TENTATIVE

Occ. Code 8126100

New York State Department of Civil Service

Classification Standard

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASS SERIES

          Positions in this series perform a variety of activities involved in carrying out anti-discrimination programs and equal opportunity programs in the areas of employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions.  Positions also train and educate the public on the New York State Human Rights Law, the remedies it provides, and the activities of the Division of Human Rights.  These positions exist only in the New York State Division of Human Rights. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 1: full performance level; under direction of a Human Rights Specialist 2, investigates complaints of discrimination; attempts conciliation; and educates the public on the Human Rights Law and the agencys services.

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 2: first supervisory level; supervise a staff of Human Rights Specialists 1; investigates complex and sensitive cases; attempts conciliation; and performs public outreach activities.

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 3: supervisory level; under general direction of a Deputy Commissioner, directs and plans anti-discrimination programs and equal opportunity programs in the areas of employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions; develops, implements, and manages the investigative activities in specialized areas of civil rights for the New York State Division of Human Rights; and supervises Human Rights Specialists 2.

          HUMAN RIGHTS REGIONAL MANAGER: managerial level, non-competitive: under the general direction of the Deputy Commissioner for Regional Affairs, NS, manages a Human Rights Regional Office, Human Rights Specialists 1-3 and staff; plans and directs anti-discrimination programs in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, credit and commercial boycotting, and blockbusting for a region.

RELATED CLASSES

          Hearing Officers (Division of Human Rights) conduct formal public hearings in cases involving the perceived violation of civil rights when the Agency finds probable cause.

ILLUSTRATIVE DUTIES

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 1

Informs complainants, respondents, and witnesses of their rights and responsibilities under the Human Rights Law.

Develops investigative plans, conducts investigations, prepares investigative reports, and makes recommendations on final determinations of cases.

Interviews complainants, prepares formal complaints for notarization and signature, and serves complaints.

Determines strategy, tactics, and applicable case law with relevant supervisors.

Contacts complainants, respondents, witnesses, and other parties to obtain facts to support or refute allegations, and conducts two party conferences and/or makes site visits.

Examines employment records, directories, credit ratings, correspondence, and other documentation relevant to investigations, and maintains documentation of the process in the Case Tracking System (CTS).

Engages parties of a complaint in mediation or conciliation.

Analyzes information gathered by investigation and preparing comprehensive reports of findings and recommendations.

Documents cases in the computer system.

Assists in the development, analysis, implementation, and evaluation of both short and long-range program objectives.

Responds to requests for assistance from NYS Human Rights Advisory Councils, local human rights agencies, community groups, and potential respondents.

Develops internship programs and supervise interns.

Promotes community relations among diverse groups of individuals; including working with advisory councils, local outreach agencies, and other groups to provide technical assistance or training on the Human Rights Law, and addresses community groups, organizations, and workshops to foster positive community relationships.

May serve as front line troubleshooter and liaison for the Divisions case tracking system.

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 2

Supervises a staff of Human Rights Specialists 1 engaged in carrying out anti-discrimination and equal opportunity programs in the areas of employment, housing, credit, places of public accommodations, and non-sectarian educational institutions.

Researches and acts as a resource on the New York State Human Rights Law and its application.

Receives cases from the Regional Manager and determines strategy, tactics and appropriate case law to be utilized in the investigation of complaint at the time of assignment along with Human Rights Specialist 1.

Reviews case files for completeness, accuracy, and probative value.  Processes recommended determinations based on the content of the file to the Regional Manager.

Monitors the case tracking system to ensure that investigative standards are being met, and develops corrective action plans for case processing problems that surface.

Investigates more difficult and sensitive cases and attempts to assist parties in reaching acceptable solutions to such complaints.

Drafts comprehensive reports on investigative findings, including recommendations for disposition of cases.

Conducts outreach and other educational activities, as requested by the Commissioner or the Regional Manager such as: give speeches, conduct workshops, and make, public appearances to foster better understanding of agency services; coordinate the distribution of appropriate outreach materials, and distribute and collect Requests for Literature.

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 3

Develops and implements investigation of individual claims of discrimination or suspected systematic forms of discrimination; identifies any research, witnesses, or documentary evidence needed; sets deadlines to secure and evaluate evidence and complete the investigation; establishes budgets for the investigative activities.

Drafts or oversees the development of investigative reports, and ensures quality, completeness, and accuracy in such reports.

For individual cases, reviews case files and issues a determination based on the findings of the investigation as to whether or not probable cause exists to believe that unlawful discrimination has occurred; for systematic cases, reviews the evidence gathered and make a report to the Commissioner or his/her designee as to what action, if any, should be taken on the findings.

Develops and conducts outreach efforts to relevant communities and/or constituency groups to educate such communities and groups on the New York State Human Rights Law and the Division.

Ensures that operations and staff are in full compliance with all laws, policies, procedures, and standards, including requirements for the Divisions Case Management System.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties, including performance evaluations, employee selection, and time and attendance.

Develops and delivers training for staff or Division employees.

          HUMAN RIGHTS REGIONAL MANAGER

Plans and directs a regional office, including developing an annual operations plan, and monitoring compliance with internal controls, agency policies, and procedures.

Directs the intake, investigation, and resolution of complaints alleging unlawful discrimination.

Develops and implements an outreach plan to promote understanding of the practical implications of Human Rights Law, improves community understanding of the services the Division provides, and represents the Division with the press and public.

Serves as liaison with local politicians, community groups, public interest groups, and other constituents in identifying problems in the region and developing solutions. 

Advises management and the legal team on the strategy for handling sensitive human rights cases in an assigned region.

Performs the full range of supervisory duties, including performance evaluations, employee selection, and time and attendance.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 1

Open Competitive and Non-competitive: three years professional experience in planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights or civil rights program; investigating human rights or civil rights complaints; or experience as a human resources management practitioner, which must have included conducting discrimination or labor relations investigations. 

Substitution: a bachelors degree may substitute for one year of the required professional experience; a masters degree in criminal justice, human resources management, business administration, or public administration may substitute for two years of the required professional experience; and a law degree (JD or LLB) may substitute for three years of the required professional experience.

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 2

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Human Rights Specialist 1, Human Rights Specialist 1 (Chinese Language), or Human Rights Specialist 1 (Spanish Language).

          HUMAN RIGHTS SPECIALIST 3

Promotion:  one year of permanent service as a Human Rights Specialist 2 or two years of service as a Human Rights Specialist 1.

Open Competitive and Non-competitive: a bachelors degree AND four years of professional experience, including two years of supervisory experience, in civil rights, human or social services, or housing and community development.

Substitution: a masters degree in public administration, public policy, public finance or a field closely related to human rights such as human or social services, civil rights or community development substitutes for one year of non-supervisory experience; Doctorate in a related field substitutes for two years of non-supervisory experience.

          HUMAN RIGHTS REGIONAL MANAGER

Promotion: one year of permanent service as a Human Rights Specialist 2 or two years of permanent service as a Human Rights Specialist 1.

Non-Competitive: a bachelors degree AND four years of professional experience, including two years of supervisory experience, in civil rights, human or social services, or housing and community development.

Substitution: a masters degree public administration, public policy, public finance or a field closely related to human rights such as human or social services, civil rights or community development substitutes for one year of non-supervisory experience; Doctorate in a related field substitutes for two years of non-supervisory experience.

Revised:  6/18

NOTE: Classification Standards illustrate the nature, extent, and scope of duties and responsibilities of the classes they describe.  Standards cannot and do not include all of the work that might appropriately be performed by a class.  The minimum qualifications above are those which were required for appointment at the time the Classification Standard was written.  Please contact the Division of Staffing Services for current information on minimum qualification requirements for appointment or examination.