9144-Investigator, Taxi and Accessible Services

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Investigator, Taxi & Accessible Services

Job Code: 9144

INTRODUCTION

Under direction, performs professional level investigative work to evaluate, monitor and report on compliance with laws, regulations, policies and procedures by motor-vehicle-for-hire permit holders. Makes recommendations on possible disciplinary actions for regulatory violations by permit holders, including assessment of administrative penalties and suspension or revocation of permits, if applicable.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Class 9144 Investigator, Taxi and Accessible Services is distinguished from other journey level City investigator classifications by the broader scope of duties. Investigator, Taxi and Accessible Services performs investigations of suspected legal and regulatory violations by San Francisco individual and corporate taxi permit holders, and investigates and compiles information to support criminal and administrative prosecutions of illegal motor-vehicle-for-hire operators within the City and County of San Francisco.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

MAJOR, IMPORTANT, AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109 and 409, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1) Performs investigations, surveillance and enforcement including possible sting operations; researches and identifies permit holder violations; works directly with law enforcement personnel.

2) Visits, surveys, and patrols premises to evaluate and enforce compliance with laws, regulations, permit conditions, and established policies and procedures; confirms licensure and qualifications of operators.

3) Conducts interviews with permittees, representatives, witnesses, and others to gather data and to monitor and report on compliance with laws, regulations, permit conditions, and established policies and procedures.

4) Investigates and drafts responses to complaints from the general public by interviewing complainants, witnesses, and experts to gather information for analysis and resolution of complaints.

5) Analyzes information and evidence resulting from research and investigative activities; prepares and presents findings and recommendations; develops and improves enforcement mechanisms; assists in developing policies or modifications to rules and regulations.

6) Prepares accurate and detailed investigative reports based on observations; prepares correspondence, memoranda, and/or presentations.

7) Responds to alerts indicating violation of laws, rules, and regulations and to requests for assistance with escalating incidents; refers to emergency contact when appropriate.

8) Tracks and monitors notices, actions and collection of fines.

9) Counsels permit holders on regulatory compliance; records and explains actions taken pertaining to enforcement and discipline; advises management on training priorities.

10) Prepares declarations and testifies about results of investigations at administrative, union and judicial hearings; assists with document and witness preparation for evidence to be presented at hearings.

11) Assists in developing plan for periodic audits; performs field audits of facilities, vehicles and procedures.

12) Prepares cease and desist notices, notices of violation, and issues administrative citations to illegal operators and permit holders in violation of laws, regulations and permit conditions; assists with appeals by researching, documenting, and drafting responses.

13) Issues parking citations to vehicles of permit holders and members of the public for violations of Transportation Codes

14) Issues administrative citations to operators of illegal motor-vehicles-for hire and may order the removal of any vehicle, inactive vehicle permits or transponders to the extent authorized by law.

15) Fosters and maintains inter-agency contact by acting as a liaison between San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency Taxi Services San Francisco Police Department, California Public Utilities Commission, San Francisco International Airport, other state and local agencies, and the general public.

16) Interacts with and maintains good working relationships with other City, state and federal agencies and stakeholders.

17) Supports customer service staff as needed during peak filing periods.

18) Performs other related duties as required.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: pertinent state and local laws and regulations pertaining to motor vehicle for hire permits; principles and practices in investigative activities; interview methods and techniques; and procedures for gathering, documenting, and analyzing evidence and information.

Ability to: prioritize ongoing investigations and special assignments to ensure maximum productivity and timely completion of all work activities based on departmental needs; identify, gather, review and analyze quantitative and qualitative information from a variety of sources; develop sound conclusions and logical recommendations; identify and apply correct standards and rules to the facts found in investigations; create and maintain a wide variety of complex and detailed electronic and paper documents, reports, files, and spreadsheets; conduct surveys and perform routine research; assist in preparation of various reports, proposals, and correspondence; utilize a computer for internet research, email and correspondence.

Skills to: deal tactfully and diplomatically with co-workers, contractors, permit holders, and difficult, emotionally distressed or hostile individuals; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; work effectively in an objective and impartial manner; exercise understanding and sensitivity to various groups of people; speak clearly, concisely and effectively; listen and ask questions to elicit needed information; and make judgments and recommendations based upon factual information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university.

Experience:

Two (2) years of full-time verifiable experience performing complex research, analytical tasks and report drafting in a professional field such as law, media/journalism, public health/welfare, human/civil rights, business (e.g. finance, insurance), education, social sciences, public policy/government or a related field.

License and Certification:

Possession of a valid California driver�s license.

Substitution:

One (1) year of full-time verifiable experience investigating compliance with laws and/or regulations for enforcement purposes may be substituted for the two (2) years of professional experience as described above.

Possession of a law degree may be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience as described above.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Working Conditions:

The performance of the essential functions of the class may occasionally require working a flexible schedule, holidays or weekends and overtime. Some daytime and nighttime field work is required. Some field work may require wearing safety equipment and clothing for extended periods. May include mediating and resolving confrontational situations between the public, stakeholders and permit holders.

PROMOTIVE LINES

ORIGINATION DATE: 08/24/2009

AMENDED DATE: 07/01/2011; 07/19/2012; 5/21/2015

REASON FOR AMENDMENT To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities defined in the most recent job analysis conducted for this job code.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN, SFMTA

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation