Abolished 02/05/2015 per Pay Letter 15-09 - Consumer Protection Assistant
California State Personnel Board Specification
Schematic Code: VM30
Class Code: 8636
Established: 10/02/1975
Revised: --
Title Changed: --
Definition
Under direction, to assist the legal staff in determining the existence and extent of unfair or fraudulent business practices; to conduct onsite inspections and investigations and to gather evidence in determining compliance with State consumer laws; to receive, review, and register consumer complaints from the general public; and to do other related work.
Typical Tasks
Identifies and analyzes questionable advertisements and sales practices to assist the attorney in determining whether violations of California consumer protection laws have occurred; receives and registers complaints filed by consumers; conducts independent investigations of business sales and advertising practices; develops facts of cases by telephoning, visiting, or corresponding with the purveyor, manufacturer, or distributor of the product or service involved; gathers evidence for use and assistance in hearings and prosecutions; writes investigation reports and maintains records of investigations and activities; makes recommendations regarding the initiation of further investigation or of legal action; acts as a liaison with the public and other governmental agencies; coordinates and supervises volunteers from colleges, service clubs, and other sources engaged in the performance of similar investigative activities.
Minimum Qualifications
Two years of experience with a commercial, consumer or governmental organization with primary responsibility for interviewing clients or claimants and providing explanations of policies and procedures, with at least six months of (1) primary responsibilities for receiving and resolving or adjusting consumer complaints, or (2) investigating business establishments for compliance with consumer laws, rules and regulations. (College education may be substituted for general experience, excluding the six months of specialized experience, on the basis of two years of college being equivalent to one year of experience.)
Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of: Private and public consumer interest organizations; methods and remedies available for the resolution of consumer interest problems; business activities and practices.
Ability to: Learn, interpret, and apply regulatory laws rules; gather and analyze facts; reason logically; draw valid conclusions and make appropriate recommendations; participate effectively in investigations and interviews; handle a wide variety of public contacts with courtesy and tact; read and write English at a level required for successful job performance; prepare correspondence and reports; speak effectively.
Special Personal Characteristics
Aptitude for investigative work; willingness to travel and work odd and irregular hours; keenness of observation; and neat personal appearance.
Additional Desirable Qualifications
Ability to speak and read Spanish.
Education equivalent to graduation from college.
