Associate Ombudsperson 3 - 138815

The UC San Diego Office of the Ombuds provides confidential, independent, neutral, and informal dispute resolution services for the UC San Diego campus community. The Office works to facilitate communication and assist parties in reaching mutually acceptable agreements in order to find fair and equitable resolutions to concerns that arise at the University. The Office is available to assist the faculty, staff, students, non-Senate academics, postdoctoral trainees, and employees of UC San Diego Health (UC San Diego Medical Center and related facilities) who seek guidance with the resolution of academic or administrative issues and disputes. Without disclosing confidential communications, the Office also reports general trends, provides feedback throughout the organization, and advocates systems change when appropriate."

Position provides impartial, informal, independent and confidential conflict resolution services on cases of moderate complexity. Uses skills as a seasoned, experienced Ombuds professional with a full understanding of industry practices and campus policies and procedures; resolves a wide range of issues. Demonstrates good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions.

As an experienced professional is responsible for and independently managing disputes and complaints, conducting intake and assessment of complex concerns, and providing impartial, confidential consultation and mediation services to a broad university community. Works under general direction while keeping leadership and higher-level positions informed and regularly addresses a wide range of issues related to university policies, procedures, and conditions.

Is responsible for and supports individuals in clarifying concerns, evaluating options, and pursuing appropriate resolution strategies. Provides guidance on policies and procedures, offers referrals and consultation across campus offices, and helps individuals work toward autonomous solutions. Identifies broader issues requiring further review, keeps leadership informed as appropriate, and ensures confidentiality while gathering relevant information to assess and address concerns.

Independently engages the campus community through outreach, presentations, and training on conflict resolution, communication, mediation, and related topics.

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training.

• Thorough understanding of conflict resolution and mediation techniques and principles.

• Full understanding of the role of the Ombuds Office and Ombuds Office professionals.

• Thorough knowledge of the campus, its resources, infrastructure, policies and procedures.

• Full knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations and/or policies and procedures.Strong conflict resolution and mediation skills.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills to deal effectively with a broad and diverse range of people in a complex, multi-layered organization, including effective listening, discernment, empathy and sensitivity skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills, including skill in determining root causes of problems and skill in offering options for resolving conflict.

• Skill to collect, organize and analyze relevant statistical data.

• Strong presentation skills.

• Strong training and outreach skills to prepare, organize and present Ombuds Office outreach, conflict resolution, and other training to groups.

• Solid skills in research/assessment, critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to suggest practical and effective recommendations.

• Ability to recognize emergencies, de-escalate situations, and respond with appropriate crisis intervention or referrals. Skilled in working with individuals in crisis or confrontational situations, maintaining control, gathering facts, and helping manage stress.

• Advanced degree (JD, Masters in Dispute Resolution, Masters in Organizational Development or equivalent) preferred.

• Completion of International Ombudsman Association Training (minimum Foundations of Organizational Ombudsman Practice) or equivalent academic coursework in mediation, dispute resolution and ombuds work, and a minimum one year as a practicing organizational ombuds in a large complex institution preferred.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

• Must maintain confidentiality of all documents and proceedings in the Ombuds Office.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace