Field Investigator - Real Estate Commission

State of Maine • Gardiner, ME

7d • $47,174 - $65,832 • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation announces its search for a Field Investigator (Real Estate Complaint Coordinator) with the Real Estate Commission. This is professional services work involving the investigation of complaints and/or allegations resulting from real estate brokerage transactions. Responsibilities include interviewing complainants, respondents, and witnesses; gathering facts and information; and preparing written conclusions that address the complaint’s issues, supported by investigation findings. Primary responsibilities include: Provides information through daily interactions with licensees and the general public relative to Maine real estate brokerage statutes and Commission rules. Communications require considerable tact to explain laws, rules, and common practices. While most communication is conducted via telephone or email, the Field Investigator will be required to address in-person interactions with licensees and consumers in the Gardiner office. Investigates consumer complaints alleging violations of applicable laws, rules, and regulations in order to determine validity and initiate disciplinary action if required. Some off-site travel may be required to conduct agency audits or inspection of agency records. Respond to telephone calls and email inquiries in a timely fashion. Communicate effectively and appropriately with real estate licensees and consumers. When investigation initiated, all complainants to be contacted by phone or email Interview all licensees named in complaints during the course of investigations and document the results of those interviews in complaint files. Maintain investigation file documents in date order. Ensure copies of all investigation related email communications and interview notes are included in file. Maintain and update electronic storage of records as required. Prepare investigation reports and recommendations based upon evidence gathered during the course of investigation and documented in the complaint file. Participate and contribute to Core Course development and licensing examination reviews. Assist with Commission meeting preparations and escort attendees as required. Prepare and present the Director's case in Hearings before the commission members as directed. Ensure all email communication, computer records, and investigation files are maintained and archived in accordance with state requirements.

Requirements

• Knowledge of real estate brokerage practices.
• Ability to interpret and explain pertinent laws, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to evaluate information, arrive at logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations and decisions.
• Ability to conduct research and statistical analysis.
• Ability to plan, set, and administer program goals and objectives.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to use applicable computer programs.
• Must be able to address consumers and licensees with courtesy, tact, empathy, and maintain effective communication when working with individuals who are distressed, argumentative, hostile, or who lack perspective; must also effectively communicate and work with coworkers as team members.
• A six (6) year combination of education and experience providing paralegal, investigative, mediation, research, and/or analytical skills.

Nice To Haves

• Preference will be made for candidates with experience as a real estate brokerage licensee.

Responsibilities

• Provides information through daily interactions with licensees and the general public relative to Maine real estate brokerage statutes and Commission rules.
• Communications require considerable tact to explain laws, rules, and common practices.
• While most communication is conducted via telephone or email, the Field Investigator will be required to address in-person interactions with licensees and consumers in the Gardiner office.
• Investigates consumer complaints alleging violations of applicable laws, rules, and regulations in order to determine validity and initiate disciplinary action if required.
• Some off-site travel may be required to conduct agency audits or inspection of agency records.
• Respond to telephone calls and email inquiries in a timely fashion.
• Communicate effectively and appropriately with real estate licensees and consumers.
• When investigation initiated, all complainants to be contacted by phone or email
• Interview all licensees named in complaints during the course of investigations and document the results of those interviews in complaint files.
• Maintain investigation file documents in date order.
• Ensure copies of all investigation related email communications and interview notes are included in file.
• Maintain and update electronic storage of records as required.
• Prepare investigation reports and recommendations based upon evidence gathered during the course of investigation and documented in the complaint file.
• Participate and contribute to Core Course development and licensing examination reviews.
• Assist with Commission meeting preparations and escort attendees as required.
• Prepare and present the Director's case in Hearings before the commission members as directed.
• Ensure all email communication, computer records, and investigation files are maintained and archived in accordance with state requirements.

Benefits

• Work-Life Fit – Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.
• Health Insurance Coverage – The State of Maine pays 85%-95% of employee-only premiums ($11,196.96 - $12,514.32 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.
• Dental Insurance – The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($387.92 annual value).
• Retirement Plan – The State contributes the equivalent of 14.11% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS) for MSEA, or 18.91% for Confidential employees.
• State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed