Human Rights Investigator Trainee
About The Position
The Illinois Department of Human Rights is hiring motivated and organized trainees to assist with neutral, in-depth investigations into alleged unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. Trainees participate in a six- to eighteen-month program for the Human Rights Investigator I position. They learn to gather information, testimony, and records; analyze cases; and develop recommended decisions. Investigations may concern employment, housing, credit, public accommodations, or education. The role involves assisting higher-level investigators with documentation and interviews, learning settlement negotiation and systemic discrimination investigations, and completing agency-sponsored and continuing education training. The position requires applying department procedures and legal requirements while developing professional investigative and writing skills. The listed work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hybrid work may be available, with three to five days per week in the office depending on operational needs. The position is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois.
Requirements
- Knowledge, skill, 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.
Nice To Haves
- A 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, for 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 gained 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 with the objective of making recommended decisions.
- Assist higher-level investigators in collecting statistics, records, and other documentation and interviewing complainants, employers, and witnesses.
- Complete agency-sponsored training and other training and continuing education to develop professional skills and 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 on systemic discrimination cases involving alleged patterns, practices, or policies with broad impact.
- Perform other duties within the scope of the listed responsibilities as assigned.
Benefits
- Pension program
- Competitive group insurance benefits, including health, life, dental, and vision insurance
- Three paid personal business days annually
- Twelve paid sick days annually, with sick days carrying over from year to year
- Ten to twenty-five days of paid vacation annually, with ten days in the first year of employment
- Thirteen paid holidays annually, and fourteen in even-numbered years
- Flexible work schedules when available and dependent upon 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
Entry Level
