CONSUMER AFFAIRS TECHNICIAN (SPANISH SPEAKING) 5242
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE
CLASS
Under
direct supervision of a higher level Consumer Affairs Specialist, an employee
in this class performs entry level work assisting in the issuance and
receipting of occupational licenses, certifications and registrations; the
administration and grading of licensing exams; and the performance of routine
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 of this position include proficiency in
both the Spanish and English languages. The incumbent is to become versed in
all trade practices, licensing, and consumer protection laws and regulations
administered and enforced by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing
and Consumer Affairs. Detailed instructions and close supervision are received
at the beginning of work and on new assignments, but the incumbent is expected
to develop ability and to use some initiative and judgment as experience is
gained. Work is reviewed through written reports and frequent conferences. Does related work as required.
TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES
Communicates in Spanish with consumers, vendors,
contractors or business owners during the course of daily 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 routine onsite visits to businesses, vendors
and consumers to determine compliance with local laws and requirements; Provides
information regarding compliance with local labor and consumer protection laws
to consumers, vendors and the public while in the field;
May
prepare notices of violation to vendors and licensees and forwards notices of
violations to supervisor for review and action;
Assists in the review of license applications and
renewal applications;
May assist in administering and grading written
and/or practical tests for trade licenses;
Accesses the Department’s computerized database to
obtain information about various licenses;
Assists in conducting research for the protection and
education of the consumer.
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES,
SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
Some 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; some
knowledge of the principles and methods involved in investigative field work; ability
to obtain, evaluate and verify information; ability to interpret contracts and
consumer law; ability to conduct research via a computerized database; ability
to prepare clear, accurate and complete reports; ability to establish and
maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general
public; ability to read, write and converse fluently in Spanish and English;
good judgment; tact; physical condition commensurate with the demands of the
position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
OPEN COMPETITIVE
Either:
(a) Graduation from a college with federally-authorized
accreditation or registration by NY State with a Bachelor's Degree; or,
(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or
possession of a high school equivalency diploma and four (4) years of
experience in the 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
Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as an
Investigations Assistant.
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.
There will be a qualifying Spanish language
examination.
R 07/15/21
SUFFOLK COUNTY
Competitive