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