Civil Rights Investigator - Austin Equity and Inclusion

Job Description:

Civil Rights Investigator - Austin Equity and Inclusion

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Performs duties related to the intake, screening, investigation, conciliation, settlement, education, and outreach of civil rights laws and ordinances under the authority of the City of Austin Office of Civil Right including but not limited to housing, employment, and public accommodation discrimination.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Interprets Federal, State, and local laws/ordinances concerning discrimination under the Office of Civil Rights’ authority.
  
• Investigates complaints of all ordinances enforced by the Office of Civil Rights.
  
• Receives phone inquiries or walk-in complaints of discrimination or denial of rights.
  
• Investigates complaints by obtaining statements from witnesses or other involved parties, interviewing complainants to determine the nature of complaint, and conducting research to evaluate the merits of the complaint.
  
• Assists in the analysis of gathered data to determine the merits of the complaint.
  
• Utilizes mediation and conciliation to resolve discrimination complaints and may confer with involved parties to negotiate settlements of complaints.
  
• Prepares recommendations for Manager’s approval concerning unsettled complaints.
  
• Compiles and analyzes complaints, comments, and other available data regarding discrimination to identify potential trends or problem areas and provides recommendations to management for preventive and/or corrective action.
  
• Serves as representative for boards, commissions, and community outreach events and identifies programmatic needs as it relates to Federal, State and City ordinances.
  
• Develops and delivers related trainings and materials to impacted respondents and to support Federal, State, and Local policies.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

• None
  

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of areas supported.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws/ordinance concerning discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodation.
  
• Knowledge of city practices, policies, and procedures.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Ability to interview under a variety of conditions.
  
• Ability to handle hostile conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to use application of investigative and research techniques.
  
• Ability in researching established case law and applicable precedents.
  
• Ability in performing thorough and accurate data collection and analysis.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other city employees and the public.
  
• Ability in negotiation of settlements.
  
• Ability to develop and maintain knowledge in applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination laws and ordinances.
  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Government, Communications, Sociology, Business, or Public Administration, plus 1 (one) year of experience in the investigation of discrimination complaints.
  
• Graduation with a Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university or graduation with a Juris Doctor may substitute for one (1) year of experience.
  
• Experience may substitute for education up to the maximum of four (4) years
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None
  

Notes to Candidate:

Austin Equity and Inclusion’s Civil Rights Division is hiring a Civil Rights Investigator. This position is responsible for managing the intake of phone inquiries and walk-in complaints of discrimination involving housing, employment, and related ordinances. Complaints will be investigated by obtaining statements from witnesses or other involved parties, conferring with involved parties to negotiate the settlement of complaints, and recommending resolution of complaints and service requests. The successful candidate should be skilled in interpreting federal, state, and local laws/ordinances, conducting research, data analysis, evaluating the merits of all evidence, problem solving and writing.

Austin Equity and Inclusion’s Civil Rights Division champions fairness, respect and a shared commitment to justice by:

• Upholding anti-discrimination laws across critical areas like employment, housing, fair chance hiring, public accommodations, and tenants’ rights to organize.
  
• Collaborating through community engagement to build lasting partnerships that drive meaningful change.
  
• Educating the public to foster awareness, understanding, and action against discrimination.
  

Austin Equity and Inclusion works strategically to promote visibility, transparency, accountability, and responsibility, with the primary goal of ensuring fair treatment for all individuals in the areas of Employment, Housing, Fair Chance, Title VI, Title II, Veteran Services and Public Accommodations.

To view the City of Austin Recruitment Video, please click here!

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. Please be sure that your application is a reflection of your entire work history.

• Please be sure to detail on the application all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position. Be sure to provide job titles and employment dates for all jobs you wish to be considered. Describe your specific experience for each position. Include all job duties, responsibilities, and employment dates.
  
• A résumé is required, but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please include contact information from previous employers.
  
• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.
  

Benefits:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities, and more. Please click HERE for more information.

Salary Range: $60,030.00 to $74,140.00 annually

Location: One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road, Suite 500, Austin, TX 78704

Hours: Monday - Friday 8AM - 5PM

Important Note to Applicants:
Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-13