HUMAN RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE 1

(Bilingual)

(General)

GENERAL DEFINITION

This is community and educational work of limited scope assuring equal opportunities and fair treatment for all persons in industry and the community by promoting inter-communication, understanding, and cooperation among various racial, ethnic, minority, and religious groups. Work includes conducting investigations in the field to achieve compliance with civil rights legislation and to resolve neighborhood disputes. Assignments expand in complexity and scope as the employee gains experience in the work. Of major significance in the work is the motivation of community groups in the area of human relations programs: compliance, community engagement and fair housing. Work is performed under the supervision of a technical superior.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Works through private welfare agencies, churches, and community leaders to acquaint foreign language speaking people with their civil rights and responsibilities, and with the health, welfare and educational services and other municipal facilities available to them; counsels individuals and groups on relationships with the English-speaking public and in the use of community resources.

Confers with community leaders and agency representatives to interpret the needs and problems of the foreign language-speaking community and to promote communication and understanding between the English and non-English-speaking public.

Performs the duties shown above with members of a foreign language-speaking community.

GENERAL SPECIALTY

Interviews and counsels individuals alleging discrimination by real estate brokers, owners of housing accommodations, employers, labor organizations, employment agencies and places of public accommodations; determines if allegations are within scope of agency responsibility; makes referrals to other appropriate agencies for assistance.

Makes field investigations of complaints received concerning discrimination; discusses problems with complainants and witnesses, examining relevant records to ascertain the basis for the complaint; makes oral and written recommendations for dispositions of complaints; presides at fact-finding conferences with concerned parties to attempt conciliation and adjustment of cases when possible; presents testimony at enforcement hearings of the Commission on Human Relations.

Arranges and participates in conferences with employers, union officials, real estate brokers, representatives of community groups and others to reduce or eliminate discriminatory practices.

Interviews agency referrals to identify nature of problem or conflict; determines if problem is within the scope of agency responsibility; refers acceptable cases to supervisor for agency investigations; makes referrals to appropriate agencies or institutions; contacts agencies or institutions to arrange appointments; follows-up to determine if problem is resolved.

Receives complaints of neighborhood disputes; contacts the complainant and respondent; defines and analyzes the problem after investigation; develops strategy and action plan; acts as mediator and/or conciliator by suggesting problem solutions and/or referrals; recommends case closing to supervisor.

Serves as liaison and resource person with community organizations and special interest groups; maintains contacts with organizations and groups to sustain communication and relationships.

Identifies community social structure to determine representative groups and organizations to alleviate inter-group tensions and achieve integration; give talks to educate these groups and organizations concerning their capabilities to mold public opinion on the integration of ethnic groups in housing, educational facilities, public accommodations and industry.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• the principles, practices, current developments, and legislation in the field of civil rights

• community resources which can be employed to assist in meeting problems relating to discrimination based on race, sex, religion, ethnicity, or physical handicap

• social problems, particularly those related to discrimination in housing, industry, public accommodations and educational institutions

• methods and techniques of gathering and compiling data or pattern studies concerning inter-group integration and related discriminatory practices

• mediation procedures, principles, and practices

ABILITY TO:

• speak, read, and write in a specified foreign language and the English language fluently and clearly for the Bilingual specialty

• recognize and acknowledge the significance of a diversity of cultural backgrounds for the Bilingual specialty

• gather and analyze data

• mediate problems between two opposing parties

• identify community organizations and promote inter-group integration to ameliorate discrimination, and to produce facts and analyses for the promotion of integration on an industry-wide basis

• work with various groups in effecting changes in social outlook

• establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations and the general public

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE (The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 7/24.)

EDUCATION:

BOTH SPECIALTIES

Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.

NOTE: Completion of an industry related certification or additional experience may substitute for the required education on a year for year basis.

AND

EXPERIENCE:

One year of experience in community organization, social work, labor-management negotiations, counseling or guidance, adult education, public relations, public information work, or human relations work.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department.

BILINGUAL SPECIALTY

Sufficient training and/or experience to be able to understand and speak fluently and clearly in a designated foreign language.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to and during tenure of employment as a Human Relations Representative I if required by work assignment.

Class Established 6/71

Spec. Revision 5/87

Latest Spec. Revision

CSC – 6/24; Ad. Board – 7/24