DIRECTOR OF CITIZEN AFFAIRS                                                                                                 5218

 

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class directs the operation of the County Executive's Office of Citizen Affairs, which is responsible for receiving complaints and investigating unfair or deceptive practices against consumers. The incumbent exercises a considerable amount of independence in judgment and action. Supervision is maintained over a staff of technical and clerical personnel. Work is subject to administrative review through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

 

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

          Plans, organizes and directs the activities of technical and clerical personnel engaged in the compilation, analysis and interpretation of data relating to unfair or deceptive practices against consumers;

          Makes recommendations pertaining to the administrative direction and the overall policies of the division;

          Assists and supervises personnel in the investigation, disclosure and prosecution, if necessary, of persons or groups responsible for unfair or deceptive practices against consumers;

          Develops programs of consumer education and information in order to promote public understanding and cooperation with the objectives of the citizen affairs program;

          Represents the interests of consumers before federal, state and local administrative and regulatory agencies;

          Helps to promote public responsibility on the part of local business and industry by encouraging a high standard of honesty and fair practice in the production, promotion and sale of consumer goods and services through public awareness programs;

          Reviews reports of investigations from in order to recommend new legislation, regulations and division policy;

          Oversees the preparation of written reports on the activities, investigations and recommendations of the Office of Citizen Affairs;

          Establishes facilities for the voluntary mediation of consumer disputes arising out of transactions that take place in Suffolk County.

 

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of the applicable statutes, court decisions and administrative rulings pertaining to consumer fraud and unfair practices; thorough knowledge of public administrative practices and procedures; thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and procedures which assure and promote consumer protection; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public and all groups concerned with the objectives and activities of the Office of Citizen Affairs; ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of personnel in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale; ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

          OPEN COMPETITIVE

          Graduation from a New York State or Regionally accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree, and four (4) years of administrative experience in an agency dealing with consumer disputes, two (2) years of which must have included responsibility for making policy decisions.

 

 

4/28/92

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive

RR1/23/03