Human Relations Commission Investigator

City of Reading, PA; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Reading, PA is seeking an investigator to receive complaints for investigation and to resolve disputes through mediation, conciliation, and other resolutions. The role involves interviewing, fact-finding, and preparing case materials for potential litigation.

The position requires negotiating and mediation experience, a high school diploma (associate degree preferred), and a valid driver’s license. Travel within the city is expected as part of investigations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required, Associate degree preferred.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Experience in negotiating, problem solving, conciliation and/or mediation methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop case profiles through facts of a complaint via interviews, fact-finding conferences, and document assessment.
• Notify clients of complaint status within 30 days.
• Gather information for case review with the HRC Executive Director.
• Determine if pleadings are complete and parties have received required documents and rules.
• Interview parties to explore mutually acceptable resolutions and document versions.
• Document case management and prepare materials for possible litigation.
• Maintain confidential case files including national materials.
• Interview witnesses and obtain relevant documents from parties or witnesses.
• Abide by federal, state and local regulations governing Human Relations enforcement.
• Communicate recommendations to the Commission regarding final determination.
• Prepare, file and document complaints requesting relief under the HRC ordinance.
• Communicate with the City Solicitor on case files.
• Participate in educational and Commission programs.
• Travel in the city for investigations and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job description

To receive filed and or transferred complaints for investigation. The position will be responsible for resolving complaints through mediation, conciliation, and other types of resolutions.

Typical job duties include but not limited to:

• Develop case profiles through relative facts of a complaint, by methods of interviewing, fact-finding conferences, assessment of documents, discovery and onsite field investigations.
• Notify clients of the status of their complaint within 30 days.
• Gather all relevant information in a timely manner for case review with the HRC Executive Director.
• Determine if the pleadings are complete and the parties have received a copy of the pleadings as well as the rules and regulations of the Commission.
• Determine if the parties can reach a mutually acceptable resolution of the dispute. If a resolution agreement is not possible; the Investigator shall interview the parties offering each a responsible opportunity to present his/her version of the allegations of discrimination in writing and or in person.
• Thoroughly document case management to substantiate accuracy of the facts, as well as prepare all supportive information and documents for possible future litigation.
• Maintain a confidential file of all case materials including national-level materials which may come through the Commission office.
• Interview witnesses of both the complainant and or the respondent whom he/she believes to have information relevant to the allegations and shall obtain relevant documents from the parties or their witnesses and submit the data and document sheet/request for information.
• Abide by current federal, state and local regulations pertaining to Human Relations enforcement of ordinances and laws.
• To communicate and make recommendations to the Commission regarding final case determination.
• Prepare, file and document complaints requesting relief and remedy under the HRC ordinance of the City of Reading.
• Communicate with the City Solicitor regarding case files.
• Participate in educational and Commission programs.
• This position reports to the HRC Executive Director.
• Travel throughout the city for investigative purposes and possible out-of-town training.
• Perform other duties as may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Requirements/Experience

• Minimum of a High School Diploma, Associates degree in a related field preferred
• Valid Driver’s license
• Experience in negotiating, problem solving, conciliation and/or mediation methods