allegations of discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct, retaliation and no contact order violations. Ask appropriate questions during hearings/review meetings using trauma-informed approaches to gather/clarify relevant information about alleged incidents of misconduct, discrimination, retaliation or harassment. Facilitate and manage advisors during the process as they engage in cross-examination of parties to include making determinations on the relevancy of questions posed.
• Review investigation reports and other evidence submitted by parties and provided during the hearing/review meeting to assess the relevancy, weigh the evidence, make credibility determinations and make a determination regarding whether there is sufficient evidence to support a policy violation. Make determinations regarding appropriate sanction/disciplinary action when a policy violation is found.
• Provide parties, advisors, witnesses, investigators and hearing facilitators with information about the hearing/review meeting process (as appropriate). Draft notices of hearing/review meeting. Draft comprehensive written outcomes of findings.
• Keep accurate and thorough records and notes of the hearing/review meeting and the resolution process and ensure all documentation is uploaded into the ECR case management system.
• Collaborate with other campus offices to obtain information necessary to conduct hearings/review meetings and/or to determine appropriate sanctions.
• Stay abreast of and attend ongoing training related to conducting hearings/review meetings, the University’s Non-Discrimination and Equal Opportunity Policy and Sexual Misconduct Policy in addition to regulations and statutes relating to discrimination, retaliation, harassment, sexual misconduct and gender-based violence including, but not limited to, Title II, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the ADA, the FMLA, VAWA and Clery.