Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist – Children and Family Services - 165889

JOB The Children and Family Services Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist will play a crucial role in embedding a DEI lens across all practices within the division of Children and Families. The primary goal of this position is to reduce disparate outcomes for marginalized populations in our community by identifying systemic inequities, leveraging analytics, and implementing strategies to address them. A secondary goal is to foster an inclusive workplace culture by leading team member development, ensuring that managers, supervisors, and team members are equipped with the knowledge and skills to serve our diverse community effectively. This position reports to the Project & Change Manager of Children and Family Services. Adams County Children and Family Services Guiding PrinciplesWe believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect, valuing their input, and striving to do no harm.Honoring all people’s unique expertise and perspectives includes collaboration, inclusivity, shared decision making, and providing a safe environment. The best interest of children, families, and our community will always inform our approach, perspectives, and decisions.Children and youth belong in families and have a right to sibling, family, and community connections.Families have the inherent capacity to safely care for their children.We hold ourselves and our system accountable to each other, our families, and our community. EXAMPLE OF DUTIES Conducts comprehensive needs assessment to identify disparities affecting marginalized populations within the communities served.Develops and implements strategies aimed at reducing disproportionality and improving equity in service delivery by leveraging analytics to identify systemic disparities and align with state initiatives.Responsible for updating the annual DEI report, identifying demographic data gaps, and collaborating with Human Services and County DEI learning and development professionals to enhance data collection county wide.Leads and facilitates a DEI steering committee composed of internal and external stakeholders to drive initiatives and monitor progress.Collaborates with various team members and community partners to ensure that DEI principles are integrated into all aspects of practice; coordinates with project manager, stakeholders, consultants and contractors to ensure timely project delivery.Provides ongoing training, resources, and support to managers, supervisors, and team members to foster an inclusive and equitable service environment.Partners with Quality Assurance team to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of DEI initiatives and adjusts strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomesUses a data driven and consultative approach to collaborate with Human Services Department and county wide DEI and Learning and Development team members to deliver innovative, inclusive programs that align with organizational objectives. Researches and makes recommendations to implement practice alignment on new policies, best practices, and legislation, assessing the potential impact and application.Advocates for inclusive and equitable initiatives.Prepares and writes formal documents, project plans, reports, and materials.Develops key community relationships, attends meetings and facilitates discussions.Exercises oversight of DEI program implementation for Children and Family Services.Perform related duties and responsibilities as assigned. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION ExperienceFour (4) years of progressive experience in human services and/or education and/or project management and/or diversity, equity and inclusion field(s) or related field(s)Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.Education and TrainingA Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Casework, Cultural/Ethnic Studies, or a closely related field is required.Years of experience in diversity related programs may substitute for degree requirements on a year-for-year basis.A Master’s Degree in a related field is preferred and may substitute 2 years’ required experience. License and Certification: Possession of a valid Driver's License and proof of automotive insurance.Certified Diversity Professional is preferredKnowledge, training, or certification in process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Agile, or a closely related program is preferred.Knowledge, training or certification in project management, project coordination, communications, and/or leadership is preferred.Background Check: Must pass a criminal background checkOther: At the time of appointment, candidate must be a legal resident of the state of Colorado.