CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIALIST II 5244

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class performs the more complex professional work of licensing contractors; administering and grading licensing exams; and performing investigations regarding consumer law violations, consumer complaints and unlicensed contractors according to Suffolk County Code and the New York State Business Law. Responsibilities may include the training and supervision of subordinate professional and technical staff within a unit. 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. Fieldwork is required in order to gather information and perform inspections for the purpose of resolving consumer complaints. Responsibility for initiating inspections and acting as a team leader in the field may be included. An incumbent in this class may conduct administrative hearings and testify in court actions as a representative of the Department. This position differs from Consumer Affairs Specialist I by virtue of its expanded scope and level of responsibility. Supervision is received from a higher-level Consumer Affairs Specialist through conferences and written reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Reviews, evaluates and resolves consumer complaints of deceptive trade practices and/or any other violation of codes that are monitored by the Suffolk County Department of Labor, Licensing and Consumer Affairs;

Conducts onsite visits to businesses, vendors and consumers to determine compliance with local laws and requirements; issues violations to unlicensed contractors observed during investigatory fieldwork; prepares reports of investigative findings, and recommends further action, including legislation;

May initiate investigations of unlicensed business operations or deceptive trade practices;

Uses mediation techniques to resolve issues between dissenting parties in a consumer complaint;

May conduct administrative hearings and determine dispositions of hearings;

Takes sworn affidavits and testifies in court actions;

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

Administers, grades and may prepare written and/or practical tests for trade licenses;

May assist a Consumer Affairs Specialist III in staff training, supervision and coordination of unit activities;

Gathers information independently by researching laws, technical material and industry information;

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

May attend Licensing Board meetings;

Keeps records and prepares reports.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough 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; thorough knowledge of the principles and methods of investigative field work and mediation techniques; good knowledge of recent developments, current literature and sources of information relative to consumer protection; ability to obtain, evaluate and verify information; ability to interpret contracts and consumer law; ability to devise and administer written and practical examinations; ability to supervise a technical and clerical support staff in a manner conducive to full performance; ability to prepare clear, accurate and comprehensive reports; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public; ability to express oneself clearly, both orally and in writing; 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 and two (2) years 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 six (6) 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

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Consumer Affairs Specialist I or Consumer Affairs Specialist I (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