Human Rights Researcher Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Position Description The Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) envisions a city of thriving and powerful communities that fosters shared healing and belonging. SOCR's mission is to provide leadership in upholding civil rights and advance racial equity in the City of Seattle. SOCR's values are compassion, responsibility, integrity, imagination and belonging.

The SOCR advances civil rights and removes barriers to equity by enforcing illegal discrimination laws in Employment, Housing, Public Places, Fair Contracting, Title VI and ADA Title II in the City of Seattle. We also work to realize the vision of racial equity by leading the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative. SOCR has an opportunity for a Civil Right Investigator to join our Enforcement Division.

This is an exciting opportunity to advance the mission of our office and to promote civil rights through investigating complaints of discrimination and civil rights violations. As the Civil Rights Investigator, you will be responsible for receiving complaints, investigating, and negotiating settlements involving Seattle's non-discrimination and civil rights laws. In this role, you will be responsible for enforcing non-discrimination under local and federal laws in employment, housing, public places, and contracting as well as local civil rights protections such as Seattle's all-gender restroom ordinance, the ban on providing conversion therapy to minors' ordinance, the fair chance housing and eviction records ordinance and the closed captioning ordinance.

In addition to carrying a caseload, you will also conduct trainings, participate in outreach, and provide technical assistance to educate the public on civil rights. Job Responsibilities In this role, you will be: Developing an investigative plan based on the discrimination complaint Conducting interviews, requesting and gathering relevant documents related to the complaint allegations Reviewing and analyzing evidence gathered Applying legal, technical, and analytical skills to case investigations and investigative findings Writing investigative findings and making recommendations for the case outcome Conducting settlement conferences and negotiating settlement terms Maintaining case files and communications Ensuring work product meets procedural and technical standards Participating in training and community outreach events You will be most prepared for this work if you have the following knowledge, skills, and experience in: Managing a large caseload successfully. Providing excellent customer service.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, OneDrive, SharePoint). Qualifications In addition to the ability to complete the tasks mentioned above, you will need to possess the following required qualifications (or a combination of education, training or experience that provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class): Bachelor's degree in Public or Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, Law, or a closely related field. Two years of professional experience investigating civil rights complaints in employment, housing, and/or public places.

Examples may include enforcement, EEO or HR investigations, labor relations, mediation, or work in a related legal, technical, or analytical discipline OR Associate degree in Public or Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Political Science, Law, or a closely related field. Three years of professional experience investigating civil rights complaints in employment, housing, and/or public places. Examples may include enforcement, EEO or HR investigations, labor relations, mediation, or work in a related legal, technical, or analytical discipline OR Four years of professional experience investigating civil rights complaints in employment, housing, and/or public places.

Examples may include enforcement, EEO or HR investigations, labor relations, mediation, or work in a related legal, technical, or analytical discipline Additional Information This full-time (1.0 FTE) civil-service position is eligible for overtime, is classified as a Civil Rights Analyst, and is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Seattle and the union, PROTEC17 - Technical Unit. Pay: The full pay range for this position is $50.60 - $58.79 hourly. New employees typically begin at Step 1 of the pay progression which is $50.60 hourly

Current City employees' starting rate of pay will be based on Personnel Rules regarding promotions. Working Schedule: This position offers the flexibility of a hybrid work schedule. Employees will be expected to be in the office two to three times a week.

Hiring Timeline: First round interviews for this position are tentatively scheduled for the week of August 19-26, 2026. Second round interviews are tentatively scheduled for September 9-15, 2026. Accommodations: We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact Sandra Wong at Sandra.Wong@seattle.gov to request accommodation. Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits

Please select an option under the heading "Most Employee Benefits." Why Work at the City. At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job; it's a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all

Whatever your role, you'll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example - inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused - while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives. Application Process: Please submit your application at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle no later than 4:00 PM Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 28, 2026

To be considered for this position, in addition to completing your application fully, please attach: A PDF of your current resume A cover letter clearly describing how your knowledge, skills, and abilities prepare you for the job responsibilities and qualifications outlined in this job announcement. Incomplete applications will not be considered. We encourage you to review the City of Seattle's Application and Interviewing Tips Guide, which may be used as a resource as you prepare to apply and interview for positions with the City of Seattle.

Who may apply: This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

The City encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences.