Intern- Human Rights Investigator (Spring)

State of South Dakota; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Department of Labor & Regulation in South Dakota is seeking a Human Rights Investigator Intern for the Spring session. You will assist in conducting impartial investigations of discrimination complaints and gain hands-on experience in investigative techniques, evidence gathering, and report preparation.

The role emphasizes strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with a focus on confidentiality and ethics.

Qualifications

• APPLICANT MUST BE A CURRENT PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME STUDENT (MINIMUM OF 6 CREDIT HOURS) IN UPCOMING SEMESTER OR IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SEMESTER.
• Enrollment in college/university/technical institute at application time; completed one year of program by start.
• Preference given to South Dakota residents and students of SD institutions.
• Background check required; arrest/conviction not necessarily bars employment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; detail-oriented; able to work independently or in a team; proficient in MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Analyze documentary evidence, witness statements, and legal arguments related to discrimination complaints.
• Conduct legal research regarding state and federal civil rights statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Assist in gathering relevant information to support investigations.
• Assist in preparing detailed investigative reports and summaries under supervision.
• Support the investigator in identifying issues, evaluating evidence, and documenting findings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards.
• Perform other investigation-related administrative tasks as assigned.

Skills

Research skills

Writing skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

MS Office

Education

Currently enrolled student

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Session: Spring (January - May)

Position Title: Human Rights InvestigatorIntern

Session: Spring (January - May)

Position Title: Human Rights InvestigatorIntern

Hiring Manager: Katlyn Gustafson

Agency: Department of Labor & Regulation

Location: Pierre, Sioux Falls, Rapid City, or Aberdeen, SD

Minimum Salary: $18.83/hr

• APPLICANT MUST BE A CURRENT PART-TIME OR FULL-TIME STUDENT (MINIMUM OF 6 CREDIT HOURS) IN UPCOMING SEMESTER OR IN THE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING SEMESTER.

Position Description

The Human Rights Investigator Intern will assist in conducting thorough and impartial investigations of discrimination complaints filed with the South Dakota Division of Human Rights. This internship offers practical experience in investigative techniques, evidence gathering, legal research, and report preparation within the framework of civil rights enforcement.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze documentary evidence, witness statements, and legal arguments related to discrimination complaints.
• Conduct legal research regarding state and federal civil rights statutes, regulations, and case law.
• Assist in gathering relevant information to support investigations.
• Assist in preparing detailed investigative reports and summaries under the supervision of a staff investigator and attorney.
• Support the investigator in identifying issues, evaluating evidence, and documenting findings.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to professional ethical standards.
• Perform other investigation-related administrative tasks as assigned.

The ideal candidate will possess strong research, writing, and analytical skills. They will demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication abilities. The candidate must be detail-oriented, have strong organizational skills, and be able to maintain confidentiality. They should be capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a team. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic research tools is required.

Qualifications

Applicant must be enrolled as a part-time/full-time student at a college, university, or technical institute at the time they apply. By the start of the internship, the student should have completed one year (nine months) of their chosen program.

All students are encouraged to apply, but preference may be given to applicants with a standing of junior/senior, South Dakota residents, and students of South Dakota institutions.

Successful applicant(s) will be required to undergo a background investigation. An arrest/conviction record will not necessarily bar employment.

• Positions can be filled prior to the closing date.*South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration

Telephone: [phone]

"An Equal Opportunity Employer"