Civil Rights Intake Specialist

City of Davenport; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Davenport is seeking a Civil Rights Intake Specialist to provide professional intake, documentation, and preliminary evaluation of civil rights complaints. You will be the first point of contact for community members and ensure complaints are properly screened and processed.

Responsibilities include conducting intake interviews, coordinating case materials, maintaining confidential records, supporting investigations and mediations, and delivering trauma‑informed, culturally

Qualifications

• Graduation from a four-year college with a degree in political science, social sciences, public administration, law, or related field, and at least two years of professional experience in civil rights investigations, compliance, legal support, or case management.
• At least three years of professional experience in civil rights, compliance, legal support, or case management demonstrating confidentiality, documentation, interviewing, and intake processes.

Responsibilities

• Receive, review, and document civil rights complaints submitted to the Commission.
• Conduct initial intake interviews with complainants to gather relevant information, clarify concerns, and determine eligibility for investigation.
• Screen complaints for jurisdictional eligibility and refer as appropriate to senior staff or other agencies.
• Assist in coordinating investigations by organizing evidence, compiling case materials, and preparing summaries for senior staff.
• Maintain and update case management systems and ensure confidential record-keeping.

Skills

Intake interviews

Confidential records

Data analysis

Mediation

Cultural competency

Trauma-informed

Communication

Community engagement

Education

Juris Doctorate (JD)

Public administration

Political science

Job description

The Davenport Civil Rights Commission is the employer for this position.

Under the supervision of the Commission Director or Senior Civil Rights Analyst, the Civil Rights Intake Specialist provides professional support in the intake, documentation, and preliminary evaluation of civil rights complaints and mediations. This position serves as the first point of contact for community members and ensures complaints are properly screened, documented, and processed. The Specialist assists in the investigative process by compiling evidence, coordinating case flow, and supporting staff while maintaining culturally responsive and trauma-informed service delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, review, and document civil rights complaints submitted to the Commission.
• Conduct initial intake interviews with complainants to gather relevant information, clarify concerns, and determine eligibility for Commission investigation.
• Screen complaints for jurisdictional eligibility and refer as appropriate to senior staff or other agencies.
• Assist in coordinating investigations by organizing evidence, compiling case materials, and preparing summaries for senior staff.
• Maintain and update case management systems and ensure accurate, confidential record-keeping.
• Collect and organize documents, evidence, and other case materials for use by investigative staff.
• Assist investigators and analysts in preparing materials for hearings or administrative proceedings.
• Provide guidance and information to the public on civil rights processes, procedures, and available resources.
• Support outreach and education initiatives by preparing materials or facilitating community workshops.
• Monitor and track case progress to ensure timely handling and adherence to Commission policies.
• Assist in analyzing case data to identify trends and inform Commission reporting or program development.
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain knowledge of civil rights laws and culturally responsive practices.
• Facilitate civil rights mediations, working with parties to schedule sessions and achieve equitable settlement resolutions.
• Assist the Director and Commission staff in planning, updating procedures, and preparing for trainings or meetings.
• Manage schedules, arrange appointments, and assist with administrative tasks as needed.
• Communicate with the public to provide information, respond to questions, and guide parties through civil rights processes.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Education + Experience:
   • Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in political science, social sciences, public administration, law, or a related field, and at least two years of professional experience in civil rights investigations, compliance, legal support, or case management or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
2. Relevant Experience:
   • At least three years of professional experience in civil rights, compliance, legal support, or case management demonstrating experience with confidentiality, documentation, interviewing, and intake processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with two years of civil rights office work, mediation, or community dispute resolution experience.
• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) preferred.
• Bilingual skills (Spanish or Vietnamese) preferred.
• Familiarity with civil rights laws, regulations, and investigative procedures.
• Experience in customer service, community engagement, or trauma-informed interviewing.
• Strong organizational, writing, and data management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge of:

• Civil rights principles, laws, and complaint processes.
• Local, state, and federal civil rights and equal opportunity legislation, policies, and programs.
• Legal recourses available to complainants.
• Mediation techniques and principles of dispute resolution.
• Procedures for preparing and presenting civil rights complaints.
• Professional communication and customer service principles.
• Cultural competency, equity, and trauma-informed approaches in public service.
• Case management systems, documentation practices, and basic data analysis.
• Principles of professional communication and community engagement.

Skill in:

• Conducting structured intake interviews and gathering relevant information.
• Organizing and maintaining accurate and confidential records.
• Communicating clearly and effectively in both writing and speaking with diverse audiences.
• Applying basic analysis to identify trends, inconsistencies, or procedural gaps in complaints.
• Collaborating effectively with senior staff, investigators, and community members.
• Demonstrating empathy, active listening, and culturally responsive service.
• Prioritizing tasks and managing workload in a professional environment.
• Conducting mediations and facilitating resolution between parties.
• Presenting statements of fact and law clearly, logically, and professionally in both oral and written form.
• Analyzing situations and recommending appropriate courses of action.
• Communicating effectively with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.

Note:

This position may require occasional travel and varied hours. Employees are responsible for arranging transportation to and from assigned work areas.