Management Scope
The special counsel manages a deputy, a special policy counsel and two special litigation counsel.3
Primary Responsibilities
- Enforces the anti-discrimination provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324b), which protect U.S. citizens and certain work-authorized individuals from employment discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status
- Works to protect all work-authorized individuals from discrimination based on national origin, unfair documentary practices relating to the employment eligibility verification process and retaliation
- Manages and leads efforts on cases involving alleged actions of discrimination and, in some instances, may initiate independent investigations based on information developed during individual charge investigations or based on leads provided by other government agencies and the general public
- Independent investigations normally involve alleged discriminatory policies that potentially affect many employees or applications
- Investigations may result in complaints alleging a pattern or practice of discriminatory action
- Conducts an outreach and education program aimed at educating employers, potential victims of discrimination and the general public about their rights and responsibilities
- Awards grants annually to organizations across the country to conduct local public education campaigns
- Participates in public education and outreach activities
- Makes presentations on employee and employer rights and obligations at conferences, seminars and meetings held by interested groups
- Conducts a national public awareness campaign that includes wide distribution of educational materials and, sometimes, public service announcements
- Operates employer and employee hot lines to address questions and resolve problems quickly
- Develops and works to partner with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission by participating in workshops for employers throughout the United States to increase understanding of employer sanctions and protections against discrimination4
Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]