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Maine Human Rights Commission
Opening Date: May 12, 2026
Closing Date: May 27, 2026
Grade / Admin Unit: 26 / Professional/Technical
Job Class Code: 0064
Salary: $56,264.00 - $78,998.40/Annually
Position Number: 127000028
Location: Augusta
Currently, this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship or STEM OPT extensions.
DESCRIPTION:
This is professional services work enforcing the Maine Human Rights Act and related laws. Responsibilities include advising interested parties of their rights and responsibilities under the Act; gathering and developing testimonial and documentary evidence and analysis of evidence for presentation to the Commission; negotiating resolution of complaints; and making oral presentations of the facts and legal analysis of cases at public meetings of the Human Rights Commissioners to assist them in reaching a final determination on the merits. Work is performed under limited supervision.
REPRESENTATIVE TASKS:
- Reviews and analyzes information and documents obtained from persons who may be victims of discrimination to determine if there are sufficient facts to state a claim.
- Develops an appropriate investigative case plan to ensure a fair preliminary review of disputed issues within statutory and regulatory time frames.
- Interviews complainants, respondents, fact witnesses, and expert witnesses including subject matter experts such as physicians in order to gather information.
- Drafts interrogatories (requests for information and documents) in order to gather information.
- Conducts fact finding conferences at which witnesses may be placed under oath; asks questions of the witnesses and controls whether and to what extent counsel for the parties may also ask questions of the witnesses.
- Analyzes case information and documents, facts, reports, and other documentation in order to formulate a recommended finding to Commissioners.
- Explains laws, legal rights, options, timelines, and risks and advantages of pursuing or defending complaints in order to ensure that parties are knowledgeable of their rights and obligations.
- Confers and negotiates with parties and attorneys representing the parties.
- Writes Investigator’s Reports applying the appropriate law (Maine Human Rights Act, Whistleblowers’ Protection Act, regulations of the Maine Human Rights Commission, case law, etc.) to the facts in cases.
- Explains state and federal anti-discrimination laws, regulations, and procedural rules to parties in order to provide information.
- Assists parties in negotiating resolutions and/or compromise of claims pursuant to statutory mandate in order to reduce non-meritorious litigation claims in Superior Court.
- Drafts Settlement Agreements.
- Makes oral presentations of the facts and legal analysis of cases at public meetings of the Human Rights Commissioners to assist them in reaching a final determination on the merits.
- Consults with Executive Director, Commission Counsel, Chief Investigator, and peers in order to ensure common understanding and interpretation of the law.
- Assists in the preparation of civil actions filed in Superior Court by the Commission seeking relief for victims of discrimination in accordance with applicable laws.
- Researches special topics.
- Attends and makes oral presentations at public meetings, workshops, and conferences regarding the Commission’s mission, its procedures, and the laws and regulations enforced by the Commission.
- Testifies in Court when necessary, in order to present evidence gathered during investigation.
- Recommends administrative dismissal of complaints to the Executive Director.
KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Knowledge of state and federal anti-discrimination laws, regulations, rules, and case law in the areas of non-discrimination and civil rights in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and extension of credit.
- Knowledge of basic rules of evidence.
- Knowledge of basic legal research techniques.
- Knowledge of medical and legal terminology.
- Knowledge of interviewing and investigative techniques and practices.
- Ability to research, analyze, and organize legal facts and principles.
- Ability to communicate effectively.
- Ability to write clearly and effectively.
- Ability to conduct investigations, including fact finding conferences, in a neutral, fair, and impartial manner.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
- Ability to negotiate and draft settlement agreements or other voluntary resolutions.
- Ability to prepare and maintain complex cases and large caseloads.
- Ability to handle difficult and adversarial situations.
- Ability to remain calm and maintain order in emotionally charged settings.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of case file information and communications.
- Ability to remain neutral and non-biased.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A six (6) year combination of experience, education, and/or training in investigation, law, advocacy, neutral arbitration, and/or dispute resolution which would require knowledge of fact and evidence gathering and analysis, laws, contracts, rules and procedures, and practices relating to civil rights and civil law enforcement, and familiarity with federal and state anti-discrimination statutes and case law in employment, housing, public accommodations, and extension of credit.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Please submit a cover letter along with a current resume.
In order for us to properly determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for any posting, you must be sure your resume includes the month and year for any relevant experience listed. Your resume should include the duties and responsibilities associated with each position. Any experience that was not full-time employment should be identified as such.
CONTACT INFORMATION: For more information or questions specific to the position, please contact recruiting.ggsc@maine.gov.
The selected candidate will be required to pass the required background checks (fingerprinting may be required) as a condition of employment.
Benefits of working for the State of Maine:
No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto—"Dirigo" or "I lead"—as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:
- Work-Life Balance– Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave,and3+ weeks of vacation leaveannually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
- Health Insurance Coverage– The State of Maine pays85%-100%of employee-only premiums($11,857.68-$13,950.24annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find thepremium costsfor you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
- Health Insurance Premium Credit– Participation decreases employee-only premiums by 5%. Visit the Office of Employee Health and Wellness for more information aboutprogram requirements.
- Dental Insurance– The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($365.28 annual value).
- Retirement Plan– The State of Maine contributes 14.11% of pay to the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS), on behalf of the employee.
- Gym Membership Reimbursement– Improve overall health with regular exercise and receive up to $40 per month to offset this expense.
- Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts– Set aside money pre-tax to help pay for out-of-pocket health care expenses and/or daycare expenses.
- Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness– The State of Maine is a qualified employer for this federal program. For more information, visit theFederal Student Aid office.
- Living Resources Program– Navigate challenging work and life situations with our employee assistance program.
- Parental leaveis one of the most important benefits for any working parent. All employees who are welcoming a child—including fathers and adoptive parents—receiveforty-two (42) consecutive calendar days of fully paid parental leave. Additional, unpaid leave may also be available, under theFamily and Medical Leave Act.
- Voluntary Deferred Compensation– Save additional pre-tax funds for retirement in a MaineSaves 457(b) account through payroll deductions.
State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.
Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for anything less than full-time.
There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.
As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.
If you’re looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we’d love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.
Thinking about applying?
Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you’re currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your experience and passion set you apart.
If you require a paper application, please download and print one HERE
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If you are unable to complete the online application, please contact the Human Resources representative listed on the job opening you are interested in applying for. They will work with you for an alternative method of submitting.
