Human Rights Specialist

South Dakota State Government; Pierre (SD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Labor and Management, seeks a Human Rights Specialist to investigate discrimination complaints and provide technical assistance to employers and the public. Strong communication, research, and analytical skills are essential for impartial determinations and persuasively guiding settlements.

This full-time position offers competitive pay, Veterans' Preference eligibility, and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience handling inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination under state or federal law or municipal ordinance.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to conduct legal research and interpret statutes, regulations, and division processes.

Responsibilities

• Handle inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination under state or federal law or municipal ordinance.
• Investigate complaints and determine appropriate action, including settlement discussions as needed.
• Draft correspondence and explain division processes to stakeholders in a clear, neutral manner.

Skills

Oral communication

Written communication

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Legal research

Judgment

Critical thinking

Empathy

Statutes interpretation

Professional demeanor

Office technology

Job description

Job ID: 37726

Agency: Department of Labor & Regulation - Division of Labor & Management - Human Rights Division

Location:Vermillion, SDSalary: $23.56-$26.50/hr, depending on qualifications

Pay Grade: H

Closing Date: 09/30/2026

The Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Labor and Management is seeking a person who is inquisitive and analytical with excellent communication skills to join our team as a Human Rights Specialist in our Human Rights Division. The Human Rights Division promotes equal opportunity by administering the South Dakota Human Relations Act of 1972. The Division investigates formal complaints filed by people who believe they have been discriminated against. If it finds a complaint is justified, the Division will attempt to settle the complaint by conference and conciliation, and to permanently correct any discriminatory practices. The Division offers technical assistance to employers, labor unions, real estate agents, landlords and any others interested in affirmative action and voluntary compliance with South Dakota law. The Division also provides public information and works with individuals, civil rights groups, and civil and professional organizations to promote equal opportunity for all South Dakotans.

This is a full-time position with the Department of Labor & Regulation. For more information on the Department of Labor & Regulation, please visit https://dlr.sd.gov/.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Experience handling inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination under state or federal law or municipal ordinance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• demonstrated oral communication skills, including the ability to verbally communicate effectively to a diverse audience;
• demonstrated written communication skills, including the ability to draft correspondence to diverse audiences in a clear, concise manner;
• demonstrated attention to detail;
• demonstrated organizational skills, including prioritization of tasks and time management in order to meet deadlines.
• demonstrated ability to conduct legal research to gather pertinent information.
• demonstrated sound judgment, including the ability to confidently determine the appropriate course of action when reviewing claims;
• demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills, including having the ability to evaluate information in order to apply knowledge and to decide on the most appropriate course of action;
• demonstrated ability to exhibit empathy and sensitivity, while maintaining neutrality and engaging with parties diplomatically in sensitive cases;
• demonstrated ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, procedures, and division processes to ensure compliance;
• professional demeanor.
• proficiency in the use of modern office technology.

This position is eligible for Veterans' Preference per ARSD 55:10:02:08.

NCRC: If you possess a National Career Readiness Certificate, please submit the certificate with your application. For more information on how to acquire a National Career Readiness Certificate contact a South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation Job Service Office. A certificate is not necessary to be considered.

The State of South Dakota does not sponsor work visas for new or existing employees. All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete an Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. The State of South Dakota as an employer will be using E-Verify to complete employment eligibility verification upon hire.

The State of South Dakota offers $0 premium employee health insurance option plus eleven paid holidays, generous vacation and sick leave accrual, dental, vision, and other insurance options, and retirement benefits. You can view our benefits information here . This position is a member of Class A retirement under SDRS.

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone] Email: [e-mail]

http://bhr.sd.gov/workforus

'An Equal Opportunity Employer'

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