Class Code: 03437

IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –

HUMAN RESOURCES ENTERPRISE

CIVIL RIGHTS SPECIALIST

DEFINITION

Under immediate to general supervision, negotiates settlements and investigates complaints in the prevention and elimination of legally defined discrimination; performs related work as required.

The Work Examples and Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

WORK EXAMPLES

Interviews individuals who wish to file charges of discrimination with the Iowa Civil Rights Commission; obtains information on alleged discrimination; explains the law and processes necessary to remedy the situation.

Reviews case files on complaints of discrimination in public accommodation, housing, employment, and credit.

Formulates a case plan to investigate a discrimination complaint; identifies issues, persons to be interviewed and relevant information.

Interviews complainant, respondent and witnesses; clarifies allegations; identifies and reviews records; ascertains reasons for action taken by respondent, obtains comparative evidence to verify position; and determines if discrimination was involved.

Analyzes testimony and records gathered during the investigation; determines if respondent’s actions are in violation of the law.

Summarizes the facts gathered during the investigation; recommends decision to hearings officer by written account of the findings.

Determines just settlement; resolves dispute based on research of case, law, adherence to Iowa Civil Rights Commission standards as defined by the Code of Iowa Chapter 601A (i.e., back pay compensation, compensatory damages) and complainant and respondent stated remedies.

Draft pre-intake statement agreement or conciliation agreement; provides a statement of desired remedy.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Knowledge of what constitutes discrimination, as defined by law, and its effects on people.

Knowledge of interviewing skills and techniques.

Ability to acquire a knowledge of the Iowa Civil Rights Act, Title VI and VII, the Age Discrimination Act, the Handicapped Rehabilitation Act 503 and 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Wage and Hours Act, and other federal and local laws, regulations, judicial decisions, and guidelines relative to civil rights and equal opportunity.

Ability to interact with claimant, respondent, agency people, lawyers and the general public to maintain effective working relationships to obtain sensitive information from people.

Ability to plan and organize work for the most efficient use of time and to determine what steps are to be taken in completing the investigation.

Ability to learn the investigative practices and techniques applicable to alleged discrimination.

Ability to identify issues in order to discern whether or not something happened and if it’s a point of law or contested fact.

Ability to develop a professional attitude and dedication toward the elimination of discrimination.

Ability to learn the concept of due process of law in order to process discrimination complaints.

Ability to analyze and evaluate information gathered in order to make a recommended decision on complaint.

Ability to analyze and evaluate information gathered in order to make a recommended decision on complaint.

Ability to express ideas effectively, orally and in writing, in order to persuade, interpret and inform.

Displays high standards of ethical conduct. Exhibits honesty and integrity. Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.

Works and communicates with internal and external clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and cooperative manner. Committed to quality service.

Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.

Responds appropriately to supervision. Makes an effort to follow policy and cooperate with supervisors.

Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.

Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.

Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

The equivalent of eighteen months of public contact experience obtaining, analyzing and evaluating data (i.e., credit investigation, referral and placement or collection work;

OR

forty-five semester hours of accredited college or university course work;

OR

post high school training, workshops, or seminars that are directly related to the programs administered by the agency may be substituted for the above education on the basis that forty contact hours is equivalent to three semester hours of accredited college course work;

OR

an equivalent combination of any of the above.

SELECTIVE CERTIFICATION

For designated positions the appointing authority, with Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise prior approval, may request those applicants possessing a minimum of twelve semester hours of education, six months of experience, or a combination of both, or a specific certificate, license, or endorsement in the following areas:

863 ability to speak Spanish fluently

Applicants wishing to be considered for such designated positions must list applicable coursework, experience, certificate, license, or endorsement on the application.

NOTE:

Must be free to travel occasionally and work varied hours. Employees must arrange transportation to and from assigned work areas.

Effective Date: 7/93 FL