HRC Investigator I/II, (Grade 20/23)

Please note: The salary range above represents this position’s earning potential. The anticipated hiring range for this position will be, if filled at the Investigator I Level, Grade 20 - $69,601 to $105,255; and if filled at the Investigator II Level, Grade 23 - $78,929 to $125,704, based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

WHO WE ARE

The Office of Human Rights (HRC) in Montgomery County, MD, promotes fairness and equity through compliance, community outreach, and various programs. It offers resources on civil rights, fair housing, and conducts events, to foster a diverse and inclusive community. HRC was established by law to help avoid and conciliate intergroup friction and to enforce human rights laws. The Mission of the HRC seeks to:

• Enforce Montgomery County's human rights laws in employment, public accommodation, and housing.
• Make parties, both private and corporate, aware of their rights and obligations under the County's human rights laws.
• Provide leadership, advocacy, education, and support for fair housing practices in the County. Perform investigative testing to identify barriers to fair housing and act on findings. Mobilize effective community partnerships with residents, the real estate industry, businesses, other public agencies, and non-profit groups.
• Provide support to victims of hate/violence incidents and offer victim compensation through the Hate/Violence Partnership Fund.
• Promote sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity through educational programs and community dialogues.
• Initiate, analyze or promote new legislation which would further the agency's mission.
• Maintain and enhance agency visibility and interaction with the community by participating in special events.

The Compliance Section is the civil rights enforcement operation of the Office of Human Rights. It has jurisdiction over private employers in Montgomery County (including the Montgomery County Government), real estate transactions (both housing and commercial real estate), and places of public accommodation. The Compliance Section receives, investigates and resolves formal complaints of alleged violations of Montgomery County Code Chapter 27. For more information about Compliance and Complaints, see https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/office-human-rights/compliance-complaints.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The Office of Human Rights is seeking to fill an Investigator I/II position for our team in Rockville, Maryland. When underfilling, all candidates are reviewed for the lower-level position.

We are looking for a highly motivated and experienced Investigator I/II with an extensive background in conducting intake interviews, preparing and processing complaints, investigating allegations, analyzing evidence, and writing recommended decisions regarding alleged violations under worker protection and anti-discrimination laws.

This role requires an individual who is eager to serve our community by promoting fair practices and ensuring compliance with human, civil, social, and equal rights. The ideal candidate is capable of communicating professionally and working effectively with colleagues, the public, parties on either side of a complaint, attorneys involved in investigations, and our partner agencies and organizations. This role is ideal for a qualified candidate who excels at efficiently navigating complex situations, issues, and processes while applying diplomatic skills and knowledge of the applicable laws (particularly Montgomery County Code Chapter 27).

Investigators work with constituents who believe their rights have been violated in the workplace, or who have experienced discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations (services and business transactions offered to the public). Investigators support the mission of the Office of Human Rights to enforce worker protections and anti-discrimination laws within Montgomery County, Maryland, to promote an equitable and inclusive community.

Key responsibilities include:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Considerable knowledge of and skill in applying fact-finding methods, interview techniques, analysis, and resolution of complex problems. This includes skill in reasoning and decision-making. 

• Knowledge of the structure, practices, procedures, and standards of businesses or of specific operating practices covered by the laws and regulations being enforced. 

• Knowledge of a technical specialty related to the field of assignment may be required (employment or housing). 

• Good interpersonal skills to interact effectively with diverse individuals on significant matters. 

• Skill in handling complex negotiations with tact, resourcefulness, integrity, and good judgment. 

• Skill in verbal communication to establish factual evidence, help mediate or negotiate settlements, and testify in hearings and court. 

• Skill in written communication to review and prepare correspondence, case documentation, settlement agreements, and other written materials. 

• Skill in using modern office software and specialized databases to monitor, communicate, analyze data, and perform other tasks. 

• Skill in working independently, including planning, organizing, and coordinating the work effort. 

• Ability and willingness to attend meetings or perform work at locations outside the office, when necessary.

1. Writing Sample: If selected for interview, you will be required to produce a writing sample. Do not include a writing sample in your application. Instructions about submitting a writing sample will be provided when the interview is scheduled. 

2. Probation: The individual appointed will be required to serve a probationary period of six (6) months, during which time performance will be carefully evaluated. Continued employment in this role will depend on successful performance during the probationary period.

3. Teleworking: Teleworking is determined by County policy. Teleworking is a privilege, and not a right. Each department has specifications as to when an employee may telework. Telework decisions are dependent on required job functions, composition of the work group, performance of job expectations, and other factors. During the Probationary Period of this job, there is no Telework allowed. After successful completion of the Probationary Period, Telework privileges will be defined by the Department. 

4. Background Statement: A background investigation will be conducted into the selected candidate prior to appointment, and it will be a significant factor in the hiring decision.

5. Financial Disclosure Requirement: The selected candidate will be required to complete and submit a Financial Disclosure Statement. 

6. Evening and Weekend Hours: This position requires the ability to work some evenings and weekends.

7. Working Offsite Locations: This position requires the ability to attend meetings or perform work at offsite locations.

8. Physical Requirements: This position may require the ability to walk up and down steps when attending meetings or working outside the office. This position requires prolonged sitting, frequent use of a computer and telephone, and the ability to maintain focus and productivity while seated for the majority of the workday.

9. Multilingual Skills: Candidates with multilingual communication skills (verbal and written) in Spanish, Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, or French are strongly preferred.

If filled at an Investigator I (Grade 20) level:

Experience: Two (2) years of experience in an investigatory capacity related to Human Rights or Social Services.

If filled at an Investigator II (Grade 23) level:

Experience: Three (3) years of experience in an investigatory capacity related to Human Rights or Social Services.

Preferred Criteria: 

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent and relevance of training and experience in the following areas: