Job Information
State of Maine, Bureau of Human Resources Maine Human Rights Investigator - Repost in Augusta, Maine
Maine Human Rights Investigator - Repost
Augusta, ME 04330 | Legal | Full-time
Apply by: May 23, 2024
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Opening Date: May 9, 2024
Closing Date: May 23, 2024
Job Class Code: 0064
Grade: 26
Salary: $54,620.80 – $73,756.80/Annually
Position Number: 127000028
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Maine Human Rights Commission investigates complaints of unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, education, access to public accommodations, extension of credit, and offensive names. This career opportunity provides professional services work enforcing the Maine Human Rights Act and related laws. Responsibilities include advising interested parties of their rights and responsibilities under the Act; gathering and developing testimonial and documentary evidence and analysis of evidence for presentation to the Commission; negotiating resolution of complaints; and making oral presentations of the facts and legal analysis of cases at public meetings of the Human Rights Commissioners to assist them in reaching a final determination on the merits. Work is performed under limited supervision.
JOB DUTIES:
Reviews and analyzes information and documents obtained from persons who may be victims of discrimination to determine if there are sufficient facts to state a claim.
Develops an appropriate investigative case plan to ensure a fair preliminary review of disputed issues within statutory and regulatory time frames.
Interviews complainants, respondents, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses including subject matter experts such as physicians in order to gather information.
Drafts interrogatories (requests for information and documents) in order to gather information.
Conducts fact finding conferences at which witnesses may be placed under oath; asks questions of the witnesses and controls whether and to what extent counsel for the parties may also ask questions of the witnesses.
Analyzes case information and documents, facts, reports, and other documentation in order to formulate a recommended finding to
Explains laws, state and federal anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and procedural rules, legal rights, options, timelines, and risks and advantages of pursuing or defending complaints in order to ensure that parties are knowledgeable of their rights and obligations.
Confers and negotiates with parties and attorneys representing the parties.
Writes Investigator’s Reports applying the appropriate law (Maine Human Rights Act, Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, regulations of the Maine Human Rights Commission, case law, etc.) to the facts in cases.
Assists parties in negotiating resolutions and/or compromise of claims pursuant to statutory mandate in order to reduce non-meritorious litigation claims in Superior Court.
Drafts Settlement Agreements.
Makes oral presentations of the facts and legal analysis of cases at public meetings of the Human Rights Commissioners to assist them in reaching a final determination of the merits.
Consults with Executive Director, Commission Counsel, Chief Investigator, and peers in order to ensure common understanding and interpretation of the law.
Assists in the preparation of civil actions filed in Superior Court by the Commission seeking relief for victims of discrimination in accordance with applicable laws.
Researches special topics.
Attends and makes oral presentations at public meetings, workshops, and conferences regarding the Commission’s mission, its procedures, and the laws and regulations enforced by the Commission.
Testifies in Court when necessary in order to present evidence gathered during investigation.
Recommends administrative dismissal of complaints to the Executive Director.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A six (6) year combination of experience, education, and/or training in investigation, law, advocacy, neutral arbitration, and/or dispute resolution which would require knowledge of fact and evidence gathering and analysis, laws, contracts, rules and procedures, and practices relating to civil rights and civil law enforcement, and familiarity with federal and state anti-discrimination statutes and case law in employment, housing, public accommodations, and extension of credit.
Preference will be given to candidates who have passed the Maine Bar.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays , 12 days of sick leave , and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).
Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of XX% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/state-jobs/compensation-benefits) , covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness (https://www.maine.gov/bhr/oeh/) .
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.