IN-CRC-Civil Rights Specialist

Abacus•Indianapolis, IN

19h

About The Position

The Civil Rights Specialist reviews assigned cases under standardized regulations and procedures, referring deviations from guidelines to a supervisor. The role conducts thorough analyses of civil rights complaints, evaluates evidence and legal issues, and recommends whether probable cause exists. It also determines whether cases are suitable for mediation and manages a substantial caseload in a fast-paced environment. The position operates within a defined framework while requiring initiative, independent focus, and adaptability to changing operational needs. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions. The role may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public to help ensure equal opportunity for Hoosiers and visitors to Indiana. The Commission aims to influence society and eliminate illegal discrimination in the state.

Requirements

Four years of full-time professional experience in affirmative action, business administration, civil rights, labor relations, law, public administration, public relations, social services, workforce development, or related experience.
Accredited college training in law, sociology, psychology, labor relations, public administration, human resources, and/or business administration may substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.
Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the Indiana Civil Rights Law, Commission rules and regulations, HUD and EEOC rules and regulations, and relevant court decisions.
Specialized knowledge of civil rights principles, practices, and past and current trends at the state and national levels.
Ability to obtain and analyze data and testimony relevant to areas covered by Indiana civil rights law, including employment, housing, credit, public accommodation, and education.
Ability to conduct difficult and involved investigations and make recommendations to the director regarding disposition.
Ability to facilitate good-faith negotiations with difficult individuals to reach agreements in the best interests of the parties and the public.
Ability to understand legal concepts and relate prior decisions to specific cases.
Ability to counsel people making inquiries about civil rights complaints and assist them in filing complaints.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Strong analytical and writing ability to assess complex information and communicate findings clearly.
Exceptional organizational skills to manage a heavy caseload and prioritize tasks effectively.
Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and stay focused and self-directed.

Nice To Haves

Background in law and/or legal course of study.
At least two years of experience reviewing civil rights cases, drafting agreements, and making recommendations.
At least two years of experience conducting interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Accredited college training in the listed experience areas may be accepted in lieu of four years of experience.
Paralegal certification or graduate legal education and training.

Responsibilities

Review assigned cases and apply standardized regulations and procedures; refer deviations to a supervisor.
Draft consent agreements and prepare written investigation summaries and recommendations regarding probable cause.
Conduct and analyze interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Prepare concise case analyses documenting relevant facts, interviews, observations, and conclusions, including whether violations occurred.
Conduct mandatory conciliation attempts after a probable-cause finding and seek resolution through mediation.
Conduct conciliation conferences and draft consent agreements.
Monitor compliance with consent agreements through onsite assessments and/or reviews of compliance reports.
Negotiate settlements of civil rights disputes with the public interest in mind.
Maintain monthly statistics on mediation, conciliation, and compliance activities.
Maintain and update appropriate case-file records.
Build effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, and the public; educate and train others about civil rights laws and the work of ICRC.
Participate in ICRC-affiliated public outreach and education events.
Occasionally testify at evidentiary and appeal hearings.
Analyze civil rights complaints, identify critical information and legal issues, and make recommendations regarding cause.
Evaluate cases for suitability for mediation and manage a substantial caseload.
Counsel people who inquire at the Commission office about civil rights complaints and assist them with filing complaints.
Maintain confidentiality and neutrality in case evaluations and interactions.