Civil Rights Investigator Senior - Austin Equity & Inclusion

City of Austin • Austin, TX

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Austin Equity and Inclusion provides leadership and guidance on equity to improve quality of life for Austinites and build a culture of equity across the City. The Civil Rights Investigator Senior works in the Civil Rights Division and, under limited supervision, is responsible for resolving housing, employment, public accommodation, and other discrimination complaints under the authority of the City of Austin Office of Civil Rights. The role provides leadership, guidance, and expertise to investigators, handles advanced investigations, and interprets and applies applicable laws and regulations. The position also works with local, state, and federal agencies and helps ensure federal contracts and technology changes or improvements are met and implemented.

The position is based at One Texas Center in Austin, Texas. The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. New hires work in the office for their first six months; employees moving into the position through promotion, transfer, or lateral move work in the office for their first three months.

The annual hiring range is $68,780 to $85,980. A bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of experience investigating discrimination complaints are generally required, subject to the stated substitutions for education and experience. No license or certification is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Government, Communications, Sociology, Business, or Public Administration, plus two years of experience investigating discrimination complaints.
• Experience may substitute for education up to a maximum of four years.
• A master’s degree or Juris Doctor may substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Knowledge of areas supported; federal, state, and local laws; and City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Oral and written communication, multitasking, prioritization, computer and related software, data analysis, problem-solving, planning, and organizing skills.
• Ability to interview under varied conditions; handle hostile conflicts and uncertain situations; and use investigative and research techniques related to human rights issues.
• Ability to research case law and applicable precedents; collect and analyze data thoroughly and accurately; and negotiate settlements.
• Ability to work through frequent interruptions and changing priorities; train and lead others; maintain current knowledge of Civil Rights programs; and build effective working relationships with City employees and the public.
• No licenses or certifications required.
• A résumé and cover letter are required, and the City requires a complete employment application detailing relevant work history.

Nice To Haves

• Experience planning, organizing, and conducting investigations, including interpreting and applying laws and regulations.
• Experience working with local, state, and federal agencies; conducting interviews and gathering facts; evaluating findings; and preparing reports.
• Experience preparing data and materials for hearings and court proceedings, with the ability to communicate effectively.
• Experience providing leadership and guidance to others and their work.
• Experience maintaining good working relationships with City employees and the public.
• Experience testifying in hearings and court proceedings.
• A proven history of developing and delivering education to stakeholders, including City Council, boards, and commissions.
• Experience building relationships with local, state, and federal agencies.

Responsibilities

• Interpret federal, state, and local laws and ordinances concerning discrimination within the Office of Civil Rights’ authority.
• Refer or assign new discrimination or denial-of-rights complaints to investigators according to established procedures.
• Analyze investigation data to determine the merits of complaints.
• Prepare recommendations for Office of Civil Rights leadership regarding unsettled complaints.
• Analyze complaints and other data to identify discrimination trends or problem areas and recommend preventive or corrective action to management.
• Provide investigators with models, technical information, intervention, and expertise on novel and complex cases.
• Prepare monthly reports and weekly closures for the Office of Civil Rights and EEOC for credit review and contract acceptance.
• Liaise with federal contracting agencies to ensure federal contract requirements and technology changes or improvements are met and implemented.
• Plan, develop, and conduct education and outreach for stakeholders and the community.
• Represent the Office of Civil Rights at City Council meetings, boards, and commissions.
• Provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, and guidance to others.
• Conduct advanced investigations involving housing, employment, and City laws and ordinances.
• Build relationships and work with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Prepare data and materials for hearings and court proceedings, and communicate findings effectively.

Benefits

• Low-cost medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Paid leave time.
• Competitive retirement plan through the City of Austin Employees’ Retirement System.
• Training opportunities.
• Work-life balance programs.
• Wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
• Professional development and leadership opportunities.
• Access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior