Investigator (Human Rights Specialist 1) (NY HELPS)

About the Role

As a Human Rights Specialist 1, you will perform a variety of field and office activities involved in carrying out anti-discrimination programs and promoting good community inter-group relationships designed to eliminate tension, conflict, and hostility between various social, racial, ethnic, and religious groups.

You will be responsible for informing complainants, respondents, and witnesses of their rights and responsibilities under the New York State Human Rights Law. Prior to a possible determination of a human rights violation, you will attempt to help parties reach an acceptable resolution.

Your duties will include developing an investigation plan, conducting investigations, preparing investigative reports, and making recommendations on final determinations. You will also 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, and conduct workshops to foster positive community relationships.

Responsibilities

• Inform complainants, respondents, and witnesses of their rights and responsibilities under the New York State Human Rights Law.
• Facilitate resolutions between parties prior to determinations of human rights violations.
• Develop investigation plans and conduct thorough investigations.
• Prepare detailed investigative reports and make recommendations on final determinations.
• Provide technical assistance or training on the Human Rights Law to advisory councils, local human relations agencies, and other groups.
• Deliver speeches to community groups and organizations and conduct workshops to promote positive community relationships.

Requirements

Six years of experience in one or a combination of the following areas:

• Field investigation or law enforcement investigation and the preparation of detailed narrative reports.
• Planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights, civil rights, or housing and community development program.
• Conducting discrimination or labor relations investigations.
• Litigation.

Substitution: 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.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package, including holiday and paid time off.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF).
• Pension from the 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.

Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.

Pay

Salary range: $70,579 to $89,645 annually. Salaries are non-negotiable. Candidates with no previous state service will begin at the starting rate of the posted salary range.

Schedule

• Workweek: Monday–Friday
• Hours per week: 37.5
• Workday: 9 AM to 5 PM
• Telecommuting allowed: Yes
• Flextime, mandatory overtime, compressed workweek: Not allowed

Location

333 E. Washington Street, Room 543, Syracuse, NY 13202 (Onondaga County).

This position is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). For the duration of the program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, meaning no examination is required, but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications. At a future date, employees hired under NY HELPS may have their non-competitive status converted to competitive status without examination, affording them the same rights and privileges as competitive class employees.