HUMAN RIGHTS MEDIATOR

State of Illinois; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 93,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

3 Personal Business Days

12 Paid Sick Days

Paid Vacation 10–25 days

Job summary

State of Illinois seeks a Human Rights Mediator in Chicago to organize, plan, and evaluate the Mediation Program under the Director of Mediation and Special Projects. The role combines mediation expertise with policy implementation and stakeholder collaboration.

Minimum qualifications include a four-year college degree, mediator certification, and at least one year of related experience; the position is unionized with comprehensive benefits and a hybrid in-office schedule.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with coursework in business or public administration.
• Requires one year of professional experience in mediating disputes, preferably including discrimination issues.
• Requires certification as a mediator (minimum 40-hour program) from an approved certifying organization.

Responsibilities

• Mediates approximately five DHR charges per week by communicating the availability and advantages of the Mediation Program and convening a meeting with the parties.
• Recommends, revises and implements substantive and administrative policies to assist in the operation of the Mediation Program.
• Organizes and prepares files for mediation conferences, logs in parties, drafts paperwork for mediated charges.
• Communicates and gathers information related to the IDHR mediation process.

Education

Four-year college degree

Job description

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We continually strive for a workforce that reflects the growing diversity within the State of Illinois. A variety of employee backgrounds, perspectives, ideas and experiences are crucial to our ability to most effectively serve the public. Bilingual skills welcome

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

The State of Illinois is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities. Further, federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job, interview for a job, or for any other activity related to the hiring process. Examples of reasonable accommodation include, but are not limited to, making a change to the application process (if possible), providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment.

To be provided a Reasonable Accommodation during the hiring process, you will need to provide a certification of disability from a physician, psychiatrist, school official or an Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Counselor. Supporting documentation should be uploaded under My Documents → Additional Documents section for each application.

Any questions on Reasonable Accommodations can be directed to Central Management Services Disability Resource Center at [e-mail] or call [phone] for further information and to request or discuss an accommodation.

Sponsorship for Employment

The State of Illinois does not provide sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status), nor is the State able to provide extensions of optional practical training (OPT) under the STEM-designated degree program for F-1 students. To be considered for permanent employment with the State of Illinois, applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Disclosure of Salary Information

In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, 820 ILCS 112/1 et seq., the State does not seek, request, or require a job applicant’s wage or salary history. Employment decisions are not made based on an applicant’s wage or salary history. To that end, please do not include wage or salary information in your resume or other profile or application materials.

Job Requisition ID:59166Opening Date: 10/06/2026Closing Date: 10/21/2026Agency: Department of Human RightsClass Title:HUMAN RIGHTS MEDIATOR - 19771Skill Option:NoneBilingual Option:NoneSalary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,834 monthly; Full Range: $5,834-$8,307 monthlyJob Type: SalariedCategory:Full TimeNumber of Vacancies: 1Bargaining Unit Code:RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCMEMerit Comp Code:Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 3 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needsHeadquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661Work County: CookAgency Contact: Eric.Loera @ illinois.gov

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

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

Under the general direction of the Public Service Administrator, Director of Mediation and Special Projects, who organizes, plans, executes, controls and evaluates the Mediation Program.

Benefits Statement

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

• 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
• Mediates approximately five DHR charges per week by communicating the availability and advantages of the Mediation Program and convening a meeting with the parties.
• Recommends, revises and implements substantive and administrative policies to assist in the operation of the Mediation Program.
• Organizes and prepares files for mediation conferences, logs in parties, drafts paperwork for mediated charges.
• Communicates and gathers information related to the IDHR mediation process.
• 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 or public administration.
• Requires one year of professional experience which includes mediating disputes, preferably including those dealing with discrimination issues, or, requires completion of an approved training.
• Requires certification as a mediator (miminimum 40-hour program) from an approved certifying organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least one (1) year of experience interpreting and applying the Human Rights Act or relevant federal law in mediating charges of discrimination.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience communicating effectively via virtual meeting, written correspondence and email, while working with individuals in conflict to reach mutually acceptable outcomes.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience identifying key issues and facts and proposing plausible alternatives.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience utilizing case management software, Microsoft Office Suite, Cisco WebEx, Adobe, or similar programs to communicate and prepare reports and other case-related documentation.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires the ability to travel occasionally with the possibility of overnight stays.

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the 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 byreceiving 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.

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