Human Rights Investigator III

State of Illinois•Chicago, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general direction of a Public Service Administrator in the Investigations Section of the Charge Processing Division, performs duties of an advanced specialist in investigations, developing or revising techniques or methods of investigation in the employment and non-employment jurisdictions (i.e., real estate transactions, access to financial credit, the availability of public accommodations and sexual harassment in higher education): carries a caseload of routine and complex cases; Acts as a lead worker for an investigations unit; Provides training to newly hired employees and work guidance and leadership to lower level investigators. The Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) is a state agency charged with the enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act"). The Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations (including education). IDHR protects and guarantees the rights of all Illinoisans to be free from unlawful discrimination by receiving and investigating claims of unlawful discrimination. Moreover, the Act prohibits retaliation against a person who has opposed that which is reasonably and in good faith believed to be unlawful discrimination; prohibits the aiding, abetting, compelling or coercion of a person to commit a violation of the Act; and prohibits the willful interference with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Department or one of its officers or employees. At the forefront of protecting civil rights, IDHR welcomes all candidates for employment to apply for any position for which they are qualified. Join IDHR in its mission to secure an Illinois free from discrimination.

Requirements

Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business, public, or personnel administration, or social sciences.
Requires one (1) year of professional experience as a Human Rights Investigator II or three (3) years of investigative experience related to complaints of discrimination (such as work performed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or another state’s human rights/civil rights agency).
Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

Nice To Haves

Prefers at least three (3) years’ investigations experience collecting and analyzing testimony and/or records and applying rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures to make a written recommendation.
Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience managing an investigations caseload with varying deadlines.
Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience writing lengthy investigative reports.
Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of people, including members of the general public, management, colleagues, and/or legal or government representatives.

Responsibilities

Investigates charges of discrimination, seeking information, documents and statistical data by mail and phone.
Analyzes evidentiary findings, drafts and submits recommendations to supervisor in the form of detailed reports, consisting of factual documentation, witness statements, and recommendations based on analysis of findings relevant to charges.
Serves as designated lead worker and assists lower level investigators with complex investigations or the resolution of unusual problems.
Conducts pre-systemic charge conferences with various groups or individuals to define issues relating to possible charges of discrimination.
Negotiates settlements between the parties to a charge.
Performs other duties as assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Benefits

A Pension Program
Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)