Civil Rights Specialist II

Boston Housing Authority; Boston, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12 paid holidays

3 weeks vacation

3 weeks paid sick leave

MBTA discount

City pension plan

Medical coverage through Commonwealth

Job summary

Boston Housing Authority in Boston is seeking a Civil Rights Specialist II to coordinate the Civil Rights Protection Plan for residents and applicants, and to conduct employee investigations under the Workplace Harassment Policy.

The role reports to the Director Civil Rights and will assist with policy research, writing, staff training, and complaint reporting, maintaining related communications and databases.

Qualifications

• A recent Juris Doctorate (JD) degree is required.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of civil rights and fair housing laws preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Responsibilities

• Conduct civil rights and fair housing investigations involving BHA clients.
• Assist in internal investigations of employee civil rights and internal discrimination complaints.
• Maintain thorough and well-documented investigative notes and reports.
• Develop and draft comprehensive, unbiased written reports with findings and recommendations.
• Use databases to document actions taken in civil rights matters.
• Refer cases to City of Boston for enforcement of housing discrimination where appropriate.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Analytical thinking

Investigations

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Posting Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026

Application Deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

General Description

Under the supervision of the Director Civil Rights, the Civil Rights Specialist II will coordinate the implementation of the Civil Rights Protection Plan covering residents and applicants. The Civil Rights Specialist II will also conduct employee investigations under the Workplace Harassment Policy. The Civil Rights Specialist II will assist in complaint response procedures, including investigation of and reporting on complaints under the Civil Rights policies, and will be responsible for maintaining related communications and databases. This individual will also assist with policy research and implementation, writing, and staff training as necessary.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Conducts civil rights and fair housing investigations involving BHA clients.
• Assists in internal investigations of employee civil rights and internal discrimination complaints on behalf of the Office of Civil Rights.
• Maintains a thorough and well-documented investigative process by gathering and documenting evidentiary material and maintaining accurate and thorough notes
• Analyzes and logically comes to conclusions and investigative outcomes.
• Develops and drafts comprehensive, unbiased written reports.
• Issues detailed reports containing findings of fact and recommendations.
• Uses database for documenting actions taken in civil rights matters.
• Refers cases to the City of Boston for increased enforcement of Housing Choice Voucher recipient discrimination.
• Assists in administration of the affirmatively furthering fair housing policy.
• Performs other related duties as required and assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

A recent Juris Doctorate (JD) degree is required. Working knowledge of state and federal civil rights and fair housing laws and regulations is preferred, as well as familiarity with civil rights issues and employment law issues. Knowledge of public housing and/or Section 8 programs, or prior experience working with low income individuals, is preferred. Must have demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills, including ability to work with diverse populations. Excellent analytical and writing skills, sufficient to draft reports and related documents, are essential. A demonstrated ability to work independently and to be self-directed. Must be able to responsibly handle confidential information and exercise good judgment. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook is required. Bilingual Spanish applicants are preferred.

BHA BENEFITS

BHA’s generous benefits package includes 12 paid holidays, 5 personal days, 3 weeks of vacation, 3 weeks of paid sick leave, MBTA discount, participation in the City’s pension plan, and healthcare through the Commonwealth, and much more.

ABOUT US

Boston Housing Authority (BHA) fosters sustainable communities by providing quality affordable housing, bringing stability, opportunity, and peace of mind to thousands of low and moderate-income families across Greater Boston and the City of Boston as a whole. As the largest provider of affordable housing in Boston, one of the most expensive cities in the country, BHA understands housing as a crucial platform for individual, household, and community stability. Through our public housing communities and rental assistance programs, BHA provides housing assistance and services to more than 62,000 low and moderate-income households, including families with children, older adults, and individuals with disabilities. As a housing authority, we recognize the historical role that residential segregation has played in the City of Boston. In all aspects of our operations, internally and externally, BHA is committed to breaking down the barriers to justice in housing and related fields that disproportionately impact the communities we serve.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

BHA is a proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer, and qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, physical or mental disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, and military and veteran status, or any other basis protected by local, state or federal law. To the greatest extent possible, it is the policy of BHA to give preference in employment to BHA public housing and leased housing residents, and to low-income persons.