Human Rights Investigator

Human Rights Investigator

Salary

$65,769.60 - $77,584.00 Annually

Location

Charlottesville, VA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

261000007

Department

City Managers Office

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

10/30/2026 5:00 PM Eastern

Bargaining Unit

N/A

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

General Summary

The Human Rights Investigator performs responsible work conducting investigations of discrimination complaints received by the Office of Human Rights and authorized by the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance. Prepares investigative reports for presentation to the Director for rendering determinations on allegations of unlawful discrimination. Work is performed under the limited supervision of the Director of the Human Rights Commission.

The preferred hiring amount for this position is between $31.62 - $37.30 an hour ($65,769.60 - $77,584.00 annually). Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This full-time, non-exempt position offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, gym membership reimbursement, tuition assistance, and professional development opportunities. This position is also eligible for the following leave and retirement benefits:

• Vacation Leave: 3.09 hours accrued bi-weekly (increases with YOS).

• Sick Leave: 4.62 hours accrued bi-weekly, approx. 120 hours per year with no limit on accumulation.

• 13 Paid Observed City Holidays

• 1 Floating Holiday which must be taken during the fiscal year (July 1 - June 30)

• Choice of retirement plan:

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan: Provides a monthly benefit upon retirement, calculated using a defined formula based on earnings history, years of service, and age. The plan includes a 5-year vesting period and requires an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• Defined Contribution 401a Plan: Employer makes fixed contributions to an individual account, which are invested, and returns are credited to the account. The account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. Vesting occurs at 33% after one year, 67% after two years, and 100% after three years of service. No salary contribution is required.

• Voluntary 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

• Eligibility to purchase prior service credit under the Defined Benefit Plan

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system and does not participate in VRS; however, a Portability Agreement is available for eligible employees. For additional details, please refer to the "Benefits" tab within this posting or visit the City's Employee Benefits webpage.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Creates investigative plans for complaints of discrimination authorized by the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance and the Director.
• Develops and prepares investigative interview questions.
• Conducts thorough, fair, and impartial investigative interviews with complainants, respondents, and witnesses related to allegations of unlawful discrimination as authorized by the Charlottesville Human Rights Ordinance.
• May be required to conduct investigative interviews with a complainant, respondent, or witness at an external site.
• Corresponds with complainants, respondents, and witnesses to request information and evidence pertinent to investigations of discrimination.
• Prepares draft affidavits based on information gathered during investigative interviews.
• Prepares accurate and timely investigative reports for presentation to the Director.
• Testifies in court proceedings as necessary.
• Collects and maintains accurate data related to individual contacts and enters/updates information into the Office of Human Rights Service Provision and Case Management Databases.
• Interprets Office of Human Rights policies and assists the Director with the development and revision of standard operating procedures for the Office of Human Rights.
• Ensures processes comply with local, state, and/or federal regulations, laws, and standards.
• As needed, conducts or assists with intake meetings, prepares intake reports, and assists with the filing of jurisdictional complaint(s) and forms.
• As needed, assists individuals with preparing complaints for submission to state and federal agencies.
• As needed, assists with receiving incoming contacts to the Office of Human Rights via phone, email, and or in-person.
• As needed, may perform research and clerical duties for the Human Rights Commission and Office of Human Rights.
• As needed, may attend Human Rights Commission, City Council, or other appropriate Boards and Commissions meetings.
• As needed, works occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.

Other Duties

• Performs additional duties to support operational requirements as apparent or assigned.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, sociology, psychology, law, law enforcement, civil or human rights, or related field, AND 1 year of professional investigative and/or compliance work experience analyzing and evaluating facts and evidence; arriving at sound conclusions; writing reports and presenting investigative findings that shows resourcefulness, initiative, discretion, tact, and capability of obtaining the cooperation and confidence of others.

OR

• Associate degree in public administration, sociology, psychology, law, law enforcement, civil or human rights, or related field AND 2 years of professional investigative and/or compliance work experience analyzing and evaluating facts and evidence; arriving at sound conclusions; writing reports and presenting investigative findings that shows resourcefulness, initiative, discretion, tact, and capability of obtaining the cooperation and confidence of others.

OR

• High School diploma or GED AND 4 years of professional investigative and/or compliance work experience analyzing and evaluating facts and evidence; arriving at sound conclusions; writing reports and presenting investigative findings that shows resourcefulness, initiative, discretion, tact, and capability of obtaining the cooperation and confidence of others.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, sociology, psychology, law, law enforcement, civil or human rights, or related field.
• Prior experience in law or legal work, civil rights investigation/compliance or human rights investigation/compliance, or other related areas.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable record, OR ability to provide own transportation to and from meetings and/or other external sites.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics:

Job Knowledge

• Thorough knowledge of investigative techniques and principles including maintaining investigative neutrality, preparing investigative interviews, gathering evidence, and writing reports.
• Thorough knowledge of state and federal guidelines and regulations pertaining to human and civil rights.
• Knowledge of Microsoft applications and the ability to work with electronic case files and databases.

Reading

• Advanced: ability to read and understand complex written materials such as books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and/or legal documents.

Writing

• Intermediate: ability to write reports, prepare materials such as business letters, explanations, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

• Basic: ability to perform the four basic arithmetic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, division.

Communication Skills

• Intermediate: Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and professional relationships with peers, management, employees, clients, the public, and other agencies and organizations. Engages in respectful and sometimes difficult conversations with members of the community. Responds with effectiveness and sensitivity in the context of various cultural beliefs, behaviors, and needs presented by the community. Examples include contacts that may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions.

Independence and Decision-Making

• Requires Limited Direction: normally completes work according to their own judgment, requesting supervisory assistance occasionally. Special projects are managed with little oversight and assignments may be reviewed upon completion. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

• Skilled: comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the assigned and apparent job responsibilities. Ability to research, analyze, measure, and interpret qualitative and quantitative information or data.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• No budgetary/fiscal responsibilities.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• No responsibility for direction or supervision of others.

Other Characteristics

• Requires regular and reliable attendance.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality with respect to information received from the public and others.
• Requires skill and tact in dealing with sensitive, controversial, and/or confidential information.
• Excellent organizational, time management and customer service skills, along with the ability to effectively prioritize tasks to meet multiple deadlines.
• Working closely with others as part of a team.
• May require dealing with angry, frustrated and/or upset individuals.
• May require work on weekends and/or nights.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Must occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• May be required to work outside of office, at offsite meetings or in clients' homes.

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in an office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The City of Charlottesville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports workforce diversity at all levels of the organization. The City prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. The City is dedicated to this with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.

Requests for reasonable accommodation by individuals with disabilities may be requested by contacting Human Resources at (434) 970-3490 or hr@charlottesville.gov.

The City of Charlottesville conducts job related background checks, reference checks, and pre-employment drug tests, in accordance with federal, state, and local law, of applicants who reach the final stages of the employment selection process. The City's policy has not changed because of the decriminalization of marijuana in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Marijuana remains an illegal drug under federal law, and it continues to be a violation of the US Department of Transportation regulations and the City's policy prohibiting employees from testing positive for marijuana.

SUMMARY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Updated February 9, 2026

Benefits cited represent those for regular 40-hour employees and may differ for Management Level, Part-Time, and/or Library positions. Long-term temporary employees are eligible for all benefits except retirement. Interns, temporary, seasonal, substitute, and relief employees are not eligible for benefits.

1. LEAVE:

Vacation: Need some time off? Use it, you earned it:

Years Worked

0 - <3

3 - <5

5 - <10

10 - <15

15 - <20

20 - <25

25+

Hours Accrued Biweekly

3.09

3.85

4.62

5.4

6.16

6.93

7.7

Sick: Under the weather? Earn 4.62 hours biweekly, approximately 120 hours a year, with no limit on accumulation to be used to care for yourself and qualifying family members.

Holidays: Enjoy 13 paid holidays per year. Including 1 Floating Holiday, which must be taken during the Fiscal Year (July 1 - June 30):

OBSERVED CITY HOLIDAYS

New Years Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Day

Presidents' Day

Liberation & Freedom Day

Memorial Day

Juneteenth Day

Independence Day

Labor Day

Veterans Day

Thanksgiving Day

Friday after Thanksgiving

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

1 Floating Holiday

Volunteer Leave: Paid leave for participating in an authorized event as a volunteer, subject to Section 9-3, Code of Ethics & Conflicts of Interest. Regular full-time employees receive up to 8 hours and all regular part-time employees are eligible to receive pro-rated leave each available each calendar year.

2. INSURANCE:

Aetna Medical Plans: Coverage is effective on the first of the month following date of hire.

• Choose from two options:

• Select HMO with City-funded HRA ($0 premium for employee-only coverage)

• Choice POS ($13.02 biweekly premium for employee-only coverage)

• Prescription Card: ($10 generic, $30 lower cost name brand,$55 higher cost name brand, 20% up to $150 for specialty drugs)

• Mail Order Maintenance Prescription Drug Program ($20 generic, $60lower cost name brand, $110 higher cost brand) not available for specialty drugs)

Delta Dental Plan:

• Diagnostic and Preventative-100% of allowable charge; Basic Dental Care-80%; Major Dental Care- 50%
• Primary - $50 deductible, 80/20; Prosthetic and Complex Restorative -$50, 50/50
• $1,500 Annual benefit maximum
• $1,000 Orthodontic benefit (children to age 19)

MetLife Vision Plan: (Optional)

• $2.50 premium paid bi-weekly for employee-only coverage. Dependent care coverage also available.
• Eye health exam, dilatation, prescription and refraction of glasses covered after $10 co-pay
• $130 allowance for frames, after co-pay, plus additional discounts where accepted.

Life Insurance: In the event of your death, your beneficiary will receive twice your annual salary. Supplementary policies for you and your dependents are available.

Long-Term Disability: Upon approval for along-term illness or injury, you can receive up to 60% of your earnings after a 90-day wait period.

Voluntary Benefits: Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity insurance; Short-Term Disability; Identity Theft Protection

3. RETIREMENT:

Pension:

• Choose from two (2) options:

• A Defined Benefit Pension plan pays a monthly benefit in retirement using a defined formula based on the employee's earnings history, tenure of service, and age. Our plan has a 5-year vesting period and an employee contribution of 5% of salary.

• A Defined Contribution 401a plan in which fixed contributions are paid into an individual's account by the employer, the contributions are invested, returns (positive or negative) are credited to the account, and the account balance is used to provide retirement benefits. The vesting schedule for our 401a plan is 33% after one year of service, 67% after two years of service, and 100% vesting after three years of service. There is no required contribution from salary. (Note: the Defined Contribution retirement plan is the only plan available for Library employees).

Supplement: Deferred Compensation 457 available for you to invest your own money for additional retirement savings.

4. VOLUNTARY:

Wellness:

• Gym Membership Reimbursement Program (up to $34.00 per month)

• Bicycle Commuter Program: Reimbursement up to $20 per month for reasonable bicycle commuting expenses

• Online wellness resources and Lunch-and-Learn Sessions

Employee Assistance Program:

• A variety of confidential, personal professional services for you and your family available 24 hours a day.

Tuition Reimbursement:

• Up to $1,500 for job-related certificates, trade programs, undergraduate coursework or up to $3,000 for graduate level courses per fiscal year for career-related courses.

Flexible Spending Accounts:

• Expense accounts available for healthcare, dependent care and parking/mass transit.

01

How many years of professional investigative and/or compliance work experience do you have analyzing and evaluating facts and evidence, drawing conclusions, and preparing reports or presenting investigative findings? (Must be verifiable in reference to the Work History section of your online application.)

• No experience
• Less than 1 year.
• 1 year to less than 2 years.
• 2 years to less than 3 years.
• 3 years to less than 4 years.
• 4 to less than 5 years.
• 5 years or greater.

02

What is your highest level of education obtained: (Your response must be verifiable in reference to the Education History section on your online application.)

• Bachelors degree or higher
• Associates degree (or 60 or more college credit hours)
• High School Diploma
• None of the above

03

This position requires driving to perform essential job duties and requires a valid drivers license. The candidate selected for this position must meet the driver eligibility requirements of the City and must provide a certified copy of their DMV driving record. Do you possess a valid drivers license and are you willing to provide a certified copy of your DMV driving record, if selected as a finalist, for the City to confirm your driving eligibility?

• Yes; I possess a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; However, I am willing and able to obtain a valid drivers license and am willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.
• No; I do not have a valid drivers license, nor am I willing or able to obtain one, and/or am not willing to provide a certified copy of my DMV driving record.

04

To be considered, qualifying education and experience, including City of Charlottesville employment, must be clearly documented in the education, work history, and additional information sections of the employment application. Resumes can be attached but should not be used as a substitute for the required information on the application. I understand that an attached resume may not be accepted in place of a completed employment application and that my qualifications should be stated on the employment application itself.

• Yes
• No

05

I certify that the information above is true and correct, and I certify that it can be verified with reference to the information in my basic application. I understand that my application may be rejected if the responses to supplemental questions do not match my basic application.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Charlottesville

Address P. O. Box 911

605 East Main Street

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902

Phone (434) 970-3490

Website http://www.charlottesville.gov/jobs