Associate Ombuds (OMBUDSPERSON 4)

About the position Under general direction, this position provides impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services to the UCD communities on the UC Davis campus, UC Davis Health campus in Sacramento, as well as to UC Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR), consistent with the International Ombuds Association Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. The Associate Ombuds serves as a technical leader and meets with a diverse range of individuals and groups at all levels of the university to assist in constructively managing complex and often sensitive conflicts with the highest level of confidentiality and impartiality. This position serves as a key institutional resource to other UC Davis, UC Davis Health and UC ANR offices for resolving conflicts and complaints. The Associate Ombuds designs and leads implementation of conflict management processes to resolve highly complex issues drawing upon advanced conflict resolution models and campus objectives; independently manages cases with a high degree of complexity, difficulty, and political sensitivity; independently provides individual and group needs assessment and coaching utilizing a wide range of conflict management techniques, makes referrals to appropriate internal and external resources, and provides informal mediation and facilitation of effective dialogue on sensitive issues, requiring the use of astute judgment to do in-depth evaluation of variable factors; designs and leads workshops and presentations on conflict and communication topics; identifies trends and systemic issues, makes recommendations and formulates strategies to address them, including institutional and system policy or procedural changes; works collaboratively with the Ombuds team and/or director on cases and projects with campus-wide impact and backs up other Ombuds as needed; gathers and analyzes office and visitor-related data and prepares reports; independently establishes priorities, goals, and objectives and works on cases of great complexity and political sensitivity, often without precedents and requiring innovative and creative approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services.
• Assist in managing complex and sensitive conflicts.
• Design and implement conflict management processes.
• Independently manage cases with high complexity and political sensitivity.
• Provide individual and group needs assessment and coaching.
• Make referrals to appropriate internal and external resources.
• Facilitate effective dialogue on sensitive issues.
• Design and lead workshops and presentations on conflict and communication topics.
• Identify trends and systemic issues and make recommendations.
• Collaborate with the Ombuds team on cases and projects.
• Gather and analyze office and visitor-related data and prepare reports.
• Establish priorities, goals, and objectives for complex cases.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• At least 1 year of experience utilizing conflict resolution, coaching, counseling, organizational development, and/or mediation techniques.
• Advanced professional experience with exceptional interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a busy team environment.
• Advanced abilities in designing and facilitating classes, workshops, presentations, or trainings.
• Advanced knowledge of the role of the organizational Ombuds and conflict management theories.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Completion of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) 'Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice' training.
• Master's Degree or other advanced degree in a related field.
• 2 or more years of experience as an organizational Ombuds or in a related dispute resolution field.
• Professional experience in an academic and/or medical or health care setting.
• Ability to research, gather, and analyze data regarding trends, practices, policies, and procedures.

Benefits

• High quality and low-cost medical plans.
• UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums.
• Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave.
• Paid Holidays annually.
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time.
• Continuing Education allowance and Education Reimbursement Program.
• Access to free professional development courses.
• WorkLife and Wellness programs.
• On-site Employee Assistance Program.
• Supplemental insurance options.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Qualified Employer.
• Retirement benefit options including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans.

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