Summary

In support of the University Ombuds, provides direct services and referrals to help prevent, identify, manage and/or resolve conflict. Guides individuals to mediation, facilitation and negotiation while honoring the critical elements of an ombuds practice, which must be confidential, impartial, informal, independent non-retaliatory fair and ethical facilitation of problem-solving process. Develops and provides appropriate training programs to promote constructive communication, conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving to individuals, groups, and departmental managers and leaders.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provides professional ombuds support as a designated campus resource for individuals and groups engaged in addressing workplace conflict, issues, or concerns informally.
2. Listens to clients, assesses situations and guides individuals toward effective problem resolutions and options.
3. Develops, designs, delivers and evaluates a range of training programs regarding mediation, negotiation, and other related skills sets to promote constructive communication, conflict resolution and collaborative problem solving.
4. Consults with department leaders, managers and administrators to establish coordinated efforts to minimize the costs of workplace conflict; develops resources and tools to aid University constituents in fostering a culture of respect, collaboration and problem resolution.
5. Participates in the development of operating goals and objectives for the department.
6. Makes informed recommendations regarding improving program effectiveness.
7. May perform duties such as data collection, records maintenance and report preparation.
8. Deputizes for the University Ombuds, where and when appropriate, including oversight of the office operations and signature authority.
9. May supervise personnel, which may include recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation and problem resolution.
10. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree; at least 5 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Strong listening, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Effective collaboration with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
• Fair and effective process provision with impartiality.
• Collaboration in a small, independent department serving all staff and the university.
• Data collection, records maintenance, report preparation.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Knowledge of laws, regulations, methods, and techniques in area of specialty.
• Development, planning and implementation of short- and long-range goals.
• Conflict resolution skills, including mediation process skills.
• Assessment, referral and advocacy skills.
• Development and delivery of employee training and orientation.
• Use of independent judgment.
• Manage confidential information.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be able to provide proof of having attended basic mediation training and at least 100 hours of mediation experience.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 09/26/2023