Investigator

About This Role

Working on legal investigations within the General Counsel Division is the core of this role for an experienced investigator. The work involves supporting investigations into violations of consumer and worker protection laws and rules, helping to deliver economic justice and protect New Yorkers from predatory practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct background research on people and businesses using the Internet and public and private records databases covering property transactions, financial disclosures, lawsuits, social media activity, regulatory actions, and news reports
• Perform undercover investigations under the guidance of attorneys
• Conduct undercover field investigations
• Interview consumers, businesses, landlords, and witnesses by telephone and in-person
• Obtain, document, and analyze documentary evidence
• Write comprehensive investigation reports identifying the results of research and analysis
• Ensure the Department has the proper evidence and documentation for any hearings or court appearances
• Testify at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings and in court
• Investigate complex and/or broad cases in collaboration with other investigators, legal staff associates, and attorneys
• Draft investigative policies and protocols for the division and update as necessary
• Utilize photographic and video equipment to document observations and support investigative findings
• Engage in other projects as directed

Requirements

• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and four years of full-time, satisfactory experience conducting investigations or inspections for a consumer or worker protection agency; or
• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college; or
• A satisfactory combination of education and/or experience, which is equivalent to "1" above. College education may be substituted for the required experience on the basis of 30 semester credits for each year of required experience. However, all candidates must have a four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent.
• Possession of a Motor Vehicle Driver License valid in the State of New York at the time of appointment, maintained for the duration of employment
• At least 3-4 years of investigative experience, including conducting in-depth internet and factual research
• Strong aptitude for interpreting and understanding complex legal and non-legal topics
• Excellent attention to detail, intellectual curiosity, good judgment and decision-making skills, and creative problem-solving skills

Nice to have:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Professional, major Internet search engines and databases, as well as legal research using Westlaw