(a) Advise and consult with the county executive and council on all matters involving unlawful discrimination, including discrimination in the form of sexual harassment, and recommend executive or legislative action when needed to effectuate the policy of this chapter;

(b) Advise and consult with the county executive and council and other county officers and agencies on assuring and improving equality of county services to all eligible persons;

(c) Advise and consult with the department of human resources and other county officers and agencies on the development and implementation of programs to train county employees in methods of dealing with intergroup relations in order to develop respect for equal rights and to achieve equality of inhabitants regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, families with children, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability;

(d) Advise and consult with the office of human rights and hearing examiner on adoption of rules as may be needed to implement this chapter;

(e) Advise and consult with the county executive and council on preparation and implementation of affirmative action plans required by chapter 3.57 SCC;

(f) Apply for grants and conduct research, public forums, and educational programs relating to tensions between or practices of unlawful discrimination affecting racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and social groups within the county: PROVIDED, That acceptance of grants requires county council approval;

(g) Conduct public hearings to ascertain the status and treatment of racial, ethnic, religious, cultural, and social groups within the county; means of alleviating unlawful discrimination within the county; and means of improving human relations within the county;

(h) Issue such publications as may assist in the performance of its functions, subject to appropriation of necessary funds; and

(i) Propose to the county executive and council written agreements between the county and any municipal government within the county, or any state or federal agency, providing for joint processing, transfer, or referral for processing and investigation of complaints alleging unlawful discrimination within the meaning of this chapter.

(j) Advise the county executive and council on all matters involving human rights, including but not limited to unlawful discrimination, and shall recommend executive or legislative action when needed to effectuate the policy of the county charter section 9.05.