Human Relations Representative I (#MDDE01)
$40,446.00 Yearly Min / $50,558.00 Yearly Mid / $60,670.00 Yearly Max

The class incumbent is responsible for performing equal opportunity and civil rights compliance work involving the application of civil rights and equal opportunity laws, regulations, and precedent decisions and the ameliorations of intergroup community tensions and differences to eliminate illegal discrimination and remove barriers to equal opportunity.

A class incumbent performs with general supervision from a technical supervisor with technical guidance available from a Human Relations Representative II. An employee in this class is responsible for investigating and resolving allegations of discrimination in the areas of employment, housing and public accommodations. Work includes conducting interviews, field investigations, negotiations, settlement agreements, arranging and assisting at Human Relations Commission public hearings, case resolution and project design, and preparing for and conducting negotiations with complaining parties to arrive at a settlement agreement. Contact with community groups, civic organizations, federal, state and municipal agencies, consumer groups and the public to gather facts, present information and resolve problems is a significant aspect of the work. In addition, incumbents provide support function to the Human Relations Commission.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class.  Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Investigates and negotiates settlement agreements of charges of discriminatory practices in employment, housing, or public accommodations based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

• Interviews charging parties and their witnesses to obtain evidence relevant to the allegation of discrimination; contacts respondent's officials and representatives, and others to obtain additional relevant information.

• Reviews documentary evidence pertaining to personnel, housing or public accommodations policies and practices; drafts subpoenas when required to obtain documents, records, or testimony; determines that evidence is sufficient and investigative file is complete.

• Summarizes charges, itemizes undisputed facts, states facts germane to respondent's defense, and prepares report of the findings of investigation.

• Prepares complainants and respondents for public hearing; schedules, plans, organizes and records Human Relations Commission public/private hearings--verifies transcription upon legal appeal of a case decision as to accuracy of testimony.

• Makes presentations to interested groups/organizations concerning agency's functions, goals, and mandates; conducts training and informational seminars for employers' EEO/AA specialists, realtors, and various community oriented groups.

• Participates with and serves on boards, civic organizations, community groups, professional or non-profit organizations and related entities of mutual interest.

• Analyzes community social structure, groups, and organizations dedicated to alleviation of inter-group distinctions; organizes new community or special projects groups where need is demonstrated; serves as liaison among community groups and public and private agencies.

• Mediates disputes among neighbors which are interracial or interethnic in nature; seeks out root cause(s), impact, and dynamics of disputes; implements plans which may include assistance from outside resources to resolve disputes.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of appropriate Titles of the Delaware Code, Federal statutes, precedent court and administrative decisions, agency rules and procedures for conducting investigations and negotiating settlement agreements.
• Knowledge of employment practices in the public and private sectors.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, current developments, and legislation in the field of human relations.
• Knowledge of community resources available to assist in meeting problems regarding race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of investigation of discriminatory practices.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of gathering, compiling, and evaluating data regarding inter-group integration and discriminatory practices.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of effective presentation of educational and informational material to employees, unions,  community groups, and individuals.
• Ability to negotiate settlements in the public interest when important issues are at stake and respondents and complainants present strong cases.
• Ability to deal effectively with witnesses, complainants, respondents, and their representatives.
• Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in gaining their cooperation and motivating them to promote inter-group integration as well as to eliminate discrimination where possible.
• Ability to express ideas effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations, the general public, and private agencies.
• Ability to gather and analyze facts and evidence.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Human Relations Representative I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in conducting investigations which includes conducting interviews to obtain confidential information, gathering evidence and documenting findings.
2. Six months experience in determining compliance with laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
3. Six months experience in narrative report writing.
4. Knowledge of civil rights and equal opportunity laws, rules and regulations.