ESD Investigator

Job Description - ESD Investigator )

Step into a role where your work has a real impact on people’s lives in Montana. As an Employment Standards Division (ESD) Investigator with the Human Rights Bureau, you will make sure discrimination complaints are taken seriously, investigated thoroughly, and resolved with integrity so every Montanan knows their rights are protected.

MISSION STATEMENT:
Empowering all Montanans through work and opportunity. It's about the people and the impact we make in our communities every day. We are proud of our open, team-based, supportive, and collaborative work environments.

Position Overview:

Make a real impact in the lives of Montanans by standing up for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity. You will lead impartial investigations into discrimination complaints and help ensure every person is treated with respect. You will interview people, review records and data, analyze how individuals were treated, translate civil rights laws into plain language, and guide people through difficult situations with empathy, professionalism, and neutrality.

What s In It For You:
Build advanced investigation, interviewing, and communication skills; develop analytical and legal reasoning abilities; gain knowledge of civil rights law, administrative processes, and evidentiary standards; strengthen ability to explain complex legal ideas in plain language and write clear, objective reports; enjoy the state s outdoor recreation and quality of life while serving Montana communities.

• Conduct intake interviews with individuals and organizations to assess potential civil rights violations and draft formal complaints when appropriate.
• Review complaints to confirm jurisdiction, identify issues, plan investigative steps, and track case progress to resolution.
• Prepare and carry out interviews with charging parties, respondents, witnesses, and attorneys, documenting information clearly and accurately.
• Request and examine relevant documentation such as employment policies, personnel records, or communications to evaluate claims and defenses.
• Apply state and federal legal standards to the facts to determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with participants throughout each stage, ensuring they understand process, timelines, and potential outcomes.
• Provide excellent customer service by responding promptly, professionally, and thoughtfully in both routine and sensitive interactions.
• Keep thorough and timely electronic case records in compliance with legal and agency policies.

• Two years of related experience conducting investigations, interviews, or other fact-finding that involves gathering information from multiple sources and making objective, well-supported decisions.
• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying statutes, rules, policies, or procedures related to civil rights, including employment, housing, education, or public accommodations.
• Proven ability to write clear, organized reports, summaries, or official correspondence that explain analysis and the basis for an agency or organizational decision.
• Proficiency using computers and common office software (such as Microsoft Office, email, and web-based databases or case-management systems).
• A degree in fields such as law, human resources, business, sociology, public administration, or related area may supplement experience but is not a substitute for demonstrated skills; equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Analytical thinking:
  Gather information, identify key issues, and draw logical conclusions.
• Active listening and interviewing:
  Ask thoughtful questions, explore perspectives, and build trust with participants.
• Clear and professional communication:
  Explain processes and findings in plain language, verbally and in writing, while remaining neutral and respectful.
• Emotional intelligence:
  Maintain professionalism and empathy in tense conversations.
• Time and case management:
  Manage multiple investigations, track progress, and meet deadlines.
• Attenti…