Human Rights Specialist (Infoline)

The New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) works every day to implement the city’s Human Rights Law through enforcement, education, and outreach. The Commission seeks to address historic and contemporary inequities to cultivate a city where everyone can live, work, and thrive free from discrimination.

Through training, education, and policy initiatives, the Commission aims to root out discrimination. The Commission proactively identifies patterns of discrimination through testing employers, housing providers, and providers of public accommodation. The Commission also uses investigations, litigation, and other enforcement tools to address allegations of discrimination.

The Commission is seeking to hire qualified Human Rights Specialists (Infoline) to serve in the Law Enforcement Bureau. In this role, you will be the first point of contact for the public, providing exceptional service and support through phone interactions and in person screening interviews.

Responsibilities include:

• Respond to members of the general public in a professional and friendly demeanor who are calling CCHR’s live call center by: screening calls and performing a preliminary assessment to determine whether a caller should be scheduled for an intake appointment at LEB; providing information including but not limited to site locations, phone numbers, and functions of the agency; and referring callers to appropriate additional services.
• Assist with community-based outreach about the NYCHRL and related issues to community groups, tenant groups, grass-root organizations, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, private entities, and governmental agencies.

Meet with members of the public to perform a preliminary assessment of the individual’s needs and/or claims of discrimination.

• Perform data entry, generate letters, and otherwise facilitate communication with members of the public making inquiries at CCHR.
• Enter/update/retrieve information on an electronic information storage system in order to facilitate agency operations.
• Maintain an organized, retrievable filing system.
• Provide day-to-day administrative support to the LEB, including reception duties, mail and correspondence, and docketing and service of complaints.
• Prepare and submit reports and forms in accordance with agency reporting requirements.
• Participate in training sessions to stay updated with the NYCHRL.
• Performs all duties as needed to advance the work of the LEB.

Minimum Qualifications

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college plus two years of satisfactory full- time experience in intergroup relations * ; community relations; civil rights law enforcement; block or tenant organizing; investigations related to law enforcement; labor or industrial relations; education; social work; or law; or
• A four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of satisfactory, full-time experienced as described under "1" above; or
• Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have a four year high school diploma or its educational equivalent, and must possess at least one year of experience described under "1" above.
• "Intergroup relations" is defined as experience in which the employee's major responsibility is to facilitate communication and cooperation, and mediate tensions between different groups.

Preferred Skills

• Previous call center or customer services experience is preferred.
• Ability to handle high call volumes calmly and efficiently.
• Strong relationships with organizations and groups serving diverse communities in the City and two years’ experience working with some of the following people and communities: immigrants; people of color; people with limited English proficiency; people living with HIV/AIDS; lesbian, gay, bisexual and/or transgender people; people with disabilities; and people with criminal or arrest histories.
• Spoken and written fluency in at least one of the following languages: Spanish, French, Russian, Mandarin, or Cantone.
• Well-organized, assertive, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong work ethic and problem solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organization
• Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs.
• Familiarity with the NYCHRL
• Demonstrated aptitude with electronic file systems or other data management systems

Residency Requirement

New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.