Investigator (Human Rights Specialist 1) (NY HELPS)

About the role

As a Human Rights Specialist 1, you will perform field and office activities to carry out anti‑discrimination programs and promote positive community inter‑group relationships, inform parties of their rights under the New York State Human Rights Law, seek resolutions, develop investigation plans, conduct investigations, prepare reports, make recommendations, and provide technical assistance, training, speeches, and workshops. The New York State Division of Human Rights is a nation‑leading civil rights enforcement agency tasked with combating hate, bias, and discrimination through the enforcement of the New York State Human Rights Law—one of the most expansive state‑level civil rights laws anywhere in the country. The Division is committed to creating an environment where employees and the New Yorkers we serve feel they belong, and the Division knows diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility are foundational to every aspect of civil rights work.

Responsibilities

• Inform complainants, respondents, and witnesses of their rights and responsibilities under the New York State Human Rights Law.
• Attempt to help parties reach an acceptable resolution before a possible determination of a violation.
• Develop investigation plans.
• Conduct investigations.
• Prepare investigative reports.
• Make recommendations on final determinations.
• Work with advisory councils, local human relations agencies, and other groups to provide technical assistance or training on the Human Rights Law.
• Make speeches to community groups and organizations.
• Conduct workshops to foster positive community relationships.

Requirements

Minimum qualifications: six years of experience in field investigation or law‑enforcement investigation and preparation of detailed narrative reports; OR planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights, civil rights, or housing and community development program; OR conducting discrimination or labor relations investigations; OR litigation; OR any combination of the above experience to equal seven years.

Substitutions: an associate degree may substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree may substitute for four years; a master’s degree may substitute for five years; a J.D. may substitute for six years; a Ph.D. may substitute for seven years.

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). During the program, the position may be filled via a non‑competitive appointment (no examination required) provided candidates meet the minimum qualifications. After the program, non‑competitive status is expected to convert to competitive status without further examination, granting the same rights and privileges as competitive class employees. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may participate in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

Benefits

• Holiday & Paid Time Off
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Pension from New York State Employees’ Retirement System
• Affordable Health Care options
• Family dental and vision benefits at no additional cost
• NYS Deferred Compensation plan
• Access to NY 529 College Savings Program