ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CONSUMER PROTECTION  
  DEFINITION:
  Assists the Director of Consumer Protection in the administration  and  supervision  of all consumer programs and  activities;  does  other related duties.
 NOTE: The  examples of work for this title are for illustrative  purposes  only.  A particular position using this title  may  not  perform all duties listed in this job specification.  Conversely,  all duties performed on the job may not be listed.
  EXAMPLES OF WORK:
  Assists   in  planning,  organizing  and  directing   the   staff  responsible  for  the  investigation of consumer  complaints  and  other matters under the consumer protection laws of the State  of  New Jersey and other local governing bodies.
 Assists  in  the  implementation of various  consumer  protection  laws, rules and regulations.
 Reviews  and  evaluates incoming complaints and  assigns  to  the  investigative staff.
 Refers misdirected complaints to the appropriate agency.
 Provides direction to subordinate investigators and other  agency  personnel in the investigation and disposition of complaints  and  other consumer protection matters.
 May conduct training courses for investigators.
 Assists in the review and drafting of new legislation, orders and  regulations related to consumer protection.
 Provides  advice  and assistance in the development  of  consumer  protection plans.
 Make decisions on matters within the purview of authority.
 Reviews investigative reports and determines corrective action.
 Assists  in the planning and implementation of education programs  designed  to  alert consumers to problems and  danger  of  fraud,  misrepresentation, unconscionable business practices  and  unsafe  products.
 Organizes and participates in informal conferences, workshops and  related training activities for cities and municipalities.
 Acts  as  a  witness  in  administrative  hearings  or  in  court  proceedings regarding consumer fraud matters.
 Prepares correspondence in the course of official duties.
 Prepares   clear,   sound,  accurate  and   informative   reports  containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
 Acts  as a spokesperson on consumer protection matters on  behalf  of local governing bodies.
 Assists  in  coordinating  activities with  other  government  or  private agencies.
 Assists in budget preparation.
 Attends courses in consumer affairs matters as required.
 Establishes and maintains records and files.
 Will  be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic  and/or  manual  recording and information  systems  used  by  the  agency, office, or related units.
   REQUIREMENTS:
NOTE: Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience.    
Six (6) years of professional supervisory experience in a public or private organization in the investigation and/or resolution of consumer fraud, protection or other consumer matters or, as a owner-operator, officer or manager of a business enterprise directly handling consumer problems and complaints.
OR
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional supervisory experience.
NOTE: Failure to satisfactorily complete the basic consumer affairs certification course as prescribed by the Attorney General pursuant to P.L. 1975, Chapter 376 during the working test period may be grounds for dismissal.
NOTE: "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.
LICENSE:
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
 Knowledge of supervisory techniques.
 Knowledge of investigative techniques.
 Knowledge of the types of fraudulent practices and their  effects  on consumers.
 Ability  to  plan, organize and direct the staff  and  activities  responsible  for  the  investigation and resolution  of  consumer  complaints.
 Ability  to  assist  in  the development of  consumer  protection  plans.
 Ability to prepare correspondence.
 Ability  to recognize and identify fraudulent practices affecting  consumers.
 Ability  to  read and interpret rules, laws and regulations,  and  applies them to specific situations.
 Ability   to   prepare  accurate  reports  containing   findings,  conclusions and recommendations.
 Ability   to   establish   and   maintain   cooperative   working  relationships with staff, public and private agencies  and  other  involved in consumer protection matters.
 Ability to provide assistance in the preparation of the budget.
 Ability to coordinate the activities of the program with those of  other units or agencies.
 Ability to establish and maintain records and files.
 Ability  to  utilize  various types of electronic  and/or  manual  recording and information systems used by the agency, office,  or  related units.
 Ability  to  read, write, speak, understand, and  communicate  in  English   sufficiently  to  perform  duties  of  this   position.  American  Sign  Language or Braille may  also  be  considered  as  acceptable forms of communication.
 Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long  as  they  can  perform  essential  functions  of  the  job  after  reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations.   If  the  accommodation  cannot be made because  it  would  cause  the  employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
 CODES: LG04752                   DJ                  1/3/00
 This job specification is for local government use only.