Human Rights Specialist 1 (NY HELPS)

at  Human Rights Division of

• This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).
  Seven years of experience in field investigation or law enforcement investigation and the preparation of detailed narrative reports; OR planning, developing, implementing, or enforcing a human rights, civil rights or housing and community development program, OR conducting discrimination or labor relations investigations, OR litigation, OR any combination of the above experience to equal seven years.
  Substitution: An associate degree in a related field can substitute for two years of specialized experience; a bachelor’s in a related field degree can substitute for four years of experience; a master’s degree in a related field can substitute for five years of experience; and a doctorate in a related field can substitute for six years of experience.
  For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title maybe filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At this time, agencies may recruit and hire employees by making temporary appointments. In May 2024, if a temporary NY HELPS employee is satisfactorily performing in the position, the appointment will be changed from temporary pending Civil Service Commission Action to permanent non-competitive and the official probationary period will begin.
  At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to complete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

As a Human Rights Specialist 1, incumbent would perform a variety of field and office activities involved in carrying out anti-discrimination programs and promoting good community inter-group relationships designed to eliminate tension, conflict and hostility between various social, racial, ethnic and religious groups. Incumbent would be responsible for informing complainants, respondents and witnesses of their rights and responsibilities under the New York State Human Rights Law. Prior to a possible determination of a human rights violation, you would attempt to help parties reach an acceptable resolution. Incumbent would be responsible for developing an investigation plan, conducting investigations, preparing investigative reports and making recommendations on final determinations. Incumbent would work with advisory council, local human relations agencies and other groups in providing technical assistance or training on the Human Rights Law, as well as make speeches to community groups and organizations, and conduct workshops to foster positive community relationships.