JOB TITLE: HUMAN RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE 1

JOB CODE: 49810

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 beginning-level investigatory and public contact work applying the provisions of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act and the Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act.

An employee in this job investigates allegations of discrimination against individuals in employment, housing, public accommodations, and educational opportunities. Employees investigate all facets of the complaint to determine if there is sufficient information for a finding of probable cause. Work involves interviewing complainants, respondents, and other witnesses to determine the facts; gathering related additional information to develop a full understanding of the circumstances that gave rise to the discrimination allegation; preparing a detailed analysis of the facts; and presenting the final recommendations, within a specified time-frame, to a supervisor for approval. Work also includes negotiating settlements between the parties through the development of formal agreements. Employees may conduct intake interviews with persons who believe they have been the victims of unlawful discrimination and assist them in drafting and filing formal discrimination complaints which are used as the basis for an investigation. Employees may also refer the complainant to other appropriate agencies if it is found that the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission does not have jurisdiction. Supervision is received from a higher-level Human Relations Representative who provides instruction and close review at all stages of the intake, investigation, and resolution processes.

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.)

• Interviews complainants, repondents, witnesses, and other interested parties to gather information for the investigation of employment, housing, public accommodation, and educational opportunity discrimination complaints.

• Answers questions related to the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), Pennsylvania Fair Educational Opportunities Act, commission jurisdiction, and the commission’s procedures, practices and processes.

• Conducts on-site inspections of facilities and examines documents to gather evidence and to determine PHRA compliance.

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

• Writes and processes reports, case analyses, conciliation recommendations, letters, information requests, and other related documents.

• Negotiates final resolutions between complainants and respondents.

• Attends training sessions as needed to improve and update knowledge of the PHRA; current discriminatory practices; and commission procedures, practices and processes.

• Performs related work as required.

ENTRY LEVEL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of investigatory principles, practices, and techniques.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of professional case management activities.

• 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.

• Knowledge of interviewing methods and techniques.

• Ability to read and comprehend legislation, case law, and regulatory guidelines.

• 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)

• One year as a Human Relations Representative Trainee (commonwealth title);

                                                                                                                                                                                                      or

• One year of professional administrative investigative, criminal investigative, regulatory investigative, civil rights, or human rights experience involving gathering evidence, interviewing, and reporting investigative findings; and 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 training and experience 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.