Consumer Protection Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General of Texas, an agency of the State of Texas, works
to 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 Dallas. 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 to perform highly complex 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 Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is a dynamic state agency with over 4000 employees throughout the State of Texas.  The Consumer Protection Division works to protect Texas consumers and the legitimate business community by accepting complaints, conducting investigations, filing civil lawsuits in the public interest 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, San Antonio, Dallas, El Paso, and Houston. OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work and make a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
Investigator IV: 

• 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.
• 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
• 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

Investigator V: All of the above functions for an Investigator IV, plus: 

• Develop investigative techniques and/or policies and procedures for conducting investigations.
• Serve as a liaison with external entities.
   

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Investigator IV: 

• 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 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
• Experience: Two years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: investigative work 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 driver's 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)

Investigator V: All of the above qualifications for an Investigator IV, plus:

• Experience: One additional year of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields: investigative work or consumer protection

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge:  Knowledge of legal terminology and principles
• Skills: Using Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, Word, and e-discovery platforms including Relativity and Ever law. Familiarity with internet research resources such as Accurint, Consumer Sentinel, Pacer, Lexis, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Texas Workforce Commission databases
   

TO APPLY

To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_ComplianceInspectionandInvestigation.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER