JOB SUMMARY: Under general supervision of the Director, Consumer Services, the Diversity and Inclusion Specialist is responsible for creation and oversight of San Andreas Regional Center's Diversity and Inclusion Initiative to help ensure that the delivery of services and supports is culturally informed and inclusive for all clients with developmental disabilities and their families. This position oversees cultural programs to promote equity and reduce disparities in providing services to regional center clients.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Diversity and Inclusion Specialist is a specialist classification providing leadership in developing and monitoring diversity and inclusion strategies in the provision of regional center services and supports. The class will require travel in the four counties service area and throughout the State of California. It is anticipated that, as experience and expertise are developed, the incumbent will function with a reasonable degree of independence.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (The following are illustrative of the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, not all duties are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.)
Will monitor POS expenditures and plan annual meetings
Will be primary liaison to community organizations
Will coordinate the SARC initiatives to reduce disparities
Identifies diversity and inclusion challenges and opportunities for development within the regional center.
Develops and oversees cultural programs to promote equity and reduce disparities in the provision of services.
Develops and implements culturally appropriate service types/service delivery models.
Will coordinate trainings with vendors on providing culturally sensitive services
Serves as the subject-matter expert in bias awareness in developing and coordinating services.
Facilitates workshops/training for agency staff and providers designed to address issues related to cultural competence.
Implements internal and external communications strategies that promote and educate employees and the community regarding diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Develops strategic partnerships with state, county and city agencies to help launch diversity and inclusion initiatives and meet diversity and inclusion organizational goals.
Identifies, builds and sustains strategic partnerships with local community agencies and various stakeholders to assist in outreach efforts designed to identify, educate and inform clients and families.
Attends key inclusion and diversity conferences and participates in training activities that will help the regional center transform its strategic approach to reaching diversity and inclusion goals and objectives.
Overseas grant activities related to Diversity Inclusion.
Other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: A combination of education and experience equivalent to or likely to provide the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills would be: Bachelors r's degree in social work, public administration ethnic studies, diversity or a closely related field, at least one year of experience working in programs providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities and two years of experience leading diversity and inclusion programs and management experience.
Or - Bachelor's degree in social work, ethnic studies, diversity or a closely related field,three years of experience working in programs providing services for individuals with developmental disabilities and five years of experience leading diversity and inclusion programs.
*Multi-lingual preferred.
SPECIAL SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledge of:
Principles of human growth and development especially as it relates to individuals with developmental disabilities.
Areas of diversity, equity and inclusion and their applications and implications in human services contexts.
Community resources including residential care facilities, educational, recreational, vocational, medical care providers, law enforcement agencies, and other related supported systems.
Principles of normalization, the developmental and functional skills models, and person-centered planning.
Policies, procedures, legislation and regulations pertaining to particular programs, including Regional Center Systems and Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act.
Skill in:
Managing high level, multi-year organizational change.
Policy development and project management.
Research and writing.
Working with families from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Public speaking, presentation, coaching and written communication.
Training/curriculum development and implementation.
Applying existing laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
Working cooperatively and effectively with a wide variety of people, including individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, community care facilities, school personnel, therapist, medical providers, law enforcement, etc.
Communicating information clearly and concisely in both written and oral form.
Ability to:
Understand and prepare written documents.
Prioritize work.
Maintain attention to detail and accuracy.
Translate metrics, research and tends into strategy.
Apply independent judgment in critical situations.
Maintain the confidentiality of information.
Coordinate and facilitate training to individuals and groups.
Operate keyboards and standard office equipment and to manipulate papers and supplies.
Maintain organized records of identified needs for clients.
Prioritize work and meet deadlines.
Work with minimal supervision
Travel in the community and in the region.
OTHER: Use of an automobile, possession of a valid driver's license and automobile liability insurance for the minimum amount prescribed by law or the ability to provide independent transportation.