IN-CRC-Civil Rights Specialist

Cynet Systems•Indianapolis, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC) enforces Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to promote equal opportunity for Hoosiers and visitors to Indiana. The Civil Rights Specialist reviews assigned cases under standardized regulations and procedures, referring deviations from guidelines to a supervisor. The role receives general instructions, discusses unusual problems with a supervisor, and may make timely judgments in the supervisor’s absence. Work is reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions. The position conducts thorough analysis of civil rights complaints, evaluates evidence and legal issues, and recommends whether probable cause exists. It assesses cases for mediation, conducts conciliation and settlement negotiations, monitors agreements, maintains case files and activity statistics, and helps educate the public about civil rights laws and ICRC. The role manages a substantial caseload in a fast-paced environment and works within a defined framework while taking initiative and adapting to operational needs. The position may be used in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

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 specified subjects may substitute year for year.
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 secure and analyze data and testimony relevant to employment, housing, credit, public accommodation, and education under Indiana civil rights law.
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 interests of the parties and public good.
Ability to understand legal concepts and relate prior decisions to specific cases.
Ability to counsel people inquiring about civil rights complaints and assist them in filing complaints.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality.
Strong analytical and writing ability to assess complex information and communicate findings clearly.
Exceptional organizational skills to manage a heavy caseload and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Self-starter who takes initiative, remains focused, adapts quickly, and works independently.

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 of complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Paralegal certification or graduate legal education and training.
Accredited college training in the listed experience areas may substitute for the four-year experience requirement.

Responsibilities

Review assigned cases and apply standardized regulations and procedures; refer deviations from guidelines to a supervisor.
Draft consent agreements, prepare written investigation summaries, and recommend whether probable cause exists.
Conduct and analyze interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
Prepare concise case analyses documenting relevant facts, interviews, observations, conclusions, violations, or non-violations.
Conduct mandatory conciliation attempts following probable-cause findings and seek resolution through mediation.
Conduct conciliation conferences and draft consent agreements.
Monitor compliance with consent agreements through onsite assessments and/or review 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 case file records.
Establish effective working relationships with coworkers, clients, and the public; serve as a resource to educate and train others about civil rights laws and ICRC.
Participate in ICRC-affiliated public outreach and education events.
Analyze civil rights complaints to identify critical information and legal issues and make cause determinations.
Evaluate cases for suitability for mediation.
Apply state and federal civil rights laws and court rulings to case assessments.
Manage a substantial caseload in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.
Occasionally testify at evidentiary and appeal hearings.
Counsel people making inquiries to the Commission about civil rights complaints and assist them in filing complaints.