Human Relations Specialist, Senior

Work, Serve, Thrive. With the City of Durham Advance in your career while making a real difference in the community you serve.

Hiring Range:

71,304•85,562/

Annually Hours/Shift:

8:00 am•5:00 pm (some evenings required) If you're passionate about fostering communities where everyone has affordable housing, and neighborhoods thrive, the City of Durham is excited to invite you to consider the role of Human Relations Specialist for the Housing and Neighborhood Services (HNS) Department. This position will be nested within the Housing and Neighborhood Services•Human Relations Division. An ideal candidate will have experience in the field of Fair Housing and/or Civil Rights and have a passion for equal access to housing, employment and places of public accommodation. This is an exciting time for the Housing and Neighborhood Services Department. The City's Affordable Housing, Code Enforcement, and Human Relations teams were recently combined to create one department. Collaboratively, the teams work together to execute the City Council's affordable housing and neighborhood services goals as we work together to build a Durham where everyone has affordable, safe, and fair housing. The department is committed to fostering an environment where everyone on the team is empowered to lead and achieve results consistent with the City's goals and the department's work plan. We strive to put our department's values into action in all that we do: service, teamwork, accountability, and empathy.

Investigate Claims of Discrimination:

Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations of complaints alleging a violation of the City's Non-Discrimination Ordinance.

Case Management:

Organize and maintain all case materials, including entries into the electronic case management systems.

Training and Outreach:

Assist with the development and presentation of non-discrimination training and participate in outreach activities to inform residents of their rights. Perform related duties as assigned and in support of the goals and mission of the Human Relations Division and Housing and Neighborhood Services department.

Knowledge of:

Basic and advanced principles of local, state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws such as Title VII and/or Title VIII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or other civil rights legislation. Ability to apply the correct elements of proof. Conflict resolution, mediation and/or negotiation tools and techniques.

Ability to:

Maintain confidentiality while exercising a sound and reasonable judgment. Organize, prioritize, and manage caseloads according to timeliness mandates. Establish and maintain working relationships with coworkers, employers/businesses, community partners and residents. Prepare investigative reports that are concise, coherent, and accurate. Bachelor's degree in business or public administration or in public administration, political science, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience). Five years of professional program administration and/or analytical experience in area of assignment. Master's degree in public administration, political science or related field, or J.D. Documented experience working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Strong work ethic and attention to detail; highly motivated, self-directed execution of routine and special projects. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications. Strong written and verbal communication skills. ADA and Other Requirements Work is performed in an indoor office environment, with occasional local travel to external organizations and locations. Sedentary work involves sitting for much of the time. Walking and standing are required occasionally. Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Requires occasional reaching, standing, walking, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.