What are the responsibilities and job description for the Human Relations Representative 1 position at Commonwealth of PA?
THE POSITION
Are you interested in investigating discrimination allegations and upholding fair treatment? Do you share our vision that all people in the great state of Pennsylvania will live, work, and learn in an environment free from unlawful discrimination and all forms of marginalization? If so, we welcome you as a potential member of our PA Human Relations Commission team. Join us for the opportunity to gain valuable experience, investigate and address discrimination, and help protect all people in Pennsylvania by ensuring their equal civil rights under the law!
DESCRIPTION OF WORK
This position investigates and conciliates complaints of alleged discrimination primarily in employment and public accommodations. Work involves assessing jurisdiction, drafting and investigating complaints of discrimination, facilitating settlement processes, and making recommendations based on investigation findings. As a Human Relations Representative 1, you will perform the following duties:
Case Investigation: Review newly docketed complaints, conduct preliminary case analyses and fact findings, ensure all appropriate source documents are requested and received within appropriate timeframes, and develop investigative plans for review- Stakeholder Communication: Perform initial contact with all parties; conduct thorough interviews to discuss complaint allegations, explore settlement possibilities, and answer procedural questions
- Complaint Conciliation: Schedule and oversee conferences to facilitate the settlement process; communicate settlement proposals, draft written agreements after successful negotiations, and recommend a public hearing where conciliation is unsuccessful
- Report Writing: Analyze information from interviews, fact findings, and documentation; draft thorough and comprehensive reports of investigation findings with recommendations for final approval
- Legal Collaboration: Provide relevant information to help the legal department with further case processing, serve subpoenas after legal review and approval, and testify at public hearings and civil proceedings when necessary
- Caseload Documentation: Record all events, correspondence, and other required information for each assigned case
Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.
Work Schedule and Additional Information:
- Full-time employment
- Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 30-minute lunch.
- Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to three days per week. In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania. If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time. Additional details may be provided during the interview.
- Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
- You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:
- One year as a Human Relations Representative Trainee (Commonwealth job title or equivalent Federal Government job title, as determined by the Office of Administration); or
- One year of professional administrative investigative, criminal investigative, regulatory investigative, civil rights, or human rights experience involving gathering evidence, interviewing, and reporting investigative findings; and a bachelor’s degree that includes 12 credits in human resources, labor management relations, civil rights, social work, social justice, public policy, public administration, or a related field; or
- An equivalent combination of training and experience that includes 12 college credits in human resources, labor management relations, civil rights, social work, social justice, public policy, public administration, or a related field.
Other Requirements:
- You must meet the PA residency requirement. For more information on ways to meet PA residency requirements, follow the link and click on Residency Guidelines.
- You must be able to perform essential job functions.
Legal Requirements:
- A conditional offer of employment will require submission of criminal history reports. See hiring agency contact information.
- You must pass a background investigation.
How to Apply:
- Resumes, cover letters, and similar documents will not be reviewed, and the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position. Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).
- If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
- Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
- Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.
- All application materials and interview responses must reflect the applicant’s own experience, qualifications, and work. Applicants may use generative AI tools for preparation purposes only. Use of AI to misrepresent or falsify information, or to assist during interviews, is not permitted. Review the Guidance for Generative AI Tools & Job Seekers for additional information.
Veterans:
- Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):
- 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).
If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.
The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
EXAMINATION INFORMATION
- Completing the application, including all supplemental questions, serves as your exam for this position. No additional exam is required at a test center (also referred to as a written exam).
- Your score is based on the detailed information you provide on your application and in response to the supplemental questions.
- Your score is valid for this specific posting only.
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You must provide complete and accurate information or:
- your score may be lower than deserved.
- you may be disqualified.
- You may only apply/test once for this posting.
- Your results will be provided via email.
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See the total value of your benefits package by exploring our benefits calculator.
Health & Wellness
We offer multiple health plans so our employees can choose what works best for themselves and their families. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health coverage, vision, dental, and wellness programs.*
Compensation & Financial Planning
We invest in our employees by providing competitive wages and encouraging financial wellness by offering multiple ways to save money and ensure peace of mind including multiple retirement and investment plan options.
Work/Life Balance
We know there’s more to life than just work! Our generous paid leave benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, eight weeks of paid parental leave, military leave, and paid time off for most major U.S. holidays, as well as flexible work schedules and work-from-home opportunities.*
Values and Culture
We believe in the work we do and provide continual opportunities for our employees to grow and contribute to the greater good. As one of the largest employers in the state, we provide opportunities for internal mobility, professional development, and the opportunity to give back by participating in workplace charitable giving.
Employee Perks
Sometimes, it is the little “extras” that make a big difference. Our employees receive special employee-only discounts and rates on a variety of services and memberships.
For more information on all of these Total Rewards benefits, please visit www.employment.pa.gov and click on the benefits box.
- Eligibility rules apply.