HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR TRAINEE SS

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Human Rights is seeking highly motivated and organized individuals to assist the Department with conducting in-depth, neutral investigations into allegations of unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. A Human Rights Investigator is responsible for managing and processing a caseload of investigations through completion, with monthly case assignment and production expectations. Day-to-day work involves counseling complainants, ascertaining jurisdiction, interviewing parties to the charge, collecting information, and extensive reading of documentation obtained. Completing the investigation requires writing comprehensive reports, containing an extensive analysis of evidence and witness statements, and interpretation of the law consistent with operating procedures.

Individuals successful in this role will have the ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a large quantity of information while applying law and the Department’s operating procedures, and plan next steps for the investigation as necessary. Individuals working in this role must be organized, be able to work independently and be self-motivated to write multi-page detailed reports.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Participates in a Department sponsored trainee program for a period of six to eighteen months for the Human Rights Investigator I position.
• Receives training on the proper collection of information, testimony, and records on employment, housing, credit, and public accommodations discrimination cases or in education cases.
• Receives training in the methods of case analysis with the objective to make recommended decisions.
• Communicates in Spanish to individuals who do not speak or read English; Assists higher level Human Rights Investigators to collect information on cases in the form of statistics, records, and other documentation, as well as, by interviews of complainants, employers, and witnesses.
• Receives training on systemic discrimination cases involving a pattern, practice or policy where the alleged discrimination has a broad impact on an industry, profession, company or geographic area such as barriers in recruitment or hiring, restricted access to promotional opportunities or higher-level positions, exclusion of qualified persons, unlawful pre-employment inquiries, age discrimination, or compliance with customer preference that result in discriminatory practices.
• Receives training and assists with negotiations of settlements at any point in an investigation when both parties agree to conciliation.
• Participates in and completes agency-sponsored training and other training and continuing education programs to develop professional skills and knowledge of the philosophy, procedures, rules, and regulations of the Department.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires 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.
• Requires ability to speak, read, and write in Spanish at a colloquial skill level in carrying out position duties in conjunction with non-English speaking individuals.
• Requires no previous experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, English or Pre-Law, that required extensive analysis and writing.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience creating legal or regulatory documentation (reports, correspondence, presentations) tailored to diverse audiences.  
  
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience collaborating effectively with a range of stakeholders (complainants, respondents, agency personnel) in sensitive contexts.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of researching, collecting, and analyzing complex information and data such as relevant case law.
• Prefers working knowledge applying laws, interpreting regulations (especially the Illinois Human Rights Act) rules, and/or policy & procedures to make comprehensive written recommendations.
• Prefers working knowledge of legal terminology, investigative skills & strategy acquired through working in a law office or similar legal environment.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Illinois Department of Human Rights

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) is a state agency charged with the enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act"). The Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations (including education). IDHR protects and guarantees the rights of all Illinoisans to be free from unlawful discrimination by receiving and investigating claims of unlawful discrimination. Moreover, the Act prohibits retaliation against a person who has opposed that which is reasonably and in good faith believed to be unlawful discrimination; prohibits the aiding, abetting, compelling or coercion of a person to commit a violation of the Act; and prohibits the willful interference with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Department or one of its officers or employees. At the forefront of protecting civil rights, IDHR welcomes all candidates for employment to apply for any position for which they are qualified. Join IDHR in its mission to secure an Illinois free from discrimination.