JOB TITLE: HUMAN RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE TRAINEE

JOB CODE: 49800

SERIES NATURE OF WORK: The Human Relations Representative job series describes investigatory and public contact work in the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.

DEFINITION: This is entry-level training work investigating discrimination complaints and applying the provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act.

An employee in this job receives structured and on-the-job training designed to develop proficiency in the investigation of allegations of discrimination against individuals in employment, housing, public accommodations, and educational opportunities. Employees assist Human Relations Representatives in investigating all facets of complaints to determine if there is sufficient information for a finding of probable cause. Work involves participating in interviews with complainants, respondents, and other witnesses to determine case facts; gathering additional information to develop a full understanding of the circumstances that gave rise to each discrimination allegation; assisting in the preparation of a detailed analysis facts; and presenting final recommendations, within a specified time-frame, to a supervisor for approval. Employees observe higher-level staff and receive guidance from them on the principles of negotiating settlements between the parties through the development of formal agreements. Training and supervision occur through conferences, detailed instructions, and frequent review of work in progress and upon completion.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (NOTE: The examples of work are representative of the work, but every position classified to this job may not perform all examples of work listed. Conversely, this is not an all-inclusive list of work examples.)

• Participates in a structured, on-the-job training program to develop proficiency in gathering information to investigate employment, housing, public accommodation, and educational opportunity discrimination complaints.

• Assists in interviewing complainants, repondents, witnesses, and other interested parties.

• Participates in on-site facility inspections; examines documents to gather evidence and to determine compliance with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA) and Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act.

• Gathers information by reviewing documents, case histories, footage, and other available materials, and by asking questions and taking notes during interviews.

• Assists in writing and processing reports, case analyses, conciliation recommendations, letters, information requests, and other related documents.

• Participates in negotiating final resolutions between complainants and respondents.

• Attends training sessions related to the PHRA, and commission procedures, practices, and processes.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of human resource administration.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.

• Knowledge of civil rights laws.

• Knowledge of social casework principles and methods.

• Knowledge of social and economic conditions that influence human behavior.

• Knowledge of the use and functionality of Microsoft Office Suite software.

• Ability to analyze and interpret written information such as policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

• Ability to communicate effectively orally.

• Ability to communicate effectively in writing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: (NOTE: Based on the Entry Level Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities)

• A bachelor’s degree that includes 12 credits in human resources, labor management relations, civil rights, social work, social justice, public policy, public administration, or a related field;

or

• An equivalent combination of experience and training that includes 12 college credits in human resources, labor management relations, civil rights, social work, social justice, public policy, public administration, or a related field.