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

OUR MISSION

At Adams County, our team members engage in top-notch opportunities to grow and expand their impact. We cultivate an inclusive and innovative culture where diversity matters! Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) is a core cultural competency at Adams County, and we actively seek and welcome applicants that bring diverse experiences and value inclusion.

CULTURAL COMPETENCIES/EEO

Adams County is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to have a workforce that reflects the community we serve. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment opportunities based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status,marital status or any other legally protected characteristic.

POSITION CLASSIFICATION

Hybrid -- Job duties and expectations allow for onsite and remote work scheduled every week. Employees in this classification are regularly scheduled onsite one (1) to four (4) days per week based on the County needs and as determined by Department Director. Hybrid classified roles can be onsite more than the set minimum based on employee preference.

What Success Looks Like In This 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.

Examples of Duties for Success

• 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 outcomes
• Uses 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. 

Qualifications for Success

• Proven experience and subject matter expertise in DEI, particularly in the context of human services, children and family programs.
• Strong understanding of issues related to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion, and their impact on service delivery and outcomes.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to analyze data, identify trends, interpret information, develop actionable strategies to address disparities, and present findings for a diverse group of learners, including leadership.
• Ability to maintain objectivity and demonstrate compassion.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to effectively handle multiple concurrent assignments and activities.
• Exceptional understanding of others – seeks deep understanding of the identities, experiences, perceptions, values, beliefs, behaviors, and practices of people from different cultural communities.
• Strong understanding of system issues – seeks to understand the dynamics of power, privilege, and oppression through socio-political histories and realities within systems and on a personal level.
• Demonstrated ability to use MS Office.

More Qualifications for Success

Experience

• Four (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 Training

• A 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 preferred
• Knowledge, 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 check

Other:

• At the time of appointment, candidate must be a legal resident of the state of Colorado.