HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR III

Job Requisition ID: 59054 
Opening Date: 09/30/2026
Closing Date: 10/15/2026
Agency: Department of Human Rights
Class Title:  HUMAN RIGHTS INVESTIGATOR III - 19776 
Skill Option:  None  
Bilingual Option:  None
Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $6,460 a month: Full Range: $6,460-$9,337 a month
Job Type: Salaried
Category:  Full Time  
Number of Vacancies: 2
Bargaining Unit Code:  RC062 Technical Employees, AFSCME
Merit Comp Code: 
Work Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Anticipated Hybrid Work Schedule Availability: 1 to 5 Days per week in office, depending on operational needs
Headquarter Location: 555 W Monroe St, Chicago, Illinois, 60661
Work County: Cook
Agency Contact: Akia.Harper @ illinois.gov

This position is a union position; therefore, provisions of the relevant collective bargaining agreement/labor contract apply to the filling of this position.

All applicants who want to be considered for this position MUST apply electronically through the illinois.jobs2web.com website. State of Illinois employees should click the link near the top left to apply through the SuccessFactors employee career portal.

Applications submitted via email or any paper manner (mail, fax, hand delivery) will not be considered.

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home.

No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Position Overview

Under general direction of a Public Service Administrator in the Investigations Section of the Charge Processing Division, performs duties of an advanced specialist in investigations, developing or revising techniques or methods of investigation in the employment and non-employment jurisdictions (i.e., real estate transactions, access to financial credit, the availability of public accommodations and sexual harassment in higher education): carries a caseload of routine and complex cases; Acts as a lead worker for an investigations unit; Provides training to newly hired employees and work guidance and leadership to lower level investigators.

Benefits Statement

As a State of Illinois Employee, you will receive a robust benefit package that includes the following:

• A Pension Program
• Competitive Group Insurance Benefits including Health, Life, Dental and Vision Insurance
• 3 Paid Personal Business Days annually
• 12 Paid Sick Days annually (Sick days carry over from year to year)
• 10-25 Days of Paid Vacation time annually - (10 days in year one of employment)
• Personal, Sick, & Vacation rates modified for 12-hour & part-time work schedules (as applicable)
• 13 Paid Holidays annually, 14 on even numbered years
• Flexible Work Schedules (when available dependent upon position)
• 12 Weeks Paid Parental Leave
• Deferred Compensation Program - A supplemental retirement plan
• Optional Pre-Tax Programs such as Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP), Dependent Care Assistance Plan (DCAP)
• GI Bill® Training/Apprenticeship Benefits eligibility for qualifying Veterans
• 5% Salary Differential for Bilingual Positions
• Commuter Savings Program (Chicago only)

For more information about our benefits please follow this link: 

Essential Functions

• Investigates charges of discrimination, seeking information, documents and statistical data by mail and phone.
• Analyzes evidentiary findings, drafts and submits recommendations to supervisor in the form of detailed reports, consisting of factual documentation, witness statements, and recommendations based on analysis of findings relevant to charges.
• Serves as designated lead worker and assists lower level investigators with complex investigations or the resolution of unusual problems.
• Conducts pre-systemic charge conferences with various groups or individuals to define issues relating to possible charges of discrimination.
• Negotiates settlements between the parties to a charge.
• Performs other duties as assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of four (4) years of college, preferably with coursework in business, public, or personnel administration, or social sciences.
• Requires one (1) year of professional experience as a Human Rights Investigator II or three (3) years of investigative experience related to complaints of discrimination (such as work performed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), or another state’s human rights/civil rights agency).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers at least three (3) years’ investigations experience collecting and analyzing testimony and/or records and applying rules, regulations, policies and/or procedures to make a written recommendation.
• Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience managing an investigations caseload with varying deadlines.
• Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience writing lengthy investigative reports.
• Prefers at least three (3) years’ experience communicating effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse groups of people, including members of the general public, management, colleagues, and/or legal or government representatives.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Department of Human Rights

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (“IDHR”) is a state agency charged with the enforcement of the Illinois Human Rights Act ("Act"). The Act prohibits unlawful discrimination in Illinois with respect to employment, real estate transactions, financial credit, and public accommodations (including education). IDHR protects and guarantees the rights of all Illinoisans to be free from unlawful discrimination by receiving and investigating claims of unlawful discrimination. Moreover, the Act prohibits retaliation against a person who has opposed that which is reasonably and in good faith believed to be unlawful discrimination; prohibits the aiding, abetting, compelling or coercion of a person to commit a violation of the Act; and prohibits the willful interference with the performance of a duty or the exercise of a power by the Department or one of its officers or employees. At the forefront of protecting civil rights, IDHR welcomes all candidates for employment to apply for any position for which they are qualified. Join IDHR in its mission to secure an Illinois free from discrimination.

This position DOES NOT contain “Specialized Skills” (as that term is used in CBAs).

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Use the “Apply” button at the top right or bottom right of this posting to begin the application process.

If you are not already signed in, you will be prompted to do so. 

State employees should sign in to the career portal for State of Illinois employees – a link is available at the top left of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. 

Non-State employees should log in on the using the “View Profile” link in the top right of the Illinois.jobs2web.com homepage in the blue ribbon. If you have never before signed in, you will be prompted to create an account.

If you have questions about how to apply, please see the following resources:

State employees: Log in to the career portal for State employees and review the Internal Candidate Application Job Aid

Non-State employees: on Illinois.jobs2web.com – click “Application Procedures” in the footer of every page of the website.

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

• View email address on us.fitly.work
• View email address on us.fitly.work