Job Description

Job Requisition ID: 48192 
Closing Date: 08/22/2025
​Agency:  Department of Human Rights
Class Title: HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR I - 19774 
Skill Option:  None 
Bilingual Option:  Spanish
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary $5,384 monthly; Full Range: $5,384 - $7,631 monthly
Job Type: Salaried
Category: Full Time 
County: Cook
Number of Vacancies: 9
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code:  

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Human Rights is seeking highly motivated and organized individuals to assist the Department with conducting in-depth, neutral investigations into allegations of unlawful discrimination under the Illinois Human Rights Act. A Human Rights Investigator is responsible for managing and processing a caseload of investigations through completion, with monthly case assignment and production expectations. Day-to-day work involves counseling complainants, ascertaining jurisdiction, interviewing parties to the charge, collecting information, and extensive reading of documentation obtained. Completing the investigation requires writing comprehensive reports, containing an extensive analysis of evidence and witness statements, and interpretation of the law consistent with operating procedures.

Individuals successful in this role will have the ability to read, comprehend, and analyze a large quantity of information while applying law and the Department’s operating procedures, and plan next steps for the investigation as necessary. Individuals working in this role must be organized, be able to work independently and be self-motivated to write multi-page detailed reports.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: 

Essential Functions

• Under direction of the Public Service Administrator (Investigations Supervisor), investigates employment and public accomodations discrimination charges seeking information, documents and statistical data by mail, email and phone; when necessary, conducts on-site investigations to obtain and organize data relevant to the allegations contained in the charge; interviews witnesses, complainant, and respondent in person, by mail, email or phone as necessary; arranges schedule of work on a caseload with periodic review of supervisor. Translates unit functions or procedures and communicates at a colloquial level in Spanish with individuals who do not read or speak English. 
• Analyzes findings against agency rules and regulations, drafts and submits recommendations to supervisor in the form of detailes reports, consisting of factual documentation, witnesses' statements, and recommendations based on analysis of finding relative to charges.
• Conducts fact-finding conferences with complainant, respondent legal representative, and witnesses to define issues, discuss each party's position, determine which facts are disputes and obtain evidence.
• Prepares appropriate reports and submits recommendations to supervisor for cases in which Complainant withdraws or fails to proceed, in which the parties settle, win which the Department lacks jurisdiction to proceed, or other cases in which a detailed investigation report in not appropriate, according to established procedures.
• Explains provisions and application of the Human Rights Act and agency rules, procedures and regulations to complainant, respondents of their representatives, union representatives, and other interested persons.
• Negotiates legal and financial settlements or other resolutions of a charge between respondent and complainant, documents settlement terms which each party is seeking if no agreement is reached.
• Performs other duties as required and assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college preferably with
  coursework in business, public, or personnel administration or social sciences.
• Requires ability to speak and write in Spanish at a colloquial skill level in carrying out position duties in conjunction with
  non-English speaking individuals.
• Requires completion of an agency-sponsored training program.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Social Sciences, Criminal Justice, English or Pre-Law, that required extensive analysis and writing.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience creating legal or regulatory documentation (reports, correspondence, presentations) tailored to diverse audiences.
• Prefers at least two (2) years’ experience collaborating effectively with a range of stakeholders (complainants, respondents, agency personnel) in sensitive contexts.
• Prefers extensive knowledge of researching, collecting, and analyzing complex information and data such as relevant case law.
• Prefers working knowledge applying laws, interpreting regulations (especially the Illinois Human Rights Act) rules, and/or policy & procedures to make comprehensive written recommendations.
• Prefers working knowledge of legal terminology, investigative skills & strategy acquired through working in a law office or similar legal environment.
• Prefers working organizational skills to maintain a significant caseload with varying deadlines while still maintaining other job-related requirements. 

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history

The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job
description.

About the Illinois Department of Human Rights

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) is a state agency charged with the enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act"). The Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations (including education). IDHR protects and guarantees the rights of all Illinoisans to be free from unlawful discrimination by receiving and investigating claims of unlawful discrimination. Moreover, the Act prohibits retaliation against a person who has opposed that which is reasonably and in good faith believed to be unlawful discrimination; prohibits the aiding, abetting, compelling or coercion of a person to commit a violation of the Act; and prohibits the willful interference with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Department or one of its officers or employees. At the forefront of protecting civil rights, IDHR welcomes all candidates for employment to apply for any position for which they are qualified. Join IDHR in its mission to secure an Illinois free from discrimination.

  Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Work Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Agency Contact: Akia Harper
Email: akia.harper@illinois.gov
Phone #: 312-814-6275
Posting Group: Legal, Audit & Compliance

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the  Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
• systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com

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