HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR I

Governor of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dedicated team committed to upholding civil rights in Illinois. As a Human Rights Investigator, you'll conduct thorough investigations into discrimination claims, ensuring justice and fairness for all. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a real impact while enjoying a robust benefits package, including competitive insurance, paid leave, and a pension program. If you're organized, self-motivated, and passionate about civil rights, this position is your chance to contribute to meaningful change in your community.

Benefits

Pension Program

Health, Life, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Personal Business Days

Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation Time

Paid Holidays

Flexible Work Schedules

Paid Parental Leave

Deferred Compensation Program

Commuter Savings Program

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge equivalent to completion of four years of college.
• Must complete an agency-sponsored training program.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth investigations into allegations of discrimination.
• Manage and process a caseload of investigations.
• Write comprehensive reports analyzing evidence.

Skills

Investigative Skills

Analytical Skills

Report Writing

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Business, Public Administration, or Social Sciences

Job description

Job Requisition ID:47059
Closing Date: 05/21/2025
Agency:Department of Human Rights
Class Title:HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR I - 19774
Skill Option:None
Bilingual Option:None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,179 monthly; Full Range: $5,179-$7,341 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category:Full Time
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 1
Bargaining Unit Code:RC062
Merit Comp Code:

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

This is the target title to the Human Rights Investigator Trainee title. This position requires successful completion of an agency-sponsored training program. Please apply to the Human Rights Investigator Trainee title if you don’t meet this requirement.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights is seeking highly motivated and organized individuals to assist the Department with conducting in-depth, neutral investigations into allegations of unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. A Human Rights Investigator is responsible for managing and processing a caseload of investigations through completion, with monthly case assignment and production expectations. Day-to-day work involves counseling complainants, ascertaining jurisdiction, interviewing parties to the charge, collecting information, and extensive reading of documentation obtained. Completing the investigation requires writing comprehensive reports, containing an extensive analysis of evidence and witness statements, and interpretation of the law consistent with operating procedures. Individuals successful in this role have the ability and will to read, comprehend, and analyze a large quantity of information while applying law and the Department’s operating procedures, and plan next steps for the investigation as necessary. Individuals working in this role must be organized, be able to work independently and be self-motivated to write multi-page detailed reports.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program

• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance

• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually

• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)

• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)

  • Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)

• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years

• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)

• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave

• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan

• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)

• GI BillTraining/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans

• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions

• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link:https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Essential Functions

• Performs discrimination charge intake duties and responsibilities interviews and counsels walk-in mail -in and telephone inquiry potential complainants by ascertaining agency jurisdiction reviews questionnaire forms and letters from potential complainants and other evidential records furnished before taking a charge.
• Submits recommendations for action of complainant allegations to Human Rights Program Administrator in the form of a written charge.
• Collects evaluates and analyzes the required information to take perfected and on occasion unperfected charges of discrimination.
• Logs all intake activity on a daily basis by recording the number of walk-in inquiries mail -in inquiries telephone inquiries the number of perfected and unperfected charges taken the number of inquiries referred the number of charges not filed and the number of inquiries over which the Department has no jurisdiction.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college preferably with coursework in business, public, or personnel administration or social sciences.
• Requires completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least (1) year experience collecting and analyzing testimony and/or records and applying rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures to make a written recommendation.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience managing multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience writing professional documents or extensive reports for presentation at an executive or equivalent level.
• Prefers at least one (1) year experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of people, including members of the general public, management, colleagues, and/or legal or government representatives.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Illinois Department of Human Rights

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) is a state agency charged with the enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act"). The Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations (including education). IDHR protects and guarantees the rights of all Illinoisans to be free from unlawful discrimination by receiving and investigating claims of unlawful discrimination. Moreover, the Act prohibits retaliation against a person who has opposed that which is reasonably and in good faith believed to be unlawful discrimination; prohibits the aiding, abetting, compelling or coercion of a person to commit a violation of the Act; and prohibits the willful interference with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Department or one of its officers or employees. At the forefront of protecting civil rights, IDHR welcomes all candidates for employment to apply for any position for which they are qualified. Join IDHR in its mission to secure an Illinois free from discrimination.

Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Work Location: 555 West Monroe Street, Chicago IL 60661

Position will be in-office for the first six (6) months and is thereafter eligible for a hybrid remote work schedule subject to management approval.
Agency Contact: Shawna Lamsargis
Email: [e-mail]
Phone #: [phone]
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so.

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of theIllinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon.

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of theIllinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com– click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• [e-mail]
• [e-mail]