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City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

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Civil Rights Investigator


FLSA: Standard/Exempt EEO Category: (20) Professionals
Class Code: 13765 Salary Grade: TH8
Approved: Last Revised: June 26, 2023


Purpose:
 

Performs duties related to the intake, screening, investigation, conciliation, settlement, education, and outreach of civil rights laws and ordinances under the authority of the City of Austin Office of Civil Right including but not limited to housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:
  Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
  1. Interprets Federal, State, and local laws/ordinances concerning discrimination under the Office of Civil Rights’ authority.
  2. Investigates complaints of all ordinances enforced by the Office of Civil Rights.
  3. Receives phone inquiries or walk-in complaints of discrimination or denial of rights.
  4. Investigates complaints by obtaining statements from witnesses or other involved parties, interviewing complainants to determine the nature of complaint, and conducting research to evaluate the merits of the complaint.
  5. Assists in the analysis of gathered data to determine the merits of the complaint.
  6. Utilizes mediation and conciliation to resolve discrimination complaints and may confer with involved parties to negotiate settlements of complaints.
  7. Prepares recommendations for Manager’s approval concerning unsettled complaints.
  8. Compiles and analyzes complaints, comments, and other available data regarding discrimination to identify potential trends or problem areas and provides recommendations to management for preventive and/or corrective action.
  9. Serves as representative for boards, commissions, and community outreach events and identifies programmatic needs as it relates to Federal, State and City ordinances.
  10. Develops and delivers related trainings and materials to impacted respondents and to support Federal, State, and Local policies.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:
 
  • None
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
  • Knowledge of areas supported.
  • Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws/ordinance concerning discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodation.
  • Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
  • Skill in oral and written communication.
  • Skill in planning and organizing.
  • Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  • Skill in using computers and related software.
  • Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  • Ability to interview under a variety of conditions.
  • Ability to handle hostile conflict and uncertain situations.
  • Ability to use application of investigative and research techniques.
  • Ability in researching established case law and applicable precedents.
  • Ability in performing thorough and accurate data collection and analysis.
  • Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  • Ability in negotiation of settlements.
  • Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws and ordinances.
Minimum Qualifications:
 
  • Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Government, Communications, Sociology, Business, or Public Administration, plus 1 (one) year of experience in the investigation of discrimination complaints.
  • Graduation with a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university or graduation with a Juris Doctor may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  • Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years
Licenses and Certifications Required:
 
  • None

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of the position given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit or in any way modify the right of management to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The listing of duties and responsibilities shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.