INVESTIGATOR (HUMAN RIGHTS)

State of careers Rhode Island • Claremont, NH

1d • $73,210 - $82,203

About The Position

The Investigator (Human Rights) conducts investigations of charges of discrimination and resolves charges when feasible. The position assists the Rhode Island Commission on Human Rights in enforcing and ensuring compliance with Rhode Island antidiscrimination laws and related federal laws, and assumes computer functions. The investigator manages a caseload involving discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and delivery of services. The role reports directly to the Executive Director and supervises student interns.

Investigative work includes gathering and analyzing statistical, comparative, and direct evidence; coordinating and conducting predetermination and independent fact-finding conferences; and preparing for and conducting in-person, on-site, and telephone interviews with parties and witnesses. The investigator negotiates settlements where possible, applies laws and regulations to gathered evidence, and prepares detailed written recommendations for agency Commissioners. Following probable-cause findings, the investigator drafts formal complaints of discrimination.

The position also handles inquiries about filing charges, reviews intake questionnaires and related documents to determine jurisdiction, participates in administrative hearings, depositions, and related proceedings, and represents the agency on committees and task forces. It may involve training conferences and out-of-state travel, as well as public outreach and training on state and federal antidiscrimination laws. The investigator plans and carries out related projects and performs other duties as required.

Requirements

• High school graduation with at least two years of college, or completion of an Associate’s Degree from an accredited institution; or substantially equivalent education and experience.
• Experience involving gathering and analyzing evidence or information, conducting civil rights investigations, interpreting or applying civil rights law, working with groups involved with protected classes, effective oral and written communication, preparing complex reports, and heightened computer skills; or substantially equivalent education and experience.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage an investigative caseload and investigate discrimination charges involving employment, housing, public accommodations, credit, and delivery of services.
• Collect and analyze statistical, comparative, and direct evidence of discrimination.
• Coordinate and conduct predetermination conferences before an agency Commissioner and independent fact-finding conferences.
• Prepare for and conduct in-person, on-site, and telephonic interviews of parties and witnesses.
• Negotiate with complainants, respondents, and their representatives to reach settlements when possible.
• Apply laws and regulations to gathered evidence and prepare detailed written summary recommendations for agency Commissioners.
• Draft formal complaints of discrimination following probable-cause findings.
• Handle in-person and telephonic inquiries related to filing charges and review intake questionnaires and related documents to determine jurisdiction.
• Participate in administrative hearings, depositions, and related proceedings as required.
• Represent the agency on committees and task forces as required.
• Participate in public outreach and training on state and federal antidiscrimination laws as assigned.
• Plan and execute related or assigned projects.
• Supervise the work of student interns.
• Attend training conferences, including conferences involving out-of-state travel.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Benefits are available to State of Rhode Island employees; details are provided through the Office of Employee Benefits.
• Direct deposit is required for employees hired after September 30, 2014.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree