CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIALIST I 5241

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs professional work in the issuance and receipting of occupational licenses, certifications and registrations; the administration and grading of licensing exams; and the performance of independent investigations regarding consumer law violations, consumer complaints and unlicensed contractors according to Suffolk County Code and the New York State Business Law. Incumbents are required to do field work to gather information or perform inspections for the purpose of resolving consumer complaints. Duties include the enforcement of licensing laws, complaint mediation and making recommendations for complaint resolution. In daily work activities, incumbents will utilize their knowledge of trade practices, licensing and consumer protection laws and regulations administered and enforced by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs. Incumbents are expected to use initiative and judgment according to current rules and procedures. Supervision is received from a higher-level Consumer Affairs Specialist through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Gathers and reports information regarding violations of labor and consumer protection laws that are monitored by the Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs;

Conducts onsite visits to businesses, vendors and consumers to determine compliance with local laws and requirements and may issue violations to unlicensed contractors observed during investigatory fieldwork; forwards notices and recommendations to supervisor for review and action;

Assists in mediation efforts to resolve issues between dissenting parties in a consumer complaint;

Assists in preparations for court actions and testifies as to the results of complaint investigations;

Reviews license and renewal applications and conducts background checks on applicants;

Assists in administering and grading written and/or practical tests for trade licenses;

Assists other agencies on the local, state and federal level in the investigation of consumer complaints;

Assists in conducting research for the protection and education of the consumer;

May attend Licensing Board meetings;

Keeps records and prepares reports.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Good knowledge of the applicable New York State and local laws, statutes, court decisions and administrative rulings pertaining to deceptive trade practices, licensing and consumer protection laws; good knowledge of the principles and methods of investigatory field work and mediation techniques; working knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information relative to consumer protection; ability to ascertain facts through inspection, interview and observation; ability to interpret contracts and consumer law; ability to devise and administer written and practical examinations; ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, business contacts and consumers; good judgment; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

OPEN COMPETITIVE

(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree and one (1) year of experience in construction trades or in industrial licensing or regulation, or in the investigation of violations of federal, state or local laws, codes or ordinances, or,

(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and five (5) years of experience in construction trades or industrial licensing or regulation, or in the investigation of violations of federal, state or local laws, codes or ordinances; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b).

PROMOTIONAL

One (1) year of permanent competitive status as a Consumer Affairs Technician or Consumer Affairs Technician (Spanish Speaking).

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

At the time of appointment and during employment in this title, employees will be required to possess a valid license to operate a motor vehicle in New York State.

R 01/30/19

SUFFOLK COUNTY

Competitive