Supervising Investigator (Human Rights Specialist 2) (NY HELPS)
NYS Division of Human Rights, Latham, NY, United States
Description
As a Human Rights Specialist 2, reporting to the Chief Investigator for Intake, the incumbent will oversee the activities in the Intake Unit, ensuring the Division serves only clear, complete, and jurisdictional discrimination complaints in a timely manner.
The Intake Unit receives information from the public about alleged discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodation, as defined in the Human Rights Law. The Law covers discrimination on bases that include, but are not limited to, age, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, and sex.
Responsibilities
Directly supervise Human Rights Specialist 1s (HRS1s) within the Intake Unit, ensuring they manage their portfolios to resolve discrimination reports and complaints timely, monitor caseloads, ensure timely completion of case tasks, exercise sound judgment on dismissals for lack of jurisdiction, assist staff in case analysis, promote problem solving, and intercede when cases require escalation or involve complex legal issues.
Interact and communicate courteously and professionally with members of the public, staff, supervisors, and seek assistance and supervision as appropriate.
Maintain knowledge of the NYS Human Rights Law and other antidiscrimination laws, and Division policies and procedures, and apply them to Intake tasks.
Cover for the Chief Investigator in their absence.
Review or assist with reviews of case files for completeness and accuracy, providing recommendations for filing and resolutions.
Ensure draft complaints are clear and concise.
Hold HRS1s accountable for performance indicators; coach them to improve skills and conduct timely performance evaluations, following agency administrative procedures.
Conduct Intake functions as required, including clarifying allegations of discrimination, identifying respondent names, requesting and following up on evidence (documents, photos, recordings), drafting complaints for review and signature, answering calls professionally and accurately, and documenting all case activities in the Division’s case management system.
With Chief Investigator approval, participate in outreach and perform public relations duties.
Help ensure unclear, incomplete, or non-jurisdictional cases do not advance for investigation and are dismissed in a timely manner.
Work with the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner of Intake to develop training resources and administer training programs for the entire Intake unit.
Assist the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner in addressing escalated matters internally and from other DHR business units, acting as a liaison between units.
Help develop and enforce the standard operating procedures of the Intake unit with the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner.
Qualifications
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Promotion is possible after one year of permanent, competitive service as a Human Rights Specialist 1 or a Spanish‑Language HRS1.
Seven years of experience in any combination of field or law‑enforcement investigation and preparation of narrative reports; planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights, civil rights, or housing and community development program; conducting discrimination or labor‑relations investigations; or litigation.
Substitution: an associate degree can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree for four years; a master’s degree for five years; a J.D. for six years; a Ph.D. for seven years of specialized experience.
All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title they apply for.
During the NY HELPS program, non‑competitive appointment is available; no examination is required, though the minimum qualifications must be met.
Employees hired under NY HELPS will have their status converted to competitive at a future date, with all rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State.
While permanently employed under NY HELPS, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Benefits and Additional Comments
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
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
Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.
All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
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As a Human Rights Specialist 2, reporting to the Chief Investigator for Intake, the incumbent will oversee the activities in the Intake Unit, ensuring the Division serves only clear, complete, and jurisdictional discrimination complaints in a timely manner.
The Intake Unit receives information from the public about alleged discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodation, as defined in the Human Rights Law. The Law covers discrimination on bases that include, but are not limited to, age, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, and sex.
Responsibilities
Directly supervise Human Rights Specialist 1s (HRS1s) within the Intake Unit, ensuring they manage their portfolios to resolve discrimination reports and complaints timely, monitor caseloads, ensure timely completion of case tasks, exercise sound judgment on dismissals for lack of jurisdiction, assist staff in case analysis, promote problem solving, and intercede when cases require escalation or involve complex legal issues.
Interact and communicate courteously and professionally with members of the public, staff, supervisors, and seek assistance and supervision as appropriate.
Maintain knowledge of the NYS Human Rights Law and other antidiscrimination laws, and Division policies and procedures, and apply them to Intake tasks.
Cover for the Chief Investigator in their absence.
Review or assist with reviews of case files for completeness and accuracy, providing recommendations for filing and resolutions.
Ensure draft complaints are clear and concise.
Hold HRS1s accountable for performance indicators; coach them to improve skills and conduct timely performance evaluations, following agency administrative procedures.
Conduct Intake functions as required, including clarifying allegations of discrimination, identifying respondent names, requesting and following up on evidence (documents, photos, recordings), drafting complaints for review and signature, answering calls professionally and accurately, and documenting all case activities in the Division’s case management system.
With Chief Investigator approval, participate in outreach and perform public relations duties.
Help ensure unclear, incomplete, or non-jurisdictional cases do not advance for investigation and are dismissed in a timely manner.
Work with the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner of Intake to develop training resources and administer training programs for the entire Intake unit.
Assist the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner in addressing escalated matters internally and from other DHR business units, acting as a liaison between units.
Help develop and enforce the standard operating procedures of the Intake unit with the Chief Investigator and Associate Deputy Commissioner.
Qualifications
This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS). Promotion is possible after one year of permanent, competitive service as a Human Rights Specialist 1 or a Spanish‑Language HRS1.
Seven years of experience in any combination of field or law‑enforcement investigation and preparation of narrative reports; planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights, civil rights, or housing and community development program; conducting discrimination or labor‑relations investigations; or litigation.
Substitution: an associate degree can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s degree for four years; a master’s degree for five years; a J.D. for six years; a Ph.D. for seven years of specialized experience.
All candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title they apply for.
During the NY HELPS program, non‑competitive appointment is available; no examination is required, though the minimum qualifications must be met.
Employees hired under NY HELPS will have their status converted to competitive at a future date, with all rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State.
While permanently employed under NY HELPS, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Benefits and Additional Comments
We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
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
Please note that specific benefits and programs may vary based on negotiating unit, current contract, and length of State service.
All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
#J-18808-Ljbffr