Human Relations Director

Definition of Class

• Director proactively manages overall operations and staff of the Human Relations Commission, a quasi- judicial agency charged with enforcing the Erie County HRC Ordinance, which works to prevent discrimination in the areas of housing, employment, and public accommodations. The Director processes discrimination complaints to determine their merit, works with investigators, consults with agency attorneys, disposes of complaints, monitors the appeals process, and works closely with the Enforcement Commission and Advisory Board to achieve the mission of the Agency, keeping the bodies active and involved in the process. Director conducts intakes, performs investigative work, and coordinates community education and outreach as directed by the Commission and County Council. Director reports directly to County Clerk.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage the HRC Office, staff, budget and operations. Fulfills the roles and responsibilities of other HRC staff as necessary in their absence including claims investigations, performing clerical duties, and ensuring the general cleaning and maintenance of the office and facility.
• Coordinate the meetings and activities of the Human Relations Commission and Advisory Board.
• Process and investigate complaints of alleged discrimination that may be then turned over to the agency attorney; following proper procedures, ensuring the confidentiality of both complainants and respondents, while adhering to Pennsylvania and Erie County statutes.
• Educate the Community on the role of the HRC Office and the Ordinance through educational presentations to civic groups, employer organizations, churches and the general public.
• Make recommendations to the Commission and County Council on policy matters.
• Represent the Commission in dealings with Federal, State, and local agencies, organizations and private citizens to achieve compliance with the law and foster a culture of tolerance and acceptance in Erie County.
• Coordinator for County ADA Roundtable meetings manages ADA “concern” line and email.
• Meet with the Agency attorney on a regular basis to process casework.
• Manage the Agency’s webpage.
• Write and coordinate Agency’s advertising.
• Manage the Agency’s budget on a daily basis.
• Integrate the Commission and Advisory Board in the daily matters of the Agency.
• Provide quarterly updates to Council on the activities of the Agency and the Commission (rather than yearly).
• Present themselves as a public representative of the agency in a manner which creates high profile.
• The above statements reflect the general details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Knowledge of the Erie County Human Relations Commission ordinance and its application in alleged cases of discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation on the basis of sex, disability, gender identification, criminal history, and source of income.
• Knowledge and skill in the use of computers and the Microsoft office suite of software.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws relating to discrimination in the areas of housing and employment.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate a comprehensive Human Relations Commission community outreach program.
• Ability to exercise a high degree of confidentiality, tact, and diplomacy.
• Ability to present information and ideas clearly and concisely both orally, and in writing.
• Ability to appreciate diverse segments of the community.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management, Public Administration, Social Services, Law, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of Supervisory/Management Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with the Federal, State, and local laws governing discrimination including issues or law related to housing, employment, and public accommodations.