Human Rights Specialist

South Dakota AG; Vermillion (SD); On-site; USD 67,502,000 - 75,933,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance option

11 paid holidays

Generous vacation and sick leave accrü

Dental and vision insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation, Division of Labor and Management - Human Rights Division in Vermillion, SD, is seeking a Human Rights Specialist to investigate complaints and promote equal opportunity under the South Dakota Human Relations Act.

Qualifications

• Experience handling inquiries and/or complaints of discrimination under state or federal law or municipal ordinance.
• Demonstrated oral communication skills with diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated written communication skills with clear, concise correspondence.
• Attention to detail and strong organizational skills to meet deadlines.
• Ability to conduct legal research to gather pertinent information.
• Sound judgment to determine appropriate actions when reviewing claims.
• Empathy and neutrality while engaging with parties in sensitive cases.
• Ability to read, understand, interpret, apply, and explain statutes, regulations, procedures, and division processes.

Skills

oral communication

written communication

attention to detail

organization and time management

legal research

judgment and decision-making

empathy and neutrality

statutes/regulations understanding

Tools

office software

Job description

Job ID: 37726

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

Location: Vermillion, SD

Salary: $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.

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"