What are the responsibilities and job description for the Civil Rights Investigator position at City of Cedar Rapids, IA?
The City of Cedar Rapids is looking to hire a Civil Rights Investigator to join the Civil Rights department. In this role, you will be responsible for conducting investigations into complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit, and education. You will be gathering evidence, interview witnesses, analyze findings, and prepare comprehensive reports to ensure compliance with civil rights laws and policies. If you are passionate about civil rights and have a strong investigative mindset, we encourage you to apply!
About our Organization
About our Community
About the Position
Investigates complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, credit, and education; facilitates alternative dispute resolution, and provides outreach and education to the community.
The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Conducts prompt, thorough, impartial and equitable investigations of discrimination in housing, employment, public accommodation, education, and credit.
- Develops and implements investigative plans and timelines, identifies and interviews involved parties, gathers and analyzes evidence, and prepares clear and comprehensive investigative reports.
- Provides objective recommendations on findings and/or appropriate remedial actions.
- Applies applicable statutes and legal standards to determine whether there is probable cause of discrimination, ensuring decisions are based on fairness and legal precedent.
- Responds to inquiries, requests, and complaints from the public in a respectful and accessible manner, providing clear explanations of rights, policies, and procedures.
- Provides testimony in legal proceedings as needed, ensuring professionalism and accuracy in reporting findings.
- Facilitates alternative dispute resolution to encourage fair and constructive resolutions between parties.
- Develops and delivers training, outreach programs, and participates in community events.
- Actively participates in community and City committees, including Commission meetings as needed.
- Makes referrals to appropriate agencies based on specific needs.
- Assists in developing content for newsletters, social media, and reports to effectively communicate with diverse audiences.
- Performs related work as required.
Required Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Social Sciences or a related field and one to three years of experience in the areas of civil rights enforcement, employment law, personnel policies and procedures, workplace investigations, alternate dispute resolution, equal employment opportunity, human resources and/or related work OR
- An equivalent combination of education and experience (i.e. one year of relevant experience may substitute for one year of education)
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse populations
- Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability for meeting deadlines under competing and strict deadline pressures
- Ability to speak a second language (e.g. Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, Swahili, Kirundi, etc.)
Work Schedule
- Monday-Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).
Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.
We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!
Multiple health insurance plans administered by Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield with low employee premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance (view our benefits summaries for more information: Choice Plan and Traditional Plan- )
- Expansive Wellness Program and low cost onsite exercise facilities
- Dental Insurance with Delta Dental of Iowa
- 100% city paid basic life insurance
- Other voluntary benefits offered including vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
- IPERS Retirement - Iowa Public Employees Retirement System, with contributions of 6.29% employee/ 9.44% City (IPERS)
- Deferred Compensation (IRS Section 457) retirement programs
- Generous paid time off AND 11 paid holidays per year
- Paid Parental Leave program with 4 weeks of paid time off
- Annual salary increases, AND an annual across-the-board increase (determined by available budget)
- Longevity Pay for years of service
- Educational assistance up to $3,000 per year
- A culture that is supportive and committed to professional development opportunities
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Employees may qualify for the PSLF program which forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer.
Salary : $3,000
