HOUSING INVESTIGATOR 8516

About the role

A Housing Investigator conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of alleged violations of the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and/or Housing Code (Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapters XV and XVI); gathers and evaluates evidence through investigative research, which may include inspecting properties, interviewing tenants, complainants, landlords, and other witnesses; obtains physical and documentary evidence; compiles, evaluates and organizes legal documents; undertakes legal research; prepares oral and written reports on investigative findings; prepares legal cases for referrals to the City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division; negotiates complaint settlements and case closures with landlords and tenants; represents the City at public events to provide information about the RSO; may act as a head investigator reviewing the work of a team of housing investigators; may supervise investigative support and public counter staff; and performs related work.

Responsibilities

• Conducts preliminary and follow-up investigations of alleged violations of the City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) and/or Housing Code (Los Angeles Municipal Code Chapters XV and XVI)
• Gathers and evaluates evidence through investigative research, which may include inspecting properties, interviewing tenants, complainants, landlords, and other witnesses
• Obtains physical and documentary evidence
• Compiles, evaluates and organizes legal documents
• Undertakes legal research
• Prepares oral and written reports on investigative findings
• Prepares legal cases for referrals to the City Attorney’s Office Criminal Division
• Negotiates complaint settlements and case closures with landlords and tenants
• Represents the City at public events to provide information about the RSO
• May act as a head investigator reviewing the work of a team of housing investigators
• May supervise investigative support and public counter staff
• Performs related work

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and one year of full-time, paid professional experience investigating complaints, conducting inspections, conducting interviews, researching and referencing laws/ordinances, evaluating evidence, preparing narrative written reports on investigative findings, and compiling, evaluating, and organizing legal documents related to civil or criminal enforcement actions; or

• A paralegal certificate from a paralegal training program within the United States and one year of full-time, paid paralegal experience investigating complaints, evaluating evidence and preparing legal documents related to civil or criminal enforcement actions;
• Four years of full-time paid experience investigating complaints, conducting inspections, conducting interviews, researching and referencing laws/ordinances, evaluating evidence, preparing narrative written reports on investigative findings, and compiling, evaluating, and organizing legal documents, one year of which must be related to civil or criminal enforcement actions.

Qualifications

Experience in Housing Law is highly desired.

Skills

Knowledge of proper investigative techniques and procedures for identifying and obtaining evidence; interviewing techniques and strategies; mediation techniques; principles and practices of confidentiality; and other necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Benefits

The City of Los Angeles offers a comprehensive benefits package including health and dental coverage, life insurance, and other employee benefits. Employee benefit coverage commences approximately six weeks after the original regular appointment.

Pay

$75,627 to $110,580 and $89,115 to $130,332 annually, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time position.