CONSUMER AFFAIRS SPECIALIST III 5245

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

An employee in this class directs, coordinates and supervises the work of a unit of Consumer Affairs Specialists engaged in the investigation of deceptive trade practices, consumer complaints and unlicensed contractors; the administration of occupational licensing exams, or in the issuance and receipting of occupational licenses, certifications and registrations according to Suffolk County Code and the NYS Business Law. An incumbent in this class implements policy; determines work priority and is responsible for proper functioning of the unit. Work may include investigative fieldwork for the resolution of complaints involving potential violation of any Suffolk County Code enforced by the Department. The work involves considerable independent judgment and initiative and is reviewed by an administrative supervisor through conferences and reports for the achievement of desired results and conformance to departmental goals. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Supervises professional, technical and clerical staff in a unit of the Consumer Affairs Division;

Administers policy of the division, including employee relations and priority of assigned work;

Interprets and implements all new legislation regarding consumer protection, industry licensing and registration;

Creates licensing applications, examinations and instructions;

Publicizes new consumer affairs and licensing laws and regulations and coordinates with specific industries to ensure their compliance;

Coordinates the preparation and administration of licensing examinations;

Assigns cases for investigation and reviews results;

Reviews, evaluates and resolves consumer complaints through mediation;

Reviews cases and trends to resolve consumer complaints and to recommend solutions to administrative supervisors;

Testifies in court as a representative of the Department;

Holds administrative hearings and takes sworn affidavits;

Assists in budget preparation and prepares periodic reports of unit activities;

Represents the Department to various organizations throughout Suffolk County;

Oversees the recording of fines and fees collected by Consumer Affairs Division staff.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Comprehensive knowledge of the applicable laws, statutes, court decisions and administrative rulings pertaining to deceptive trade practices, licensing and consumer protection laws; comprehensive knowledge of the principles and methods of investigative field work and mediation techniques; thorough 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 the work of a staff in a manner conduce 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 four (4) years of experience in the construction trades, or in industrial licensing or regulation, or in the investigation of violations of federal, state or local laws, codes or ordinances, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

(b) Graduation from a standard senior high school or possession of a high school equivalency diploma and eight (8) years of experience in the construction trades, or in industrial licensing or regulation, or in the investigation of violations of federal, state or local laws, codes or ordinances, one (1) year of which must have been in a supervisory capacity; or,

(c) An equivalent combination of education and experience as defined by the limits of (a) and (b) except that there is no substitution for the required one (1) year of supervisory experience.

PROMOTIONAL

Two (2) years of permanent competitive status as a Consumer Affairs Specialist II.

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