Civil Rights Investigator 2 / Statewide (5 Positions + 1 Spanish/Dual Language)

This posting may be used to fill multiple positions including one Spanish dual language position.

~The Dual Language position will receive an additional 5% dual language pay above base salary~

The offices/areas covered:  Spokane, Wenatchee, Yakima, Olympia, and Seattle

These positions are remote, however you will need to be able to report to a satellite office if requested.

This posting is open until filled.  The hiring manager reserves the right to make a hiring decision at any time.  It will be in your best interest to apply as soon as possible.

Schedule:  The work schedule is Monday-Friday, 8AM to 5PM.

These positions are eligible for full-time remote/telework within Washington State.

Agency Profile:

The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) was created by the Legislature in 1949, the WSHRC is responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD).

The mission of the WSHRC is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.

What you will be doing:

As a senior-level investigator, you will support/contribute to the mission of the organization, which is to eliminate and prevent discrimination.  You will be providing technical assistance and consultation during the complaint intake and investigation/resolution processes, you will conduct impartial investigations of discrimination complaints, including research and analysis of RCW 49.60 and related anti-discrimination laws, and you will work independently with supervision guidance as necessary.

Who we are looking for:

You need to be someone that has the ability to act impartially, analyze, evaluate, and interpret information, testimony and data.  You need to be an effective communicator (multi-lingual is a bonus) verbally and in writing.  You will need to be an active listener with the ability to summarize what has been communicated with reasoned, persuasive communications, reports and determinations. You will need to be someone that can maintain professional, tactful and courteous behavior while interacting with parties, the public, and co-workers while negotiating the resolution of disputes.

Why you would want this position:

If you love to be challenged and enjoy a variety of duties that has individual and statewide impact, this job provides that valuable experience as well.  You will get to utilize your experience at a higher level.  If you feel the need to be empowered, engaged, and motivated as you work with like-minded individuals, we encourage to apply and be part of our dynamic team!

Some of what you will enjoy doing will include:

• Functions independently as an impartial fact-finding agent of the Commission while investigating single and multiple issue discrimination cases of varying difficulty and complexity that allege a violation of the Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60, the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 Titles VII (Employment) and VIII (Fair Housing), the ADEA, and the ADA and Whistleblower cases

• Gathers and preserves documentary evidence, and when necessary issues subpoenas. Conducts interviews with parties to the complaint and their witnesses

• Reviews and analyzes legal briefs submitted by legal counsel, and other defenses and documentation submitted by parties to the complaint

• Reviews relevant court cases, precedent cases, and legal opinions

• Analyzes and evaluates and applies fact patterns based on pertinent case law, contract provisions and prior Commission determinations

• Independently writes and submits detailed well-reasoned formal case determinations

• Confers with the public in person, and by telephone and written correspondence regarding alleged violation of the state and federal discrimination laws to determine Commission jurisdiction and criteria for filing a complaint. (If allegations are jurisdictional and meet criteria for filing, advises individual of filing procedures; if the allegations are not jurisdictional, provides referral to other resources to seek assistance)

• Receives, analyzes, and drafts formal complaint affidavits for individuals alleging discrimination

• Provides technical assistance and consultation to legal counsels, employers, managers, human resource professionals, landlords, property managers, real estate brokers and owners, public officials, union officials, advocacy organizations, and others to explain and interpret the state and federal laws against discrimination

• Functions as an intermediary/negotiator between principals in discrimination disputes and confers with both Respondent and Complainant in either joint or separate fact finding conferences to determine actual areas of dispute

• Initiates innovative proposals to attempt to resolve disputes

• Negotiates settlement agreements between principles to the discrimination disputes, which may include Complainant, Respondent, attorneys, corporate executives, and union representatives. Prepares, executes legally binding settlement documents

• Conducts education and outreach

For the Spanish/Dual Language position: 

Able to fluently speak, read and write in both Spanish and English.

REQUIRED:

One year of experience as an Investigator 1 with a civil rights agency/organization or related field.

OR

Three (3) years of experience as an investigator with a criminal justice government agency or private organization.

Note: Two (2) years of related college-level course work may be substituted for experience.

COMPENTENCIES:

COMMUNICATION/CUSTOMER SERVICE: Effectively and accurately interprets and explains RCW 49.60 and related laws in a manner easily understood by clients; presents complex information in messages lay persons can readily understand and grasp; actively listens to other people taking part in the conversation; accurately summarizes what others have said; recognizes problems and adjusts tone, pace, etc. as necessary to assure understanding and successful outcomes; remains tactful and courteous while investigating complaints of discrimination; conducts interviews for the purpose of gathering factual information, often of a sensitive nature or not voluntarily given.

WRITING & PRESENTATION SKILLS: Formulates and writes detailed, well-reasoned formal determinations.  May develop and conduct training presentations on RCW 49.60 and related laws.

TECHNOLOGY: Possesses basic knowledge of word processing software (e.g., Outlook, Word and PowerPoint) and case processing/tracking databases; accurately enters data and information to generate investigative documents and reports.

ETHICS & INTEGRITY:  Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions; maintains confidentiality; keeps promises and commitments made to others; adheres to the core values and workplace expectations of the Human Rights Commission.

ACCOUNTABILITY:  Accepts responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.  Can be relied upon to achieve results with minimal supervision; meets performance expectations for productivity, timeliness, quality and quantity.

ATTENDANCE: Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance.  Be flexible to accommodate requirements of the job; Adapts to changing business needs and work responsibilities.

Please provide the following documents in order to be considered; failure to do so may result in you not being considered for the position:

• A letter of interest, describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting; 
• A current resume, detailing experience, and education; and 
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)

NOTE:  The initial screening will be solely based on the contents and completeness of the "duties summary" section of your application, application material submitted, and the supplemental questionnaire.  Responses to the supplemental questionnaire regarding work experience must be reflected in the "duties summary" section of the application.  A resume will not substitute for completing the "duties summary" section or the supplemental questions of the application.

NOTE:  This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity for All:

The Human Rights Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information:

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Angie Anderson at (360) 407-8446 or email jobs@des.wa.gov.

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.