Civil Rights Specialist

Work for Indiana

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission enforces the Indiana civil rights laws and provides education and services to the public in an effort to ensure equal opportunity for all Hoosiers and visitors to the State of Indiana. The Indiana Civil Rights Commission will be an important societal influence working to eliminate illegal discrimination in Indiana.

As a Civil Rights Specialist, you will review each case assigned, applying standardized regulations and procedures. Any deviation from these guidelines is referred to the supervisor for a decision. You will receive instructions that are general in nature and anticipated, unusual problems will be discussed. You may, in the absence of the supervisor, make timely judgments as needed. Your work will be reviewed for technical accuracy and adherence to instructions.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $47,320.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.

The essential responsibilities of the job are:

• Draft consent agreements, prepare a written summary of the investigation, and make recommendations as to whether there is probable cause.
• May occasionally testify at evidentiary and appeal hearings.
• Conduct and analyze interviews of complainants, respondents, and witnesses.
• Prepare concise written record of violations (or non-violations) in a case analysis that includes relevant facts, interviews, observations, and conclusions gathered.
• Conduct mandatory conciliation attempt after finding the probable cause and try to resolve via mediation.
• Conduct conciliation conferences and draft consent agreements.
• Monitor compliance of all consent agreements via onsite assessment and/or reviewing compliance reports.
• Negotiate settlements of all civil rights disputes with the public interest in mind.
• Maintain monthly statistics on all mediation, conciliation, and compliance activities.
• Maintain and update appropriate case file records.
• Establish effective working relationships with coworkers, clients and/or the public by serving as a resource to educate and train others regarding Civil Rights Laws and the work of ICRC.
• Participate in ICRC affiliated public outreach/education events per year.

The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to interpret and apply the Indiana Civil Rights Law, Commission rules and regulations, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD and EEOC rules and regulations), and court decisions falling within the area of Civil Rights.
• Specialized knowledge of the principles, practices, and the past and current trends of Civil Rights Field on a state and national level.
• Ability to secure and analyze data and testimony relevant to all areas covered by the Indiana Civil Rights law including employment, housing, credit, public accommodation, and education.
• Ability to conduct difficult and involved investigations and make recommendations to the director regarding disposition.
• Ability to facilitate negotiations in good faith with difficult individuals in order to reach an agreement in the best interest of the involved parties and public good.
• Ability to understand legal concepts and to relate prior decisions to specific cases.
• Ability to counsel persons who make an inquiry at the Commission office regarding civil rights complaints and to assist them in filing a complaint.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

A degree is not required. However, at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
• Wellness Rewards Program:
  Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
• Deferred compensation…