ULSTER COUNTY, NEW YORK IS ACCEPTING RESUMES FROM QUALIFIED PERSONS FOR THE POSITION OF

Commissioner of Human Rights

This important administrative position is responsible for addressing discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodation, education, and credit.  The work is performed under the general direction of the Human Rights Commission with the authority necessary for administering the overall program.  The Commissioner is responsible for supervision over the work of subordinate staff. Does related work as required. Examples of responsibility include:

•     Receives and investigates complaints of discrimination against groups or individuals as covered by state, federal, and local human rights laws and regulation;

•     Prepares formal complaints of discrimination when necessary;

•     Attempts to resolve alleged acts of discrimination by working with employers and landlords;

•     Oversees a case management database, and maintain records of all complaints received and heard by the Commission including disposition;

•     Regularly reports to the County Executive or assigned Deputy County Executive on the status of operations, complaints, and the Commission;

•     Informs legislative bodies, committees and agencies of needs, resources, and laws, and works with other agencies and organizations as necessary;

•     Develops human and civil rights discrimination education program and outreach for Ulster County;

•     Provides effective communication in listening, speaking and in writing with individuals and groups from varied social and economic backgrounds;

•     Attends meetings of Human Rights Commission and assists Commission in conducting its education program;

•     Oversees functions of annual plan, budgeting and personnel;

•     Assists Human Rights Commission in preparing reports;

•     Maintains liaison between Human Rights Commission, State Division of Human Rights and other community organizations;

•     Liaises with independent hearing officers and supervises referrals of cases to hearing officers as appropriate.

Full Performance Knowledges, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

•     Thorough knowledge of federal and state laws concerning discrimination;

•     Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques as related to discrimination;

•     Strong knowledge of social and economic problems as they relate to discrimination;

•     A demonstrated sensitivity, understanding, and awareness of current and historical issues and challenges of different marginalized groups;

•     Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality;

•     Integrity, good judgment, tact, initiative, resourcefulness;

•     Ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, and good knowledge of public relations techniques;

•     Ability to maintain good working relationships both within and outside the agency;

•     Ability to plan and supervise the work of others;

•     Ability to prepare budgets;

•     Ability to prepare detailed reports.

Minimum Qualifications:  Either:

A. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree and two (2) years of full-time paid, or its part-time and/or volunteer equivalent, experience in human resources, human services, social work, affirmative action, mediation, community advocacy or closely related field; OR

B. Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered college or university with an Associate’s Degree and four (4) years of full-time paid, or its part-time and/or volunteer equivalent, experience in human resources, human services, social work, affirmative action, mediation, community advocacy or closely related field; OR

C. Graduation from high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and six (6) years of full-time paid, or its’ part-time and/ or volunteer equivalent, experience in human resources, human services, social work, affirmative action, mediation, community advocacy or closely related field.

D. An equivalent combination of training and experience as described in A, B and C above.

 Special Requirement for appointment to Ulster County positions:  Upon a conditional employment offer and in accordance with Ulster County Legislative Local Law Number 14 of 2007 or by other State and Federal Statutes, prospective candidates for employment to all Ulster County positions must obtain clearance for appointment from the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services or other mandated Federal and State regulatory authorities. Such prospective candidates will be required to be fingerprinted accordingly.

ULSTER COUNTY IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

AND ALL CIVIL SERVICE LAWS, RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLY.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, gender or gender identity, creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, marital status, veteran status, disabled veteran status, or status as a member of any other protected group or activity.