Human Rights InvestigatorCITY OF IOWA CITY - Job Description
Job Class #15-07 FLSA Exempt
Civil Service
Identification
Position Title: Human Rights Investigator
Department: City Manager’s Office
Division: Human Rights
Supervisor: Human Rights Coordinator & Equity Director
Job Summary
Receives, processes and investigates complaints alleging unlawful discrimination in employment, public
accommodations, housing, credit and education within the jurisdiction of the City, with the exception of
the University of Iowa. Assists Human Rights Coordinator in implementing reports, programs and
activities for the Human Rights Commission and the Equity Director on the City’s racial equity initiatives.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
Receives, processes and investigates complaints alleging discrimination; conducts legal research
and makes recommendations as to whether probable cause exists on complaints.
Drafts questions, letters and summaries.
Corresponds with parties involved in discrimination complaints.
Answers questions from public regarding discrimination.
Provides assistance to the public as it relates to unlawful discrimination in the areas covered by the
Human Rights ordinance and makes referrals to appropriate agencies as needed.
Conducts legal research.
Reviews recent court opinions and activities regarding unlawful discrimination.
Prepares and assists in the creation of specialized materials, correspondence, brochures,
advertisements, flyers and other outreach efforts on unlawful discrimination.
Makes public presentations and participates in trainings regarding illegal discrimination and racial
equity.
Organizes complaint files, prepares investigative summaries.
Keeps schedules for each complaint file which are reported out on monthly basis.
Follow s mandates of the Human Rights ordinance.
Drafts recommendations and updates on the Human Rights ordinance.
Job Class #15-07 Human Rights
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Assists in preparing the annual report on racial equity.
Assists in preparing the annual Human Rights Commission report.
Works with all departments to maintain consistency and professionalism and provides a “seamless”
service to the public and other agencies.
Serves as point of contact for the Human Rights division on the STAR Community Rating System.
Conducts self in a manner which promotes and supports diversity and inclusivity in the workplace
and community.
Performs all other related duties as assigned.
Physical and Environmental Conditions
The physical demands and work environment conditions described here are representative of those
that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job and are
encountered while performing those essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made
to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger,
handle, or feel; and talk and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach
with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific
vision abilities required by this job include close vision.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Minimum Education, Experience and Certification
Bachelor’s degree in a related field from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body plus a minimum of one year experience relating to civil rights enforcement or similar
investigative work required. Valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record required. Must be 18
years of age per Iowa Code 92.8. Must pass criminal background check.
Preferred Education, Experience and Certification
Juris Doctor/Doctorate degree from an educational institution accredited by a DOE recognized
accreditation body strongly preferred and may substitute for experience. Proficiency with Microsoft
Office strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of civil rights law, interviewing, and investigative techniques. Skills in legal research, oral
and written communication. Skill in observing, reading and interpreting legally written materials. Skill in
performing mathematical functions in order to interpret statistical data. Ability to remain an impartial fact
finder, collect and analyze data, and summarize and produce written findings.
Job Class #15-07 Human Rights
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The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by
individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties,
and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.