HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE
About The Position
The Illinois Department of Human Rights is hiring motivated, organized individuals to conduct neutral investigations into alleged unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. The trainee participates in a Department-sponsored training program lasting six to eighteen months for the Human Rights Investigator I position. The work includes assisting with investigations involving employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, and education discrimination, and learning to manage investigations from intake through completion. The role requires reviewing and analyzing substantial amounts of information, applying relevant law and Department procedures, planning investigative next steps, and preparing detailed reports that analyze evidence and witness statements. Trainees receive instruction in collecting information, testimony, and records; case analysis and recommendations; interviewing parties and witnesses; settlement negotiations; and systemic discrimination investigations. The Department also provides agency-sponsored and continuing education to develop professional knowledge and skills. The position is based at the Department’s headquarters in Springfield, Illinois. The anticipated hybrid schedule is three to five days per week in the office, depending on operational needs. Work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This is a union position, subject to the relevant collective bargaining agreement.
Requirements
- Knowledge, skills, and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with coursework in business, public or personnel administration, or social sciences.
- No previous experience is required.
- Complete a background check and self-disclose criminal history.
- Ability to read, comprehend, and analyze large quantities of information; apply law and Department procedures; plan investigative next steps; work independently; stay organized and self-motivated; and write detailed reports.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, English, or Pre-Law involving extensive analysis and writing.
- At least two years of experience creating legal or regulatory documentation, such as reports, correspondence, or presentations, tailored to diverse audiences.
- At least two years of experience collaborating effectively with stakeholders such as complainants, respondents, and agency personnel in sensitive contexts.
- Extensive knowledge of researching, collecting, and analyzing complex information and data, such as relevant case law.
- Working knowledge of applying laws and interpreting regulations, especially the Illinois Human Rights Act, as well as rules, policies, and procedures to make comprehensive written recommendations.
- Working knowledge of legal terminology, investigative skills, and strategy acquired in a law office or similar legal environment.
- Working organizational skills to maintain a significant caseload with varying deadlines while meeting other job-related requirements.
Responsibilities
- Participate in a Department-sponsored trainee program lasting six to eighteen months for the Human Rights Investigator I position.
- Receive training in collecting information, testimony, and records for discrimination cases involving employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, or education.
- Receive training in case-analysis methods to develop recommended decisions.
- Assist higher-level Human Rights Investigators with gathering statistics, records, and other documentation, and interviewing complainants, employers, and witnesses.
- Complete agency-sponsored training and other training and continuing education to develop professional knowledge of the Department’s philosophy, procedures, rules, and regulations.
- Receive training and assist with settlement negotiations when both parties agree to conciliation.
- Receive training in systemic discrimination cases involving alleged patterns, practices, or policies with broad impact.
- Perform other duties reasonably within the scope of the position.
- Counsel complainants, ascertain jurisdiction, interview parties to charges, collect and review information, and prepare comprehensive investigative reports as part of the investigation process.
Benefits
- Pension program.
- Group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance.
- Three paid personal business days annually.
- Twelve paid sick days annually, with unused sick days carrying over from year to year.
- Ten to 25 days of paid vacation annually; 10 days in the first year of employment.
- Thirteen paid holidays annually, and 14 in even-numbered years.
- Flexible work schedules when available and dependent on the position.
- Twelve weeks of paid parental leave.
- Deferred Compensation Program supplemental retirement plan.
- Optional pre-tax Medical Care Assistance Plan and Dependent Care Assistance Plan.
- GI Bill training/apprenticeship benefits eligibility for qualifying veterans.
- Five percent salary differential for bilingual positions.
- Commuter Savings Program for Chicago employees.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
