Civil Rights Investigator

Civil Rights Investigator 2

This recruitment will be used to fill 2 positions in the Yakima/Wenatchee location.

Schedule: Work schedule is normally Monday through Friday, 8a.m. to 5p.m. However, incumbents must be willing to work days or hours outside of their approved schedule as required to meet business needs. Hybrid work schedule requires at least 2 days in office.

Agency Profile

The Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) was created by the Legislature in 1949, the WSHRC is responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD) .

The mission of the WSHRC is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in Washington State through the fair application of the law, efficient use of resources, and establishment of productive partnerships in the community.

What You Will Be Doing

As a senior-level investigator, you will support/contribute to the mission of the organization, which is to eliminate and prevent discrimination. You will be providing technical assistance and consultation during the complaint intake and investigation/resolution processes, you will conduct impartial investigations of discrimination complaints, including research and analysis of RCW 49.60 and related anti-discrimination laws, and you will work independently with supervision guidance as necessary.

Who We Are Seeking To Fill This Role

Are you someone that can act impartially, analyze, evaluate, and interpret information, testimony and data? Are you an effective communicator (multi-lingual is a bonus) verbally and in writing? Are you an active listener with the ability to summarize what has been communicated with reasoned, persuasive communications, reports and determinations? You can maintain professionalism, tactful and courteous behavior while interacting with parties, the public, and co-workers while negotiating the resolution of disputes.

If you love to be challenged and enjoy a variety of duties that has individual and statewide impact, this job provides that valuable experience as well. You will get to utilize your experience at a higher level. If you feel the need to be empowered, engaged, and motivated as you work with like-minded individuals, we encourage you to apply and be part of our dynamic team!

Contact the recruiter Rachel Vaughan ***email_hidden*** and request the full job description.

Duties

Some Of What You Will Enjoy Doing Will Include

Intake/Case Investigation/Analysis/Determination/Settlement Negotiation

• Functions independently as an impartial fact-finding agent of the Commission while investigating single or multiple issue discrimination cases of varying difficulty and complexity that allege a violation of the Washington State Law Against Discrimination RCW 49.60 and substantially similar federal laws such as the Federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VII (Employment) and Title VIII (Fair Housing). Gathers and preserves documentary evidence, and when necessary, issues subpoenas. Conducts interviews with parties to the complaint and their witnesses. Reviews and analyzes legal briefs submitted by legal counsel, and other defenses and documentation submitted by parties to the complaint. Independently writes and submits detailed, well-reasoned formal case determinations.
• Intake includes conferring with the public in person, by telephone and written correspondence regarding alleged violation of the state and federal discrimination laws to determine Commission jurisdiction and criteria for filing a complaint. If allegations are jurisdictional and meet criteria for filing, Incumbent advises individual of filing procedures; if the allegations are not jurisdictional, provides referral to other resources to seek assistance. Receives, analyzes, and drafts formal complaint affidavits for individuals alleging discrimination.
• Functions as a mediator between principals in discrimination disputes and confers with both Respondents and Complainant in either joint or separate fact-finding conferences to determine actual areas of dispute. Initiates innovative proposals to attempt to resolve disputes. Negotiates settlement agreements between principals to the discrimination disputes, which may include Complainant, Respondent, attorneys, corporate executives, and union representatives. Prepares, executes, and signs legally binding settlement documents.

Reviews relevant court cases, precedent cases and legal opinions, as needed. Analyzes and evaluates and applies fact patterns based on pertinent case law, contract provisions and prior Commission determinations.

Up to 30% of the above may require dual language translation or interpretation skills (Spanish) to communicate with non-English speaking customers.

Education/Outreach

• Attends staff and agency-wide training and instructional meetings; reviews case law and keeps current on new case law rulings; attends3rd party civil rights enforcement training and/or professional development training.

May assist in the development of training materials and participate in providing training facilitated by Investigator 3s and 4s.

Staffs information booths or tables at outreach events to provide information about RCW 49.60.

Up to 30% of the above may require dual language translation or interpretation skills (Spanish) to communicate with non-English speaking customers.

Technical Assistance

• Provides technical assistance and consultation to legal counsels, employers, managers, human resource professionals, landlords, property managers, real estate brokers and owners, public officials, union officials, advocacy organizations, and others to explain and interpret the state and federal laws against discrimination.

Up to 30% of the above may require dual language translation or interpretation skills (Spanish) to communicate with non-English speaking customers.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Ways To Meet The Requirements Of This Position

[OPTION 1]

One year of experience as an Investigator 1

[OPTION 2]

Three (3) years of experience as an investigator with major work assignments emphasizing civil rights enforcement and/or investigation, Equal Employment Opportunity, Fair Housing, personnel administration, labor relations, alternative dispute resolution or related work.

Note: Two (2) years of college-level course work in investigation sociology behavioral sciences, or other position-related areas will substitute for one year of experience.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications

Communication/Customer Service: Effectively and accurately interprets and explains RCW 49.60 and related laws in a manner easily understood by parties; presents complex information in messages lay persons can readily understand and grasp; actively listens to other people taking part in the conversation; accurately summarizes what others have said; recognizes problems and adjusts tone, pace, etc. as necessary to assure understanding and successful outcomes; remains tactful and courteous while investigating complaints of discrimination; conducts interviews for the purpose of gathering factual information.

Writing & Presentation Skills: Formulates and writes detailed, well-reasoned formal determinations. Work product submitted for supervisor review requires minimal revision; does not contain spelling, grammar, and/or formatting errors. Experience organizing and documenting work on complex investigations.

Technology: Possesses basic knowledge of word processing software (e.g., Outlook, Word and PowerPoint) and case processing/tracking databases; accurately enters data and information to generate investigative documents and reports.

Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust, respect and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness and professionalism in all interactions; maintains confidentiality; keeps promises and commitments made to others; adheres to the core values and workplace expectations of the Human Rights Commission.

Accountability: Accepts responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve results with minimal supervision; meets performance expectations for productivity, timeliness, quality and quantity.

Attendance: Demonstrates regular and punctual attendance. Be flexible to accommodate requirements of the job; Adapts to changing business needs and work responsibilities.

Supplemental Information

Special Requirements/Conditions Of Employment

To qualify for assignment pay, incumbents in Dual Language positions must maintain active certification in accordance with DSHS Language Testing and Certification Program requirements.

Please Provide The Following Documents In Order To Be Considered; Failure To Do So May Result In You Not Being Considered For The Position

• A letter of interest describing how you meet the qualifications for this position as outlined in the job posting
• A current resume detailing experience, and education
• A current list of at least three (3) professional references with current contact information (attached or available to provide at the time of interview)
• A sample of your technical writing that demonstrates your ability to communicate investigative findings.

NOTE: By submitting these materials, you are indicating that all information is true and correct. The state may verify information. Any untruthful or misleading information is cause for removal from the applicant pool or dismissal if employed. A resume will not substitute for completing the “duties summary” section of the application. Please do not refer to resume for detail, or your application may be disqualified.

NOTE: This position is included in a bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE).

Opportunity For All

The Human Rights Commission celebrates our differences and we are committed to a workplace that supports equal opportunity employment and inclusion regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, marital status, families with children (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity diversity, age, status as a protected veteran, honorably discharged veteran or military status, status as an individual with the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with disabilities or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We will also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.

You are welcome to include the name and pronoun you would like to be referred to in your materials and we will honor this as you interact with our organization.

Contact Information

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application process, contact Rachel Vaughan by emailing [email protected].

Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.

More than Just a Paycheck!

Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read About Our Benefits

The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits

Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement And Deferred Compensation

State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security

All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays

Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information .

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave

Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)

Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave

Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave

Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave

Leave Sharing

Parental Leave

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026

Are you currently employed by the Human Rights Commission?

• Yes
• No

Are you willing to take a background check prior to employment?

• Yes
• No

Do you understand that the work site location is in Yakima/Wenatchee?

• Yes
• No

Select the way(s) you meet the requirements for this position:

• [OPTION 1] One (1) year of experience as an Investigator 1
• [OPTION 2] Three (3) years of experience as an investigator with major work assignments emphasizing civil rights enforcement and/or investigation, Equal Employment Opportunity, Fair Housing, personnel administration, labor relations, alternative dispute resolution or related work.
• I have two (2) years of college-level course work in investigation, sociology, behavioral sciences, or other position-related areas that will substitute for one year of experience.
• I do not possess any of the above.

Refer to the job posting and select all topics below of the Preferred/Desired qualifications that you currently possess.

• Communication/Customer Service
• Writing & Presentation Skills
• Technology
• Ethics & Integrity
• Accountability
• Attendance
• I do not possess any of the above.

Do you have experience investigating discrimination complaints?

• Yes
• No

If yes, please note the relevant work experience listed in your application and describe the types of investigations you conducted.

Do you have experience facilitating settlement of disputes?

• Yes
• No

If yes, please note the relevant work experience listed in your application and describe your experience facilitating settlements.

Do you have experience working in a neutral investigative or fact-finding role (as opposed to an advocacy, representative, and/or adversarial role)?

• Yes
• No

If yes, please note the relevant work experience listed in your application and describe your experience working in a neutral investigative or fact-finding role.

What problems, issues, or barriers have you encountered when helping people access government or other services and what actions have you taken to overcome them?

What was the last new skill you learned or area of knowledge you developed? What difference did it make in your work?

Are you fluent in dual language translation or have interpretation skills (preferably Spanish) to communicate with non-English speaking customers?

• Yes
• No

Do you understand that if you meet the requirements of qualifying for Dual Language assignment pay, you must maintain active certification in accordance with DSHS Language Testing and Certification Program requirements?

• Yes
• No

This position requires a resume, cover letter, and three (3) professional references be uploaded to your application. Have you uploaded the required documents?

• Yes
• No

How did you hear about this job posting?

• Careers.wa.gov
• Governmentjobs.com
• Friend
• Indeed
• Job Board
• LinkedIn
• Other

We would like to know where you learned about this position. If you selected Job Board, or Other, please let us know the specific name of the job board. If you selected a specifically named job board or webpage (listed above), please enter "n/a".

• Required Question