ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT:
The mission of the Cambridge Human Rights Commission (“CHRC”) is to uphold and safeguard the fundamental human rights of all individuals in the City. CHRC works to eradicate discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Through an investigative process and proactive community outreach, CHRC aims to create an environment where people of diverse backgrounds can live without fear of discrimination. CHRC is also committed to advancing anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion both among employees and across the city. CHRC routinely collaborates with other city departments regarding community partnerships and cross-departmental initiatives.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
The City of Cambridge is looking for a committed Attorney Investigator to neutrally investigate complaints of discrimination that occur in the city. As an Attorney Investigator, you will be responsible for investigating complaints related to discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and other violations of the City’s Human Rights Ordinance and Fair Housing Ordinance. A successful candidate will be highly collaborative, self-motivated, and well-organized with excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work strategically and tactically. The Attorney Investigator will work closely with the Executive Director and other City departments.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Duties of the Attorney Investigator include investigating complaints of discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations, conducting fact finding and mediation conferences, and providing technical assistance and information to landlords, tenants, employers, employees, business owners and members of the public, as well as to City agencies and community organizations.
The Attorney Investigator provides support to other Commission projects, as needed, and attends monthly Commission meetings (typically the first Thursday evening of each month).
The Attorney Investigator may be called upon to assist other City departments with investigations on occasion.
Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
JD required; Massachusetts Bar Admission preferred.
Three years’ experience with investigation and case management required; mediation experience a plus.
Commitment to anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging required.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Must have strong research and writing abilities, as well as effective organizational and communication skills.
Strong knowledge of anti-discrimination laws and regulations, especially in the areas of housing, employment and public accommodations.
Must have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Demonstrated commitment to civil and human rights.
The City of Cambridge’s workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.
PREFERRED:
Bi-lingual skills (Spanish and/or Creole) preferred.
Demonstrated ability working with diverse ethnic groups and cultures highly desirable.
Familiarity with the Cambridge community preferred.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Ability to access, input, and retrieve information from a computer.
Ability to answer phones and maintain multiple files and be able to lift a minimum of at least 10 pounds.
Sufficient mobility to travel back and forth to offsite meetings.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Standard office environment with fluorescent lights, air conditioning, computers and other standard office equipment.
Noise level can be moderate to high when the office is active with phone calls and walk-in claimants.
- This position may be eligible for hybrid work under the City’s new Telework Policy, depending on operational needs.