Human Rights Specialist 2 (NY HELPS)

Description

Duties Description

A Human Rights Specialist 2 supervises a variety of regional office activities involved in carrying out anti-discrimination programs for the Housing Investigations Unit (HIU). Researches and acts as a resource on the New York State Human Rights Law and its application. Prepares recommended determinations for the Regional Director. Conducts and directs staff development programs as one component of a comprehensive performance management program. Participates in developing and implementing agency administrative policy.

The Human Rights Specialist 2 manages a team of Human Rights Specialist 1s and administrative staff. Receives cases from the Regional Director and together with the Human Rights Specialist 1, determines strategy, tactics and appropriate caselaw to be utilized in the investigation of complaint at the time of assignment. Maintains communication with Human Rights Specialist 1 throughout the investigation, keeping abreast of developments and negotiating changes in strategy and technique. Assists staff members through individual and group conferences in analyzing case problems and in improving their investigative and analytical skills. Reviews case files for completeness, accuracy, and probative value. Determines need for additional information. Processes recommended determinations based on the content of the file to the Regional Director. Monitors the Case Management System (CMS) to ensure that investigative standards are being met, and develops corrective action plans for case processing problems that surface.

The Human Rights Specialist 2 maintains their own docket of cases to investigate and conciliate. Intercedes in investigations or conferences that entail complex legal issues or unusual circumstances. Responsible for developing an investigation plan, conducting investigations, preparing investigative reports and making recommendations on final determinations. Performs field and office activities as part of investigations. The candidate would educate parties and witness on their rights and responsibilities under the New York State Human Rights Law.

The Human Rights Specialist 2 will have the opportunity to conduct education and outreach activities.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
  
  

Non-Competitive: Eight years of experience in any combination of the following areas: field investigation or law enforcement investigation and the preparation of detailed 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’s degree in human rights, public administration, public policy, political science, psychology, public justice, criminal justice, pre-law studies or international relations may substitute for two years of the required professional experience; a bachelor’s degree in the same fields may substitute for four years of the required professional experience; a master’s degree in the same fields or a Juris Doctorate may substitute for five years of the required professional experience; and a doctorate in the same fields may substitute for six of the seven years of the required professional experience.

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply.

At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

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.

This position is eligible for $4000 location pay.

All people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.