Equal employment opportunity is monitored in accordance with federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws and regulations.  Complaints filed with OFEP under these regulations are investigated.  Every employee and job applicant is entitled to equal access under the law in all employment actions without artificial, arbitrary, and unnecessary barriers in any term, condition, or benefit of employment.

Employment practices are monitored in accordance with the County's desire to have employees who reflect the diversity of the community.  Ethnic and gender balance is sought through policies that reach out to the community in the recruitment process.  The Office reviews and approves departmental Affirmative Action Plans, which address underutilization of minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Strategies employed in reaching out to the community include:

• Encouraging involvement with minority and women's organizations and community action groups
• Ensuring job announcements are disseminated to the County's multi-cultural community via all appropriate media
• Serving as an employment resource center for community organizations which would include those who service persons with disabilities
• Actively recruiting at secondary schools, junior colleges and colleges with predominantly minority or female enrollments
• Requesting the participation of minority and women employees in career days, job fairs, and related activities in their communities and at colleges and universities
• Participating in special employment programs, summer jobs for minority youth, and work-study programs

Fair Employment Practices are monitored to ensure that all employment policies and problem situations are reviewed for fairness to employees and applicants and to maintain a workplace free from bias.