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GENERAL DESCRIPTIONThe Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, an agency of the State of Texas, worksto protect Texas consumers and the legitimate business community by investigating fraud and deceptive advertising,filing civil lawsuits to enforce state and federal consumer protection laws, and educating Texans on how to spot and avoid possible scams. The Division has regional offices in Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio. This position will be located in Houston. We provide a highly collaborative work environment where team members help one another while managing their own caseloads.
The Consumer Protection Division seeks an investigator who will handle investigative work for the Office of the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division. Work involves both investigative and legal support work in deceptive trade practices and other civil matters; works under general supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. The investigator may testify in civil court proceedings and perform other duties as requested by the Deputy Attorney General for Civil Litigation.
The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas. As the States law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Obtains, organizes, and analyzes information, data, and evidence from a variety of sources associated with consumer complaints and investigations.
Performs background investigation of and evidence collection from individuals and businesses suspected of engaging in violations of state and federal consumer protection laws
Gathers, organizes, analyzes, and maintains evidence and other materials, including evidence from consumer complaints and investigations, internet service providers, and other third parties using a variety of computer platforms. Assists with drafting Civil Investigative Demands and related correspondence
Identifies violations of the Deceptive Trade Practices Act and other consumer protection statutes, associated with consumer-related cases and complaints
Participates in coordinating, assembling, and preparing evidence, exhibits, affidavits and other documents for use in legal proceedings for use in legal proceedings and in all phases of trial preparation, including setting hearings/depositions/meetings, ordering demonstrative aides, coordinating discovery requests with client agencies, organizing trial notebooks and exhibits, preparing witnesses for trial and files pleadings with court
Interviews and meets with consumers; and assists with conducting witness background investigations, which includes contacting and interviewing witnesses, analyzing witness statements, taking thorough notes, and preparing interview summaries; organizes documents in complex litigation
Participates in attorneys caseloads including scheduling, prioritizing, investigating, preparing chronologies, fact summaries and filing; communicates with state and federal agencies, court personnel or outside entities; and coordinates with other state and federal agencies and organizations engaged in consumer protection enforcement activities
Assists in document review using electronic document review platforms
Provides detailed assistance to less experienced investigators and other office personnel.
Develops procedures for conducting investigations.
Assists in preparation of various reports, synopses, abstracts, or summaries of ongoing work and may respond to public information requests
Performs general administrative and clerical duties such as, but not limited to, reviewing mail for attorneys, receiving, and returning telephone calls from businesses and consumers; and maintaining the filing system
Schedules, attends, assists, and prepares attorneys for hearings, trials, agency meetings, appellate arguments, depositions, docket calls, administrative hearings or committee meetings and meetings with complainants, witnesses, and expert witnesses
Assists with the entry of consumer complaints as needed.
Performs related work as assigned
Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity
Qualifications: MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent
Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to investigation or technology
Experience: Three years of full-time experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: Criminal Justice, Computer Science, Investigation, or Consumer Protection
Knowledge of investigative principles, techniques, and procedures; and of court procedures, practices, and rules of evidence
Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of computer systems and the techniques used in the design of non-automated systems, of information technology equipment, of computer hardware and software, and of computer operating systems
Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of other forms of technology, including smart phones, tablets, and related software and operating systems
Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
Skill in effective oral and written communication, including to non-technical audiences
Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
Skill in learning new or changing computer systems and databases
Skill in applying investigative techniques to assigned cases
Ability to learn, use, and understand new forms of technology with little guidance
Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
Ability to prepare and review reports and correspondence
Ability to effectively manage attorneys case loads
Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
Ability to analyze data-intensive documents, reports, and records, identify relevant information, and clearly articulate findings
Ability to provide excellent customer service
Ability to handle stressful situations
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license
Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
Ability to lift and relocate 25 lbs.
Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5%
Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge:
