Equal Employment Opportunity
Frequently Asked Questions

1. I am disabled and want to work for the County. What can you do for me?
2. If I file a complaint with your office, can you assure me of confidentiality?
3. I am a County employee. Do I have to use personal time to come to the EEO Office to file a complaint?
4. What does the EEO Office do when it investigates my complaint?
5. What happens if the issue I complained about is not illegal but is unfair?
6. What is the difference between harassment and sexual harassment?
7. How do I file a complaint?
8. The EEO Office is part of the County. How can it conduct an independent, objective investigation of my complaint?
9. Can I get copies of the Investigative Reports and correspondence?
   
   

1. I am disabled and want to work for the County. What can you do for me?
   Under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will explore reasonable accommodations to your disability throughout the selection process and in the workplace. If you need an accommodation, you should submit a Special Testing Accomodations Request.
   
   
2. If I file a complaint with your office, can you assure me of confidentiality?
   The EEO Office conducts all investigations in as confidential manner as possible. However, legal procedures may require disclosure of certain information.
   
   
3. I am a County employee. Do I have to use personal time to come to the EEO Office to file a complaint?
   No, normally you may come in on county time; however, you must make an appointment first, and you must notify your supervisor. An appointment may also be made over a lunch hour or before/after normal work hours.
4. What does the EEO Office do when it investigates my complaint?
   Our investigator reviews your complaint form, interviews you, the persons you allege have discriminated against you, and witnesses you have identified. All written documents are reviewed. The information gathered during the investigation is evaluated with compliance with federal, state and County EEO law to determine if discrimination has occurred.
   
   
5. What happens if the issue I complained about is not illegal but is unfair?
   There are employment practices that you feel may be unfair but are not illegal. Unless you have some information to support your belief that you may have been discriminated against in conjunction with one of the legal bases, the EEO Office may not be able to substantiate your complaint. However, a representative from the EEO Office can discuss your concerns with you and may refer you to the other County resources.
   
   
6. What is the difference between harassment and sexual harassment?
   Harassment occurs in many forms. In general, it is unwelcome, unwanted and repeated behavior based upon race, age, national origin, disability or religion which is abusive, humiliating or threatening. Sexual harassment is a form of harassment involving visual, physical and verbal behavior of a sexual nature.
   
   
7. How do I file a complaint?
   You may contact EEO to arrange an appointment or you may ask that a complaint form be sent to you.
   
   
8. The EEO Office is part of the County. How can it conduct an independent, objective investigation of my complaint?
   Some departments conduct their own EEO investigations or they can be referred to our office, DFEH or EEOC. This is based on the preference of the complainant. We are neutral fact-finders. We are not for the complainant or for the County department involved. We are for the law.
   
   
9. Can I get copies of the Investigative Reports and correspondence?
   Unfortunately, no. Due to confidentiality requirements, we are unable to provide a copy of the reports.