CONSUMER AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS REPRESENTATIVE I

EXAM NUMBER

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

CA1662J

TYPE OF RECRUITMENT

OPEN COMPETITIVE

FIRST DAY OF FILING : Friday, July 26, 2024, at 8 : 00 A.M. (PT) Closing Date : Continuous

WHO WE ARE :

The County of Los Angeles (County) is the largest employer in Southern California with more than 112,000 employees across 37 departments and an operating budget of $38 billion. The County serves the needs of over 10 million residents and 88 municipalities that lie within our boundaries by providing vital public services such as law enforcement, property assessment, public health protection, water conservation, cultural activities and many more.

WHAT WE DO :

At the Los Angeles County (County) Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), we are committed to fostering a fair and dynamic marketplace and enhancing the economic wellbeing of our communities. DCBA is the only local freestanding consumer protection agency in the State, and since its establishment in 1975, our resources and areas of assistance have significantly expanded. We strive to improve the lives of all consumers, tenants, homeowners, immigrants, and workers. Today, we provide a diverse range of services to the residents of the County, including investigating and assisting with consumer complaints, real estate fraud, identity theft, and elder financial abuse. We also strive to keep people housed and in mitigating displacements through our rent stabilization, tenant protections programs and our foreclosure prevention services. DCBA works to expand access to justice and ensures that residents understand their rights, protect those rights, and obtain a fair outcome through our consumer protection programs, including Small Claims Advisor, dispute resolution and mediation programs, immigration legal services, eviction prevention program, and through our Self-Help Legal Access Centers (SHLAC). DCBA also oversees the County’s cannabis regulatory framework and is committed to ensuring an equitable, sustainable, and safe marketplace. Additionally, we drive initiatives that protect workers from exploitation, human trafficking, and provide access to services for vulnerable communities including low to moderate income families, foster youth, and immigrants. DCBA prides itself on providing extraordinary customer service and ensuring equitable access to our programs and resources for all residents of the County.

THE OPPORTUNITY :

The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs is seeking well-qualified individuals to fill both permanent and temporary Consumer and Business Affairs Representative I vacancies throughout the department.

DEFINITION :

Assists in the investigation, mediation and resolution of consumer complaints and disputes, and provides information and counseling to the public on consumer complaints or small claims court procedures.

CLASSIFICATION STANDARDS :

Positions allocable to this entry level class receive close supervision from higher level staff in the performance of tasks on a variety of consumer matters, including real estate, small claims court, mediation, dispute resolution, and other programs. Incumbents learn to develop increasing skill in preparation for handling routine tasks and must demonstrate the ability to deal effectively with the public.

As the Consumer and Business Affairs Representative I, your responsibilities will include but are not limited to the following :

• Assists in providing resources and information to consumers, workers, immigrants, tenants, property owners / landlords, litigants, disputants, business representatives and others 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 the complaint is warranted and makes referrals if needed.
• Assists in the review of 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 the interviewing of consumers , workers, landlords, tenants, business representatives, lenders, servicers, and disputants.
• Applies the procedures, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and rules governing consumer services when responding to inquiries from the public.
• Assists the public in completing services forms.
• Assists in reviewing and evaluating correspondence from consumers, businesses, litigants, lenders, servicers, landlords, tenants, workers, employers, and disputants.
• Participates in field investigations of consumer complaints.
• Assists in maintaining records of investigation, conciliation, and mediation activities.
• Assists in conducting financial navigation sessions , providing consumer protection and financial empowerment presentations.
• Assists in conducting best practices and environmental scans of issues relevant to trends in financial empowerment initiatives.
• Assists in developing program flyers, social media content, e-newsletters.
• Research public records and other data sources as necessary.
• Disseminates printed information to the public on all matters relating to the services of the department.
• Attend community events and give presentations concerning consumer related service matters.
• Maintains records of contacts with the public and tabulates statistics as needed.
• Prepares various documents (e.g., investigation reports, Board reports, letters / emails, etc.).
• Staffs a branch office as needed.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS :

OPTION 1

Six (6) months of experience assisting the public in a consumer protection agency.

OPTION 2

One (1) year 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.

OPTION 3

An Associate's degree or higher

OPTION 4

Completion of a paralegal training program

LICENSE :

A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.

PHYSICAL CLASS :

2 - Light. This class includes administrative and clerical positions requiring light physical effort that may include occasional light lifting to a 10 pound limit and some bending, stooping, or squatting. Considerable ambulation may be involved.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS INFORMATION :

EXAMINATION CONTENT :

A Multiple Choice and / or Simulation Assessment, weighted 100% , covering : Customer Focus, Learning Potential, Responsibility, and Working with Information.

Candidates must achieve a passing score of 70% or higher on the examination to be added onto the eligible register.

NOTES :

All notifications including invitation letters will be sent electronically to the email address provided on the application. It is important that you provide a valid email address.

APPLICATION AND FILING INFORMATION :

APPLICATIONS MUST BE FILED ONLINE ONLY. APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED BY U.S. MAIL, FAX OR IN PERSON WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

Apply online by clicking on the green "Apply" button at the top right of this posting. You can also track the status of your application using this website.

IMPORTANT NOTES :

FAIR CHANCE INITIATIVE :

The County of Los Angeles is a Fair Chance employer. Except for a very limited number of positions, you will not be asked to provide information about a conviction history unless you receive a contingent offer of employment.

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