Organizational Ombudsman
An Organizational Ombudsman is a designated neutral or impartial conflict resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to constituents of an organization.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Organizational Ombudsman
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
An Organizational Ombudsman is a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide confidential and informal assistance to the internal organization. The primary responsibilities include understanding the concerns of employees, identifying problems, and helping to increase the overall effectiveness of the organization.
Required Skills
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff and management.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills to identify the underlying causes of conflicts.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, and the legal environment surrounding workplace issues.
- Ability to manage multiple cases and tasks, prioritize duties, and handle information with accuracy and sensitivity.
- Negotiation and mediation skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as human resources, psychology, law, or business administration.
- Familiarity with conflict resolution techniques and workplace laws.
- Excellent listening, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with a high degree of discretion.
- Prior experience in mediation or in a role that required conflict resolution and neutrality is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a confidential, neutral, and independent resource for employees to address workplace concerns.
- Facilitate communication and assist in the resolution of disputes among employees or between employees and management.
- Advocate for fair processes and procedures, rather than on behalf of individuals within the organization.
- Help identify systemic issues within the organization and recommend changes to policies or procedures.
- Provide information and referrals to appropriate resources within or outside of the organization.
- Keep abreast of the latest developments in conflict resolution and organizational procedures.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Organizational Ombudsman serves as a confidential resource for employees to address workplace concerns. The role involves providing impartial support to help resolve conflicts, navigate company policies, and promote fairness in the organization.
Required Skills
- Conflict resolution
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Effective communication and listening skills
- Discretion and ethical judgment
- Understanding of organizational dynamics and culture
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in human resources, psychology, law, business administration, or related field.
- 2-5 years of professional experience in conflict resolution, human resources, or a related area.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Proven ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.
- Training and/or certification in mediation or conflict resolution.
Responsibilities
- Provide neutral and confidential conflict resolution services to employees and stakeholders.
- Advise individuals on company policies, procedures, and channels for grievances.
- Facilitate communication between parties in conflict and promote voluntary solutions.
- Monitor trends in issues reported to identify systemic problems within the organization.
- Recommend changes to policies or procedures to management to improve the organizational climate.
- Educate the workforce on the role of the Ombudsman and available resources for conflict resolution.
- Maintain meticulous records of all inquiries and resolutions while ensuring confidentiality.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
The Organizational Ombudsman serves as a confidential, independent, and neutral resource for employees to address workplace issues. The role involves facilitating communication and offering various dispute resolution techniques to resolve conflicts, while also promoting a culture of fairness and equitable treatment within the organization.
Required Skills
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- High level of discretion and ethical judgment.
- Ability to facilitate discussions and negotiate resolutions.
- Proficient in conflict resolution techniques.
- Understanding of organizational dynamics and human behavior.
- Excellent listening and empathy skills.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Psychology, Law, Business Administration, or a related field.
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or related positions within a complex organizational setting.
- Proven track record of handling sensitive and confidential information.
- Certification in mediation or conflict resolution from a recognized institution is preferred.
- Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and industry best practices.
Responsibilities
- Listen to employee complaints and concerns in a non-judgmental manner.
- Provide conflict resolution and mediation services to address workplace disputes.
- Maintain confidentiality and neutrality throughout complaint handling processes.
- Analyze trends in employee issues and advise management on potential organizational improvements.
- Develop and implement strategies to foster a positive work environment.
- Educate the workforce on conflict management and the services provided by the Ombudsman's office.
- Serve as a liaison between employees and management to improve communication and understanding.
- Create and deliver reports on the activities and impact of the Ombudsman's office.
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