IN-CRC-Civil Rights Specialist

Civil Rights Specialist
 

About the Indiana Civil Rights Commission (ICRC):

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.

Role Overview: 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.

A Day in the Life:  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.

What You'll Need for Success:  You must meet the following requirement to be considered for employment:

•Four years (4) full time professional experience in affirmative action; business administration; civil rights; labor relations; law; public administration; public relations; social services; workforce development; or related experience.

•Substitution: Accredited college training in any one of or a combination of the following subject areas may substitute for the required experience on a year for year basis; Law, Sociology, Psychology, Labor Relations, Public Administration, Human Resources and Business Administration.

•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.

•Able 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 primary responsibility of this role is to conduct thorough analysis of civil rights complaints, extracting and evaluating key information to make informed recommendations regarding probable cause. The role requires a discerning approach, being able to recognize which cases are suitable for mediation, and managing a substantial caseload efficiently within a fast-paced work environment. Success in this position depends on a strong understanding of civil rights laws at both state and federal levels, as well as relevant court decisions in the field of civil rights.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Conduct an in-depth analysis of civil rights complaints to identify critical information, spot legal issues, and use the information to make determinations as to cause.

2) Evaluate cases to determine suitability for mediation.

3) Apply knowledge of state and federal civil rights laws and court rulings to inform case assessments.

4) Operate effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

Desired Skills:

1) Background in law and/or legal course of study

2) Strong analytical and writing ability to assess complex information and communicate findings clearly.

3) Ability to maintain confidentiality and neutrality throughout case evaluations and interactions with parties and the public.

4) Exceptional organizational skills to manage a heavy caseload and prioritize tasks effectively.

Position-Specific Details:  The ideal candidate will operate within a defined framework but must be a self-starter who takes initiative, remains focused, and adapts quickly to meet the evolving operational needs of the organization. Agility and the ability to stay on task independently are critical to success in this role.

  Required/Desired Skills   SkillRequired /DesiredAmountof ExperienceExp. in areas of, business admin., civil rights, labor relations, public admin., public relations, social services, or workforce development.Required4YearsStrong analytical and writing ability to assess complex information and communicate findings clearly.Required4YearsThorough understanding of Indiana Civil Rights Laws, Commission rules and regulations, HUD and EEOC standards, and relevant court decisions.Required4YearsExceptional organizational skills to manage a heavy caseload in a fast-paced environment.Required4YearsPrior experience reviewing civil rights cases, drafting agreements and making recommendations.Highly desired2YearsPrior experience conducting interviews of complainants, respondents and witnesses.Highly desired2YearsWill accept training from an accredited college in any areas of skill item #1 in lieu of 4 years' experience.Highly desired0 Paralegal certification or graduate legal education and trainingHighly desired0    Questions   No.QuestionQuestion1Absences greater than two weeks MUST be approved by CAI management in advance, and contact information must be provided to CAI so that the resource can be reached during his or her absence. The Client has the right to dismiss the resource if he or she does not return to work by the agreed upon date. Do you agree to this requirement?Question2What is your candidate’s email address?Question3Where does your candidate currently reside (City & State)?Question4If selected for engagement, your candidate’s hourly Pay Rate must be $23.00. The Provider Markup for this position is 29%. Do you agree to these requirements?Question5Position is on-site, Monday through Friday, 7.5 hours/day, either 8am-4:30pm, 8:30am-5pm or 9am to 5:30pm depending on candidate's preference and operational needs. Does candidate accept this requirement?Question6Up to 10% field travel may be required. Does candidate accept this requirement?Question7If selected, the candidate will be required to come in-person for an interview. If taken to the second round (which includes a practical assessment) the candidate will need to also be available that same week or the following week. Does the candidate accept this requirement?