Civil Rights Specialist
- Location
- United States
- Desired Salary
- Unspecified
- Work preference
- Full Time
- Relocation
- No
- Links
- Not set
- Status
- Actively looking
- Field / Industry
- Customer Success
About Me
I am a versatile and results-oriented leader looking for a new opportunity while broadening my skill set in a dynamic environment. I am passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and continuous learning and eager to contribute to a new industry or challenge. I have strong leadership and teamwork skills; able to take initiative and support team success through collaboration and communication.
Throughout my career, I have served in various roles focused on civil rights, fair housing, and equal opportunity compliance. Currently, I work as a Civil Rights Specialist with the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, providing expert consultative and technical support to ensure adherence to federal and state civil rights laws. I facilitate mediations and ensure compliance with the ADA and related legislation.
Previously, I held supervisory and leadership roles at the US Department of Housing & Urban Development, where I managed intake branches, supervised staff, and led efforts to process and resolve complaints under multiple civil rights statutes. I have experience representing regional directors at conferences and workshops and have contributed to streamlining training and onboarding processes.
My background also includes directing fair housing programs, managing enforcement, education, outreach, and research projects. I have hired, trained, and supervised staff and volunteers, developed community awareness campaigns, and worked closely with clients on housing and tenant-landlord issues. Additionally, I have experience conducting investigations into housing discrimination and ensuring compliance with fair housing laws.
I am committed to upholding civil rights and fostering equitable environments. My skills in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration have enabled me to effectively mentor staff, manage complex cases, and contribute to organizational success. I am eager to bring my expertise and passion for civil rights to new challenges and opportunities.
Skills
Problem SolvingCustomer ServiceCommunicationTime ManagementCollaborationTeam LeadershipMentoringOnboardingData EntryConflict ResolutionPublic SpeakingComputer LiteracyActive Listening
Experience
Serves as an ADA compliance and accommodation expert with the Civil Rights Office. Provides consultative and technical support to ensure compliance with federal and state civil rights laws. Ensures adherence to the ADA, Rehabilitation Act, and Texas Commission on Human Rights Act. Facilitates mediations when necessary to resolve ADA-related issues.
Principal advisor to the Regional Director and the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) Center Director on the intake and assessment of complaints under fair housing laws. Led the Intake Branch in processing a record-breaking 6,000 inquiries in the last fiscal year. Supervised the Intake Branch, managing intake, assessment, assignment, tracking, and resolution of complaints under various statutes. Represented the Regional Director at conferences and workshops. Oversaw data entry and automated systems for complaints, conducted performance evaluations, and maintained quality control. Streamlined training process by developing instructional videos and enhancing onboarding. Assisted in investigating complex discrimination allegations, mentoring staff, and conducting intake policy and practice training.
Intake and assessed complex, highly sensitive, and difficult allegations of discrimination related to housing. Interviewed complainants and witnesses to obtain evidence. Assisted in processing complex housing discrimination complaints involving land use, zoning codes, handicap access, financing, brokerage, and appraisal practices. Prepared memoranda on jurisdictional and legal questions. Mentored intake staff and assisted in training staff across the region.
Managed all fair housing enforcement, education and outreach, and research projects. Hired, trained, supervised, and evaluated fair housing program staff, interns, law clerks, and volunteers. Created and presented fair housing informational materials, implemented community awareness campaigns, contributed to agency newsletter, and represented the program with media and agencies. Counseled clients on fair housing and tenant-landlord issues. Prepared program reports for contracts. Assisted with grant writing and contract proposals. Assisted with complaint intake, screening, and determining client remedies. Negotiated settlements during complaint process.
Conducted investigations of alleged violations of Texas and Federal Fair Housing Acts regarding rental, sale, financing, and appraisal of housing. Determined compliance with design and construction requirements of the Fair Housing Act. Identified, contacted, and interviewed witnesses and complainants. Conducted statewide on-site investigations and attempted resolution through HUD conciliation. Evaluated and documented investigative findings. Reviewed and researched legal aspects and recommended actions.
Education
Bachelor of Social Work
Specialization: Generalist Practice
Portfolio not available.