Sanctuary Law Investigator (Investigator 2) - Civil Rights Unit

Sanctuary Law Investigator (Investigator 2) - Civil Rights Unit

The Oregon Department of Justice is seeking to hire a Sanctuary Law Investigator (Investigator 2) to work in the Civil Rights Unit (CRU) to work closely with the CRU Hotline Advocates, team, and assigned attorney to gather information regarding possible sanctuary law violations. Oregon's sanctuary laws say that state and local government, including police, cannot help enforce federal immigration law without a court order signed by a judge. The investigator will inquire into state and local government and law enforcement agencies involved in reports of alleged violations of Oregon sanctuary law. The investigator will have experience working with communities impacted by inequity, and be mindful of (likely) every interviewee's reluctance in engaging with Oregon DOJ and / or government. The incumbent will work alongside CRU advocates to think creatively, act in a trauma-informed manner, problem solve and innovate, and take initiative in conducting thorough inquiries, writing reports, and publishing responses from public bodies. A bi- or multi-lingual candidate would be a plus!

The Civil Rights Unit engages in outreach, education, support, and advocacy. Its goal is to protect the civil rights of people in Oregon from discrimination based on protected class, and conduct civil rights education, outreach, and inquiries throughout Oregon, with emphasis on communities impacted by inequity. The Unit coordinates with the Director of Civil Rights and Social Justice, who reports directly to the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General. The Unit's current work includes a major focus on providing responsive support for victims of hate and bias and those targeted in violations of Oregon's longstanding sanctuary laws. The position and Unit face high scrutiny from Oregon elected officials and community members alike. Join us as we lean into the work of providing all people with access to safe and healthy communities. Apply today!

Studies have shown that women, people of color, people with disabilities, and people from LGBTQIA2S+ communities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We encourage anyone interested to apply. This position will be a hybrid of remote and in office. It will be worked remote to the fullest extent possible under hybrid work guidelines after a period of in-office training. For the right candidate, we would be open to this position reporting to another DOJ office outside of the Portland or Salem office.

Duties and Responsibilities (in part)

• Review sanctuary promise report referrals from CRU staff for investigative / inquiry services and evaluate issues raised.
• Develop and execute a plan to gather information relating to sanctuary hotline reports received, and to obtain information, records, communications, policies, and responses of public bodies and law enforcement agencies regarding alleged violations.
• Gather and preserve evidence and conduct fact finding according to the rules of evidence.
• Draft and send requests to obtain relevant documents, information, records, policies, communications, recordings, and statements.
• Compile, review and analyze information such as law enforcement records, computerized data, government agency policies, financial records, court records, and other material. In coordination with hotline advocates, identify and interview targeted individuals, witnesses, suspects, whistleblowers, law enforcement (including civilian employees), and government employees. Where applicable, conduct interviews using trauma-informed interview techniques and in the language of the interviewee's choice.
• Coordinate with hotline advocates to work with local agencies and service providers to obtain assistance for individuals reporting alleged violations.
• Maintain records of all inquiries / investigations in accessible spreadsheets and reports within the CRU database. Keep accurate data on cases, contacts, and referrals. Assist CRU coordinator in reporting required data to Criminal Justice Commission.
• Communicate regularly and clearly with Hotline staff and volunteers and interns, and CRU staff regarding investigative updates. Use clear indicators regarding what information is shareable, and what is confidential due to active investigation.
• Develop timelines and summaries of relevant facts.
• Organize and preserve all physical and documentary evidence for potential use in legal action or trials.
• Write investigative reports to facilitate compliance with DOJ's obligations under ORS 181A.827.
• Assist in development of ODOJ's inquiry / investigation protocols for sanctuary law violations.
• Develop and conduct specialized multi-disciplinary trainings in sanctuary promise law, bias crime and non-criminal bias incidents, civil rights investigations, and other public presentations.
• Assist in development of educational material for law enforcement, state and local government agencies, and community members.
• Engage and work effectively with culturally diverse workforce and communities, demonstrating knowledge in trauma-informed response, equity, and cultural responsiveness, as well as working with the goal of reducing harm and prioritizing targeted individual, witness and family member safety and choice, while managing the integrity of investigative work.
• Other duties as assigned, including work related to bias crimes and bias incidents.

Our Ideal Candidate Will Have

Minimum Qualifications

Don't meet the minimum qualifications of the Investigator 2? You can still be considered for an underfill! To be selected as an underfill, you must meet the MQs of the Investigator 1. To be eligible as an underfill, the selected candidate must meet the minimum qualifications of the position within 12 months of the appointment.

What's In It For You

For more information about our benefits, you can learn more here.

Application Process

ALL APPLICANTS : You will only have one opportunity to upload the required resume and cover letter. Drag and drop your resume into Workday when prompted to upload your resume. If you are concerned that the requested document didn't attach to your application, if you need an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), have questions, or need assistance with the application process, please contact doj.recruitment@doj.oregon.gov. Any materials emailed will be associated on your behalf if received before the posting deadline.

CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES : Login to Workday using your state-issued login and apply via the Jobs Hub Worklet located on your home page. Using a private account disrupts the hiring process for all internal candidates. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including