Human Rights Specialist

Posting number: TJ-102026-502331

Department: Water Department

Job classification: Human Rights Specialist

Posting type: Open

Categories: Human Resources, Investigative, Organizational Development

This is not a Civil Service Position. DWSD employees are subject to provisions of Court Orders entered in United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, Southern Division, Case No. 77-71100 with regard to certain terms and conditions of employment. DWSD does not honor reversion rights for internal candidates.

Applicants for open positions at the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. The Detroit Water and Sewerage Department is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

The Human Rights Specialist serves as a subject-matter expert in human rights, equal employment opportunity, workplace investigations, employee relations, and workplace culture. The position independently conducts complex and sensitive investigations involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, workplace misconduct, and other employee concerns; identifies systemic workplace issues and organizational risk; develops and implements culture-improvement initiatives; advises leaders regarding workplace practices; and recommends proactive interventions designed to improve employee experience, organizational effectiveness, and compliance.

• Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in human resources, employee relations, public administration, business management, business administration or a related field.
• Advanced training or continuing education in human resources management or civil rights and practices preferred.
• Three to five years of progressively responsible professional experience in one or more of the following areas: workplace investigations, employee relations, EEO or civil rights compliance, organizational development, conflict resolution; or organizational compliance

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This position requires the ability to remain sedentary and requires extensive computer use and extended time spent in meetings.

Environmental Working Requirements:

• Work is performed in the plant or office environment. Work may be performed near excessive noise and moving objects/vehicles.

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OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Michigan Driver’s License

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to the class. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Specific job duties may vary from position to position. Employees in this class are required to undergo alcohol and drug screening and are subject to a criminal background investigation.

• Perform timely, through detailed investigations of allegations of violations of City ordinances, state law, federal law and department policies regarding discrimination, harassment and workplace violence.
• Confers with, advises and provides recommendations to leadership relating to the correction of policy violations and compliance with applicable workplace laws and policies.
• Works on special projects, as assigned by the Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development.
• Develop and implement a workplace culture improvement strategy.
• Perform workplace climate assessments and use the data to analyze trends and provide recommendations on improvements.
• Work with relevant stakeholders to promote Equal employment opportunity and civil rights compliance
• Assist with policy development and organizational standards
• Conflict resolution and early intervention

• Employment discrimination and civil rights laws
• Workplace investigation methodologies
• Employee relations
• Workplace culture and organizational dynamics
• Conflict resolution
• Interviewing and credibility assessment
• Evidence evaluation
• Organizational risk management
• Emotional Intelligence

• Investigation and research.
• Use of personal computers, common office software and office equipment.
• Communicating effectively orally with tact and diplomacy.
• Concise, yet detailed report writing and written communication.
• Coordinating and expediting processes and activities involving multiple organizational levels and contacts.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Organize and prioritize work.
• Interpret and effectively communicate regulations and policies.
• Respond to workplace dynamics in a timely and proactive manner.
• Coordinate multiple priorities.
• Independently conduct complex workplace investigations;
• Analyze conflicting testimony and evidence;
• Make objective and defensible factual findings;
• Recognize systemic workplace issues beyond an individual complaint;
• Diagnose workplace culture problems and recommend practical interventions;
• Develop relationships with employees while maintaining professional neutrality;
• Advise executives and senior managers regarding sensitive workplace matters;
• Facilitate difficult conversations;
• Manage emotionally charged workplace situations;
• Develop and deliver professional training;
• Interpret workforce data and identify meaningful trends;
• Prepare executive-level reports and recommendations;
• Exercise discretion with highly confidential information;
• Balance employee concerns with legitimate operational and organizational requirements; and
• Exercise substantial independent judgment with limited supervision.