Job Description
Position Summary Oversees MassDOT and the MBTA’s program development, implementation and compliance obligations under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VI), as well as related federal nondiscrimination statutes and regulations and applicable state law and policy. In collaboration with the ADA Coordinator, oversees compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) across MassDOT’s modal divisions and among subrecipients of federal financial assistance provided through MassDOT. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the work of the Senior Title VI Specialist and the MBTA Title VI Specialist, as well as for providing direction to consultants and volunteers who work on matters that impact the compliance and enforcement obligations attendant to implementing these required federal civil rights programs. The incumbent is responsible for collaboration with ADA Coordinator and the Highway Division on the development and implementation of the MassDOT ADA Transition Plan and works in collaboration with other units within MassDOT to ensure compliance across the Secretariat. The incumbent, under the direction of the Chief Diversity Officer, is responsible for the development, implementation, coordination, training, monitoring, and reporting on MassDOT/MBTA compliance with Title VI, and for MassDOT, in collaboration with the ADA Coordinator, on ADA Title II law and regulations for day-to-day administration and for annual and triennial federal reporting and/or audit requirements on the Title VI programs. Additional duties include research, drafting, policy development, public engagement, response to complaints, and providing leadership to create MassDOT’s ADA Transition Plan. The ADA is the federal law that prohibits state and local government from discriminating in any program service or activity with regard to people with disabilities. Under Title II of the ADA, MassDOT and the MBTA must ensure nondiscrimination in all of its programs, services and activities with regard to people with disabilities. External issues on ADA at the MBTA are addressed by the Systemwide Accessibility unit, although the incumbent collaborates with, consults and advises SWA on a recurring basis. Duties and Responsibilities Under the direction of Chief Diversity Officer, conduct and oversee legal and policy research in support of Title VI Program implementation, policy development and complaint response, in collaboration with the MassDOT/MBTA Office of General Counsel. Supervise the Senior Title VI Specialist implementing, monitoring, and ensuring MassDOT and MBTA compliance with Title VI regulations in the day-to-day administration and annual reporting requirements of MassDOT/MBTA’s Title VI program, as well as support to MassDOT’s ADA/Section 504 Transition Plan, to include securing governmental concurrence and public support, as required. Ensure that appropriate senior leaders and department managers within MBTA and across various MassDOT units are aware of Title VI and ADA requirements. Develop long range plans with MBTA and MassDOT Divisions, departments and sub-recipients required to comply with Title VI and ADA requirements. Incorporate into any and all MBTA and MassDOT Divisions’ Transportation Improvement Plans any corrective actions taken in response to deficiencies found by FHWA/FTA oversight and/or audit determinations. Ensure that the Metropolitan Planning Organization and statewide planning processes are conducted with equitable public participation, and that equity analyses are developed and conducted as to regional level project planning and resource investment. Lead the Senior Title VI Specialist and the MBTA Title VI Specialist in annual reviews of the MassDOT, MBTA and sub-recipient work and transportation programs to ensure Title VI compliance with federal and state program requirements. Advise appropriate state, and agency officials as well as members of the public on Title VI compliance issues. Ensure that inclusive public participation across all Title VI and ADA protected categories is conducted as part of Title VI and ADA Transition Plan requirements. Apply technology-based solutions to support public meeting processes and strategic development of Title VI program features to ensure language access planning and inclusion of diverse populations in transportation decision making. Monitor community meetings as well as other meetings requiring public participation to assess and verify the level of participation among Title VI and ADA protected group members. Address complex constituent and/or complaint matters as needed by applying appropriate law and policies to ensure equity on proposed agency actions including service changes, fare increases and alleged violations of civil rights law and regulatio