DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RIGHTS 9352
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS
An employee in this class directs the investigation of
complaints alleging unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public
accommodations and education, resolves sensitive or controversial situations as
they occur and refers unresolved complaints to appropriate legal agencies for
enforcement. Work involves office and
field contact with community groups, schools, State and County agency
representatives and other interested persons in securing equal opportunities
for members of minority, ethnic and cultural groups. Supervision is exercised over a staff of
professional, non-professional and volunteer workers. Work is subject to review for adherence to
established policies and the achievement of desired objectives. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Directs
investigations and resolution of complaints of discrimination in the area of
housing, education, employment and public accommodations through conciliatory
or, if necessary, legal methods;
Initiates
investigations, studies, educational programs and workshops, as well as
provides development and training;
Inquires
into incidents and conditions which may lead to tension and conflict among
racial, religious, ethnic, and economic groups and recommends corrective
measures to appropriate agencies;
Distributes
appropriate information and technical assistance to various groups to assist
them with discrimination problems;
Acts in
advisory capacity to the County Executive, County Legislature and other
agencies in matters pertaining to intergroup relations;
Interviews
and hires staff;
Develops
proposed human rights laws and policies for the County and assists in their
execution;
Oversees
issuance of investigative and research results to inform public of their rights
and remedies available to minimize or eliminate unlawful discrimination;
Contacts
public officials and community leaders to enlist and encourage their
involvement;
Produces
an Annual Report on the activities of the Commission and its investigatory
staff;
Represents
the Commission in a variety of community forums, as well as at meetings of
agencies and organizations;
Acts as
secretary of the Commission at its meetings;
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Comprehensive knowledge of discriminatory practices
affecting different minority groups and methods of dealing with them;
comprehensive knowledge of Federal civil rights legislation and of State and
local laws governing discrimination; thorough knowledge of interpersonal
communication, both written and oral; thorough knowledge of the trends,
developments and current literature in the field of human rights; thorough knowledge of
effective supervisory methods and of
office management practices; skill in developing and maintaining good
communications and rapport with minority and majority groups, County agencies
and community organizations; ability to plan and direct the activities of subordinate
professional, non-professional and volunteer employees in a manner conducive to
full performance and high morale; ability to maintain records and to prepare
accurate public statements and comprehensive reports; good judgment; tact;
physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from a college with
federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Master’s Degree and six (6) years of
administrative experience in a public or private agency.
NOTE: A Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law school
will be substituted for two (2) years of the above administrative experience.
R 05/11/15
SUFFOLK COUNTY
NON-COMPETITIVE