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NEOGOV · 1 day ago

Human Services Specialist II (Investigator) - County Administration, Office of Consumer Protection

MD 21046, MD

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$70K/yr - $135K/yr

1+ years exp

Howard County Government is a leader in innovation and sustainability, seeking a Human Services Specialist II (Investigator) to join their Office of Consumer Protection. This role involves investigating consumer complaints, conducting mediation and outreach, and ensuring compliance with consumer laws.

GovTechHuman ResourcesInformation TechnologySoftware

No H1B

Responsibilities

Conduct comprehensive investigations into complex complaints involving unclear issues of fact or law

Plan and execute detailed fact-finding activities, including evidence collection, site visits, and interviews with complainants, respondents, witnesses, and subject-matter experts

Analyze business records, company policies, contracts, leases, warranties, and other legal documents to determine violations of Federal, State, and County laws, codes, and Executive Orders

Prepare detailed investigative reports and draft formal legal documents such as subpoenas, affidavits, civil citations, statements of charges, consent agreements, cease and desist orders, and notices of violation

Prepare cases for administrative hearings and court proceedings in consultation with attorneys; appear and provide expert testimony as required

Administer licensing and compliance responsibilities related to specialized statutes (e.g., Solicitors and Peddlers Statute, Trespass Tow Statute), including application processing, license issuance, procedure development, and complaint investigations

Coordinate investigative, enforcement, and conciliation efforts with internal County agencies and external governmental or social service organizations

Manage a caseload of consumer complaints from intake through resolution

Review complaints for jurisdiction and apply applicable statutes and regulations to provide initial guidance to consumers and tenants

Investigate individual and class complaints to resolve disputes through mediation, conciliation, and negotiated settlements with businesses

Research and interpret complex legal documents, contracts, and relevant laws, codes, and ordinances to evaluate claims and business responses

Conduct industry and marketplace research to provide context and assess claim validity

Determine when cases should be referred to enforcement entities or social service agencies

Provide technical and practical guidance to the public via phone, email, and in-person consultations on consumer protection and landlord/tenant matters

Advise tenants on rights and responsibilities under landlord/tenant laws and educate landlords on compliance requirements

Plan and deliver community outreach initiatives, including in-person and virtual presentations, workshops, and educational events

Develop and coordinate public education materials such as pamphlets, newsletters, tip sheets, social media content, and website resources

Advise businesses on their legal obligations under consumer protection statutes

Review proposed state and local legislation and provide feedback on potential impacts to County consumers and the Office

Recommend and draft regulations, operating procedures, proposed legislation, and public information materials as needed

Serve as a subject-matter expert on task forces, commissions, and interagency or intergovernmental working groups

Support Office leadership by staffing advisory boards and performing related duties in the absence of an Administrator

Participate in Emergency Management activities and special projects, including assignments outside normal business hours when required

May supervise lower-level employees, volunteers and interns

Qualification

Consumer protection knowledgeInvestigation skillsMediationConflict resolutionRegulatory complianceCase managementPublic educationOutreachProficiency with Microsoft OfficeAnalytical skillsCommunication skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsWork independently