Human Rights Specialist

Job ID: 37726 | Agency: Department of Labor & Regulation – Division of Labor & Management – Human Rights Division | Location: Vermillion, SD | Closing Date: 09/30/2026

About the role

The Department of Labor and Regulation’s Human Rights Division promotes equal opportunity by administering the South Dakota Human Relations Act of 1972. The division investigates formal complaints of discrimination, seeks settlement through conference and conciliation, and works to permanently correct discriminatory practices. It also provides technical assistance to employers, labor unions, real‑estate agents, landlords, and other stakeholders, offers public information, and collaborates with individuals, civil‑rights groups, and professional organizations to promote equal opportunity for all South Dakotans. This is a full‑time position.

Responsibilities

• Investigate formal discrimination complaints filed under state, federal, or municipal law.
• Attempt to settle justified complaints through conference and conciliation.
• Provide technical assistance and guidance on affirmative action and voluntary compliance with South Dakota law.
• Deliver public information and outreach to employers, labor unions, real‑estate agents, landlords, civil‑rights groups, and professional organizations.
• Maintain accurate records, draft correspondence, and ensure compliance with statutes, regulations, and division procedures.

Qualifications

• Experience handling inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination under state, federal, or municipal law.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Effective oral communication with diverse audiences.
• Clear, concise written communication and correspondence drafting.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Organizational skills, including task prioritization and time management to meet deadlines.
• Ability to conduct legal research and gather pertinent information.
• Sound judgment in determining appropriate courses of action when reviewing claims.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills for evaluating information and deciding on actions.
• Empathy, sensitivity, and neutrality while engaging diplomatically in sensitive cases.
• Ability to read, interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, procedures, and division processes.
• Professional demeanor.
• Proficiency with modern office technology.

Additional Requirements

• Attach a cover letter and resume with the application.
• Veterans’ Preference eligibility per ARSD 55:10:02:08.
• National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) optional – submit if possessed.
• The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees.
• All hires must verify identity and employment eligibility (Form I‑9) and will be processed through E‑Verify.

Benefits

• $0 premium employee health insurance option.
• Eleven paid holidays.
• Generous vacation and sick‑leave accrual.
• Dental, vision, and other insurance options.
• Retirement benefits, including Class A retirement under SDRS.

Pay

Salary: $23.56–$26.50 per hour, depending on qualifications. Pay Grade: H.