Human Rights Investigator

Who May Apply: All qualified applicants

Location: St. Paul

Date Posted: 5/23/2024

Closing Date: 6/5/2024

Salary Range: $27.58 - $40.49 / hourly; $57,587 - $84,543 / annually

Telework Option: Yes

Job Summary

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights (MDHR) is the state's civil rights enforcement agency. MDHR protects the civil rights of Minnesotans through the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. The Investigation Division at MDHR is responsible for thoroughly and impartially analyzing and investigating claims of discrimination from members of the public, by referring individuals to mediation or external resources, and determining whether the claims constitute violations of the Minnesota Human Rights Act, current Minnesota state case law, and related federal anti-discrimination statutes and regulations.

As an Investigator, you will play an integral role in achieving the transformational goals of MDHR to ensure that the Department is creating a strong, thriving Minnesota that is free of discrimination by analyzing and investigating claims of discrimination. Investigators are also responsible for identifying and recommending appropriate cases for mediation, before and/or after a charge of discrimination is filed. Investigators will also work in meaningful partnership with other divisions in the Department to identify opportunities for the Department to address systemic discrimination.

Hybrid Work Environment
To promote a culture of flexibility, we offer staff a hybrid work environment that varies by team, position, and business needs. With a telework arrangement, onsite attendance may be required for team meetings or as requested by management to meet business needs. Completion of a telework agreement will be required.

Minimum Qualifications

This posting will be used to fill multiple vacancies. To be considered applicants must submit a cover letter describing their interest in working as a Human Rights Investigator with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Education and Experience Requirements:

· Two (2) years of experience conducting investigations or working on case development of civil, criminal, or administrative matters within a legal, civil rights, law enforcement, corrections, human resources, or labor relations setting. A bachelors degree or higher may substitute for one (1) year of work experience.

Applicants who meet the above requirements will be further assessed on the following:

· Experience and proficiency working with individuals from diverse communities.

· Knowledge of legal theories of discrimination.

· Knowledge of investigative strategies and methods, and ability to execute different interviewing strategies.

· Strong project management, time management, and multi-tasking skills to work under pressure and prioritize tasks with frequent interruptions.

· Strong interpersonal and human relations skills to interact and maintain effective relationships with all staff, customers, and the public.

· Strong communication, listening, and interviewing skills to be able to identify relevant information.

· Strong writing skills to write, prepare, and edit materials using correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and sentence construction.

· Strong analysis, problem-solving, and decision-making skills to manage concurrent problems, make proper determinations of information provided, or determine the appropriate referral.

· Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

· Advanced degree in law, public policy, public administration, or related field.

· Knowledge of state and federal civil rights statutes and regulations, as well as state and federal case law, including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Human Rights Act, Women’s Economic Security Act, Minnesota’s workers' compensation statute and rules, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII, Title IX, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and the Equal Pay Act.

· Strong interest in civil rights.

· Fluency or proficiency in other languages in addition to English.

· Knowledge of cultural norms and trauma of individuals or communities who have faced historical discrimination and oppression across all protected class statuses.

· Knowledge and application of conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass employment reference checks prior to employment.

About Department of Human Rights

The Minnesota Department of Human Rights is the state’s civil rights enforcement agency. We are charged with upholding the civil rights of Minnesotans under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, one of the strongest civil rights laws in the country. We are committed to creating an equitable and inclusive Minnesota, eliminating discrimination, and ending disparities and inequities. We work to breakdown policies and practices that perpetuate structural barriers, such as racism, ableism, homophobia, and ageism to build strong communities. To learn more about us, please visit www.mn.gov/mdhr.

Apply at www.mn.gov/careers using Job ID 77005