INVESTIGATOR 1 REAL ESTATE COMMISSION

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under the general direction of Chief of Investigations, Real Estate Commission or other Supervisory Officer, Department of Banking and Insurance, is responsible for performing varied types of supervisory and non-supervisory duties related to field and office assignments; supervises and evaluates a team of investigators; coordinates investigation of complaints, does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

Supervises and reviews receipt of complaints relating to licensed real estate brokers, salespersons, unlicensed individuals and firms; conducts investigations, determines jurisdiction and recommends resolution; prepares correspondence relating thereto. Assigns and instructs Investigators in Real Estate Commission, in collecting, analyzing and interpreting data relating to violations of Real Estate License Act. Responsible for evaluating performance of subordinate personnel. Reviews and analyzes registration documents submitted by out-of- state land developers for sale in New Jersey. Makes reviews of advertising and promotional materials submitted by real estate brokers and developers. Supervises work operations and/or functional programs and has responsibility for evaluating employee performance and for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or discipline of employees. May be responsible for the supervision of bureau. Assists in organizing inspection of out-of-state properties and sees that developments have been properly filed in accordance with laws of the siters states. Accumulates necessary evidence to be brought to hearing on alleged violations. Identifies, analyzes, and reports on violations of statutes and regulations and refers for administrative action. Mediates between complainants and real estate licensees, consumer or intra-industry disputes. Conducts highly complex, technical, extensive and detailed investigations and legal examinations of real estate brokers= escrow and business accounts to determine compliance with law. Conducts or supervises on-site inspection and financial and legal examinations of properties proposed for registration with Subdivided Land Sales Bureau. Exercises independent judgement to determine further complaint referrals. Confers with Chief and Investigations, Real Estate Commission with respect to cases and carries out instructions received. Acts as a witness in court in cases of prosecution for alleged violations of law. Directs timely and proper completion of work assigned; analyzes and evaluates production statistics for management purposes. Analyzes memoranda of law from brokers, land developers and/or their legal counsel; where it is required, makes necessary legal searches in connection with memoranda, prepares and submits to Chief of Investigations, Real Estate Commission, legal answers to legal memoranda. Conducts all phases of field and office investigations of confidential matters. May be required to attend Departmental hearings conducted by Commissioner or his authorized designate. Directs preparation of clear, sound, accurate and informative report on investigations and other related reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Supervises maintenance of essential 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.

License

Applicants must have successfully completed a New Jersey State-approved Real Estate Licensing and Salesperson Course. 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, skills and abilities

Knowledge of interviewing techniques and of the nature of admissible evidence. Knowledge of practices in real estate brokerage business. Knowledge of techniques and procedures used to conduct investigations. Knowledge of accounting methods and procedures and financial record-keeping used by real estate brokerage firms and developers of real estate. Ability to receive, investigate and report on violations of law. Ability to acquire knowledge of the New Jersey Real Estate License Act and Commission rules of New Jersey and regulations, policies, standards, and procedures promulgated thereunder and their application in Department of Insurance. Ability to compile evidence and properly prepare cases to be brought to Hearing. Ability to acquire knowledge of the practices and procedures of Real Estate Commission. Ability to acquire knowledge of practices and procedures of Real Estate Commission. Ability to acquire knowledge of other state and federal administrative or law enforcement agencies. Ability to acquire knowledge of interstate land sales industry. Ability to deal effectively with other Investigators and general public. Ability to recognize improper activity during investigation. Ability to analyze and interpret impact of current and new legislation. Ability to logically enumerate rationale behind Department action. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate and informative reports of investigations containing findings, conclusions and recommendations. Ability to act as a witness in court proceedings and to give testimony under oath. Ability to maintain essential records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the 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 the 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. Code: RKR/hw 7/2/98

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. 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. Seven (7) years of professional experience as a licensed real estate broker and/or licensed real estate salesperson, and/or investigative or law enforcement experience in conducting investigations relating to fraud or economic crime. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. "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. Candidates accepting employment as investigators in the Real Estate Commission are required to adhere to employment restriction that they cannot actively be engage in any real estate activity while in employ of the Real Estate Commission.