Civil Rights Investigator - HR Specialist III - Hybrid
Print (
Apply
Civil Rights Investigator - HR Specialist III - Hybrid
Salary
$57,708.00 - $75,024.00 Annually
Location
Denver Metro, CO
Job Type
Full Time
Job Number
IHA 04502 08/18/2024
Department
Colorado Department of Human Services
Division
AS - Division of Human Resources
Opening Date
10/11/2024
Closing Date
11/1/2024 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA
Determined by Position
Type of Announcement
This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address
3648 W Princeton Circle Denver, CO 80236
FLSA Status
Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information
How To Apply
Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.
Description
Benefits
Questions
Department Information
This position is open to current Colorado residents only.
Please note: This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Opt in below to receive text message updates on CDHS recruiting events!
CDHSCareers - We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Most State of Colorado employees are eligible for a great benefit package! Please see the Supplemental Information section below for details! (
Description of Job
Please Note: This position has hybrid work arrangements. Effective September, 2023 employees are expected to report to the office at least 2 days a week. These arrangements are subject to change.
About this Unit:
Administrative Solutions, Division of Human Resources (HR) exists to provide decentralized human resource services to the general public, applicants, managers, and employees who work for the Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS). Consultation services include benefit administration; compensation; employee relations; exam development; HR policy development; job analysis; job evaluation and classification; organizational development; New Employee Orientation; performance management; interpretation of CDHS HR policy, state personnel rules, state and federal employment laws; progressive discipline; records management; recruitment; responding to grievances, appeals, charges of discrimination; reorganization issues; retention; selection and selection appeals; settlement advice; strategic planning and overall HR guidance to CDHS managers, supervisors and employees.
The HR Shared Service unit provides additional HR support to CDHS in the specialty areas of Civil Rights (CR), Benefits & Leave, Learning, Engagement, and Development (LEAD), Background Investigations Unit (BIU), and Talent Outreach (TO) & Apprenticeships. The unit provides centralized human resource services to applicants, managers, and employees who work for the Colorado Department of Human Services. Consultation services include interpretation of CDHS and HR policies, state personnel rules, state and federal employment laws; responding to grievances, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) claims, appeals, and charges of discrimination; settlement advice; benefits administration; workers compensation; Americans with Disabilities Act as Amended (ADAA), training & staff development; organizational development; performance management (PMP); engagement and retention; background investigations; selection and selections appeals; HR policy development; strategic planning and overall HR guidance to CDHS management, supervisors and employees.
The Civil Rights Unit is responsible for promoting CDHS’s values of equity, diversity and inclusivity and ensuring the Department’s compliance with non-discrimination laws, regulations and policies through prompt fair investigations of complaints, education, training and community outreach.
About this Position:
This position provides professional level support within CDHS with emphasis on the Federal Title VI and VII programs designed to ensure non-discrimination in CDHS employment and state/county programmatic activities; investigate/draft reports/resolve complaints; develop and conduct training; assist Supervisorby responding to US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) requests for information and identifying and communicating trends in employee civil rights claims and issues with potential legal implications. This position may also serve as an advisor, advising appointing authorities, manager, supervisors and employees on issues that fall within the purview of the unit.
Summary of Job Duties:
Civil Rights, Sexual Harassment and Workplace Violence Investigations :
Under the direction of the unit supervisor and unit mentors, this position investigates complaints of discrimination under Federal Title VI and VII, The Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), and Age Discrimination Employment Act (ADEA) and applicable federal and state laws. Investigations include research, personal interviews, analysis, making findings, determining reasonable basis for complaint, developing targeted recommendations to address change if basis found and placing such in a functional investigative report or memo. Assists appointing authority and supervisor to implement remedies as appropriate.
Reviews initial reports, complaints, in a timely manner and ensures prompt response to the complaining party.
Evaluates need for supplementary support, resources and interim measures.
Engages in informal resolution practices to address complaints, concerns or allegations when appropriate.
Conducts prompt and thorough investigations, including development of an investigative plan, identifying and interviewing witnesses, gathering and securing information and data, keeping accurate and thorough records and notes of the investigatory process.
Asks appropriate questions during interviews using trauma informed methodology to gather information about alleged incidents of misconduct, discrimination, retaliation or harassment.
Drafts notice of investigations, and essential correspondence related to processing of complaints.
Prepares comprehensive timely written reports or memos of information obtained during an investigation.
Prepares for and participates in meetings or hearings related to results of investigations.
Assists in maintaining a database related to reports of misconduct, discrimination, retaliation and harassment and develops reports, assesses trends, and identifies areas of concern.
Travel is required with some overnight visits within the state.
Civil Rights and Work Violence Specialist :
Provides interpretation and technical assistance in the area of Civil Rights laws and regulations, state personnel rules regarding non-discrimination, CDHS Civil Rights policies/procedures, conflict resolution options, etc. to CDHS managers, supervisors, and employees.
Maintains a strong consultative relationship with CDHS managers, supervisors, and employees.
Tracks and analyzes civil rights investigative related data including but not limited to: complaints, CCRD/EEOC charges and resolutions, and identifies trends, strengths, and areas for improvement within the CDHS.
In collaboration with leadership, communicates civil rights data and analysis to appointing authorities, supervisors, and employees, as appropriate.
In collaboration with leadership, provides the proper policy guidance to CDHS managers, supervisors, and employees.
Advises CDHS managers, supervisors, and employees on issues pertaining to CDHS's non-discrimination programs, identifies issues, provides answers/solutions directly, and when appropriate encourages alternative dispute resolution.
Identify the appropriate resources available both inside and outside of CDHS for addressing employee needs.
External Agency Responses:
Under the direction of the unit supervisor, and with the support and/or guidance of the Attorney General’s Office, this position responds to Charges of Discrimination filed with external state and federal agencies, such as the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). External investigations may require this position to author a response to a request for information (RFI), author a position statement, gather relevant information and documentation, conduct interviews, schedule interviews for relevant parties with the external agency, author an appeal response, communicate with the assigned attorney, participate in mediations and litigation, and review related internal investigations
Training and Other Duties as Assigned:
Develops and provides training (formal and informal) to appointing authorities, managers, supervisors, and employees regarding civil rights topics, as necessary. Training should integrate legal theories, court cases, political and social norms, into the appropriate presentation. All training will be jointly approved by the Supervisor.
Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Important Note: Please review your application to ensure completion. For the most equitable applicant experience, CDHS' hiring teams consider only the contents of your application to determine meeting minimum qualifications and for the comparative analysis process. Experience is calculated on a full-time equivalency basis, therefore, it is important to accurately notate the hours you averaged per experience section entry. Volunteer work or related type of experience may be used to meet the qualifications, but must be clearly documented. It is paramount that in the experience portion of the application, the applicant describes the extent to which they possess the education, experience, competencies and background as they relate to the duties outlined in the job announcement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Option 1 - Experience:
Six (6) years of relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned to this position.
At least two (2) of the 6 years must have progressively responsible, professional human resources administration and/or supervisory or management experience focused on workplace investigations. This must include:
Demonstrated ability to evaluate information available to determine when a workplace investigation is required.
Demonstrated ability to analyze information to determine if a violation of a workplace policy has occurred.
Demonstrated ability to lead and conduct a sound investigation.
Demonstrated ability to conduct investigative interviews.
Demonstrated ability to author investigation reports and memos.
Demonstrated ability to author agency responses to external state and federal agencies related to external Charges of Discrimination
- Please note: This experience must be clearly documented on your application and the supplemental questions must be answered.
OR
Option 2 - Experience & Education:
- A combination of related education and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to six (6) years. Experience should include drafting formal legal/business correspondence; conducting workplace investigations including interviews, the review of relevant documentation, and authoring of reports; and analyzing information to determine if a policy violation has occurred.
Substitutions:
A combination of work experience in conducting investigations, the application of employment and civil rights laws, management coaching and consultation, employee and labor relations, the authoring of agency responses related to civil rights matters, the authoring of workplace reports or documentation, and the analysis of workplace policies to identify any employee policy violations which provided the same kind, amount, and level of knowledge acquired in the required education, may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.
A master's or doctorate degree from an accredited college or university in Law, Human Resources Management, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Business Administration, or a directly related field. may be substituted for the experience on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Excellent public speaking skills
Two or more years experience conducting civil rights investigations
Two or more years experience drafting investigation reports
Two or more years experience interpreting civil rights policies and statutes
One or more years of Colorado State Government experience
J.D.
Experience working with external civil rights agencies, such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Colorado Civil Rights Division
Experience engaging with and taking direction from attorneys related to legal matters
Experience leading trainings for small and large groups
Conditions of Employment:
The position is required to travel up to 10% of the time, possible overnight, to visit facilities or attend meeting and trainings.
This position is designated as hybrid, the incumbent is responsible for having adequate workspace out the office.
Standard Background – Name check, TRAILS, CMS and JBITS
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application and provide an explanation why the prior termination or resignation should not disqualify the applicant from the current position. Absent extraordinary circumstances, prior disciplinary termination or resignation in lieu of termination will disqualify the applicant from future State employment with CDHS.
APPEAL RIGHTS:
If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email ( ), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department’s action.
For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board; go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at (303) 866-3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
A standard appeal form is available at: If you appeal, your appeal must be submitted in writing on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative, and received at the following address within 10 days of your receipt of notice or knowledge of the action: Colorado State Personnel Board/State Personnel Director, Attn: Appeals Processing, 1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203. Fax: 303-866-5038. Phone: 303-866-3300. The ten-day deadline and these appeal procedures also apply to all charges of discrimination.
Supplemental Information
How to Apply (
The Assessment Process
For additional recruiting questions, please contact ( ) .us
About Us:
If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference, consider joining the dedicated people of the Colorado Department of Human Services ( (CDHS). Our professionals strive to design and deliver high quality human and health services that improve the safety, independence, and well-being of the people of Colorado. In addition to a great location and rewarding and meaningful work, we offer:
Strong, secure, yet flexible retirement benefits including a PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus 401(k) and 457 plans
Medical and dental health plans
Employer supplemented Health Savings Account
Paid life insurance
Short- and long-term disability coverage
11 paid holidays per year plus vacation and sick leave
BenefitHub state employee discount program
Employee Wellness program MotivateMe
Excellent work-life programs, such as flexible schedules, training and more
Remote work arrangements for eligible positions
*Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more
information, go to .
Our Values:
We believe in a people-first approach: To serve the people of Colorado, we develop a culture and work environment that creates an energized, inspired, and healthy team capable of giving their best to Coloradans.
Balance creates quality of life: We want our team to be resilient through a supportive workplace that values flexibility, health and wellness, and employee engagement.
We hold ourselves accountable: We take responsibility through our actions, programs, and results for the state of health and human services in Colorado.
Transparency matters: We are open and honest with employees, our partners, the Coloradans we serve, and the public.
We are ethical: We abide by what is best for those we serve by doing what is right, not what is easy.
Collaboration helps us rise together: We work together with all partners, employees, and clients to achieve the best outcomes for Coloradans.
We are committed to increasing the diversity of our staff and providing culturally responsive programs and services. Therefore, we encourage responses from people of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
ADAA Accommodations: CDHS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to our ADAAA Coordinator, Nancy Schmelzer, at or call 1-800-929-0791.
~THE STATE OF COLORADO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER~
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:
Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01
Your legal name is used in the hiring process for background checks. Did you use your full legal name in your application?
Yes
No
02
The bottom of this job announcement provides links to additional information on how to apply, the assessment process, toll free applicant technical support, and about how the State of Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. Please acknowledge below that you have read the information provided in these links.
This information is available to me and I have read this information.
I am unable to access the links with this information on the job posting. (If you select this option, please contact the recruiter, whose information is listed on this announcement, so that they can send this information directly to you.)
03
Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position.
04
If you are a current or former State of Colorado employee, please list your employee number (starts with 997...). Failure to provide this requested information may render your application incomplete, and you may no longer be considered for the position.
05
Please explain why you are interested in working for CDHS in this role; how your skillset and/or past experiences make you a good fit for this role, and any qualities you may have that will help you succeed in this role.
06
This position requires the incumbent to occasionally travel independently and using a state vehicle throughout the Denver metro area, and at times, to work locations across the state. As a condition of employment, are you willing to travel in order to fulfill the duties of this position?
Yes
No
07
This position is exempt from overtime and requires the incumbent to perform work outside normal working hours, often in excess of 40 hours per week. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement if offered the position?
Yes
No
08
This position is required to work with confidential information, and may come into contact with vulnerable populations. Pre-employment screening (which may consist of fingerprinting, polygraph, drug screen, and an extensive background investigation) will be conducted as part of the selection process. Felony convictions or conviction of crimes of moral turpitude or convictions of misdemeanors related to job duties may disqualify you from being considered for this position. Should your pre-employment screening reveal any charges and convictions, it is your responsibility to provide an official disposition of any charges. As a condition of employment, you are required to submit to pre-employment screening if offered the position. Are you willing to meet this requirement?
Yes
No
09
Please explain your experience with conducting workplace investigations including any relevant steps you may take and any documentation you may author as a result, as well as what policies or laws were analyzed to make a determination/decision.
10
Please explain your experience in preparing Colorado Civil Rights Division ("CCRD") and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC") RFI responses and position statements & knowledge of federal and state civil rights laws.
11
Please provide two writing samples (copy and paste in section). Preferred submissions: an Investigation Report and a Position Statement. If the former is not available, please provide two writing samples that best reflect your professional writing style and experience level. Please redact Personal Identifying Information (PII).
Required Question
Agency
State of Colorado
Address
See the full announcement by clicking
the "Printer" icon located above the job title
Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --
Website
Apply
Please verify your email addressVerify Email