Hilda Wiltz, Equal Opportunity Officer
hwiltz@smilecaa.org
Ph: (337) 234-3272 , Ext. 511

The Equal Opportunity Office is responsible for reviewing Agency procedures in terms of hiring, upgrading and dismissal — as well as policies and procedures of other agencies, which SMILE does business with — in order to be in compliance with Civil Rights guidelines.

The EO Officer is responsible for developing and implementing the Agency’s overall equal opportunity and non-discrimination program. The EO Officer receives guidance from the Executive Director, the SMILE Board of Directors and the La. Workforce Commission’s Equal Opportunity and Compliance Division.

DUTIES OF THE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY OFFICER

• Serves as the official liaison to the State and Federal Civil Rights Offices on compliance matters, including complaint investigations, settlements, monitoring reviews and mediations;
• Prepares compliance reports upon request to the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Division and the Office of Civil Rights;
• Receives and attempt to resolve complaints of discrimination;
• Provides aggrieved persons with information and advice on equal opportunity
  procedures, including local, state and federal redress procedures and notification of filling deadlines for Equal Opportunity Commission complaints;
• Assists employees in resolving complaints at the lowest level;
• Assists individuals in preparing a formal complaint of alleged discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability to the La. Workforce Commission (former La. Department of Labor) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services;
• Provides staff leadership in developing, implementing and evaluating the Agency’s Diversity Plan;
• Conducts internal investigations;
• Provides training and technical assistance to the SMILE Board of Directors, SMILE Head Start Policy Council and staff members;
• Researches pertinent state and federal statutes and prepare recommendations for corrective actions; and
• Disseminates compliance information to Agency staff, beneficiaries and the general public.

The Equal Opportunity Officer works closely with the Human Resources Department, La. Workforce Commission, National Labor Relations Board, Office of Civil Rights and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to prevent and resolve problems and concerns regarding equal opportunity and fair treatment of all employees, Agency officials, clients and volunteers.

Service and assistance is also available for the general public.

WHERE TO FILE A DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT?

In addition to contacting the SMILE Equal Opportunity Officers, individuals can file complaints at:

LA. WORKFORCE COMMISSION
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY & COMPLIANCE DIVISION

1001 North 23rd Street, Room 262
Post Office Box 94094
Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9094
Phone: 225-342-3075

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS
REGION 6

1301 Young Street, Suite 1169
Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: 1-800-368-1019
TDD: 1-800-537-7697

U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION
NEW ORLEANS FIELD OFFICE

1555 Poydras Street, Suite 1900
New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 1-800-669-4000
www.eeoc.gov

U.S. NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD
REGION 15

600 S. Maestri Place
New Orleans, LA 70112-3413
Phone: 504-589-6361

Discrimination against employees is illegal under both federal and state law. Employers may not discriminate against an employee on the basis of the employee’s race, sex, age, religion, color, national origin or disability. 

St. Martin, Iberia, Lafayette Community Action Agency (SMILE) is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program Auxiliary Aids and Services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.