DHR is launching a Hate & Bias Prevention Unit (HBPU), aimed at providing a coordinated, rapid, and community-focused response to hate and bias incidents across the state. The Unit will lead efforts around public education and outreach, serve as an early warning detection system in local communities, and rapidly mobilize to areas and communities in which a bias incident or incidents have occurred.
Specifically, the Unit will consist of two broad initiatives:
- Regional Councils – Hate & Bias Prevention Councils will be organized by region. The Councils will provide a place for community members to, for example, share concerns, organize educational programming, host hate and bias prevention and community healing events, provide trainings in conflict resolution and facilitate the filing of complaints with DHR and other relevant agencies.
- Rapid Response Team: The Rapid Response Team (RRT) will mobilize to communities impacted by a bias or hate incident. Once mobilized, the RRT will participate in community healing and support, including through rallies, conflict resolution meetings, restorative justice practices, public education, referrals and will facilitate the filing of complaints with relevant State agencies.
DUTIES DESCRIPTION
The Hate & Bias Prevention Coordinator(s) will serve as the primary staff support for the HBPU. The ideal candidate will combine demonstrated program management skills with communications and community organizing experience. These positions will report to the Director of the HBPU and will be responsible for assisting with the launch of the Regional Councils and the Rapid Response Team, as well as other HBPU initiatives that may arise. The Coordinator(s) will work with other DHR staff to further the goals of the Unit and the agency. Specifically, the role will include:
Program Coordination
- Assist with the creation of the Hate & Bias Prevention Regional Councils throughout New York State and the organizing of periodic regional meetings.
- Assist with the creation of and serve as a member on a Rapid Response Team that will mobilize to support communities impacted by hate and bias incidents throughout the state.
- Collect data on hate and bias incidents as they occur around New York State and create reports on the Unit’s work for internal and external stakeholders.
- Assist with the production of a Hate & Bias Prevention Toolkit with best practices and a directory of resources.
- Assist the Director in the development of policy proposals and policy positions related to preventing and responding to hate and bias incidents in New York State.
- Other related duties as they arise.
Community Engagement and Public Relations
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with partners and other relevant community organizations, government agencies, and advocates.
- Engage in community outreach to identify and assess possible hate and bias incidents as they occur.
- Provide technical assistance or training on the Human Rights Law to community organizations, DHR staff, and others.
- Develop and organize educational and healing workshops on hate and bias incidents as a member of the Rapid Response Team and in the course of the Unit’s Regional Council work.
- Represent DHR and the Unit to the broader community of interested organizations, individuals, and other stakeholders.
Investigation of Hate and Bias Incidents/Discrimination Complaints
- Inform potential complainants of their rights and responsibilities under the NYS Human Rights Law.
- Help parties/communities reach an acceptable resolution.
- Develop an investigation plan, conduct investigations, prepare investigative reports and make recommendations on final determinations (on an as-needed basis).