CONSUMER AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE I/EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT

About the Role

The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is seeking qualified candidates to fill emergency Consumer and Business Affairs Representative I vacancies related to the homelessness crisis. Under an emergency order, applicants who meet all requirements may be hired for an initial period of up to 90 days, with an opportunity for permanent County employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in providing resources and information to consumers, workers, immigrants, tenants, property owners/landlords, litigants, disputants, and business representatives on consumer laws, labor laws, real estate matters, small claims court procedures, dispute resolution, housing and tenant protection, immigration, cannabis regulations, and other department programs.
• Gathers pertinent information to determine if a complaint is warranted and makes referrals.
• Assists in reviewing allegations of misrepresentation of consumer products and services, unfair, unethical, or deceptive business practices, and violations of County ordinances, consumer protection laws, and regulations.
• Assists in the investigation and resolution of complaints involving disputes between consumers, tenants, landlords, businesses, and others.
• Assists in interviewing consumers, workers, landlords, tenants, business representatives, lenders, servicers, and disputants to ascertain factual information.
• Applies the procedures, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and rules governing consumer services when responding to public inquiries.
• Assists the public in completing service forms by answering and clarifying questions.
• Assists in reviewing and evaluating correspondence to determine if actions have brought a complaint or dispute to resolution; contacts parties for additional information or to verify resolution.
• Participates in field investigations of consumer complaints by visiting locations, going undercover, and conducting interviews.
• Assists in maintaining records of investigation, conciliation, and mediation activities, including keeping accurate case notes and consumer/business information.
• Assists in conducting financial navigation sessions and providing consumer protection and financial empowerment presentations.
• Assists in conducting best practices and environmental scans of issues relevant to trends in financial empowerment initiatives for domestic violence survivors.
• Assists in developing program flyers, social media content, and e-newsletters.
• Researches public records and other data sources to assist the public.
• Disseminates printed information to the public regarding department services and educational material letters.
• Attends community events and gives presentations on consumer-related service matters and department programs.
• Maintains records of contacts with the public and tabulates statistics, including administering surveys.
• Prepares various documents, such as investigation reports, Board reports, and letters/emails.
• Staffs a branch office as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Driver License: Valid California Class C Driver License or ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation.

Qualifications

You MUST meet ONE of the following requirements:

• Three months of experience assisting the public in a consumer protection agency.
• Six months of experience assisting the public in the solution of problems related to law or legal services, employment, housing, credit, loans, insurance, real estate, landlord - tenant, court procedures, dispute settlement, mediation, or similar services.
• An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree from an accredited college or university.
• Completion of sophomore year from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in Consumer Science, Home Economics, Administration of Justice, Political Science, Law, Public Administration, or related fields.
• Completion of one year of a paralegal program from an accredited college or university.

Special Requirements:

• To receive credit for an associate degree or higher, include a legible copy of the official diploma, official transcripts, or official letter from the accredited institution.
• Foreign degrees must be evaluated for equivalency to United States accredited institutions standards.
• Completion of 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
• For paralegal program credit, include a legible copy of your transcript.
• An approved paralegal program must be approved by the American Bar Association, the California Department of Education, or an equivalent accrediting agency.
• Documents must be unlocked and in English, or accompanied by a translation.