Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: D8015 / University Ombuds
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Exempt
Grade: 16
HR Review/Approval:COMP

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Manages the day-to-day operations of the university's alternative dispute resolution service. Facilitates the formal and/or informal resolution of all issues related to staff conflict within the workplace. Develops and delivers educational and training programs for university personnel on alternative dispute resolution and team building techniques, conflict prevention, and supervisory and communication skills. Develops, markets and evaluates alternative dispute resolution services, and coordinates with other university units. Administers the peer hearing process.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Develops and implements complex alternative dispute resolution services for employment-based discrimination and sexual harassment, and all other issues related to conflict in the workplace among faculty and/or staff; conducts interviews, facilitations, negotiations, mediations, and other associated resolution procedures.
  2. Serves as a primary point of contact for employees, supervisors, and/or managers seeking advice, recommendations and consultation on conflict resolution in the workplace; assesses sutuations, determines appropriate course of action, and advises parties on how to proceed in the resolution of conflict.
  3. Advises and guides managers as appropriate on methods and techniques to improve supervisory and communication skills, in support of reduction and prevention of conflicts in the workplace.
  4. Develops and implements orientation and training programs and workshops to provide enhanced skills in alternative dispute resolution and conflict prevention techniques, supervisory skills and communication skills.
  5. Designs and conducts department-wide teambuilding exercises and interdepartmental activities designed to pro-actively address existing complaints and/or prevent future complaints from occurring.
  6. Advises and makes recommendations as appropriate on the revision of human resources policies and procedures or the development of new policies pertaining to dispute resolution and associated issues; participates on university policy making committees as appropriate to area of specialty.
  7. Act as liaison and coordinate services with the Office of Human Resources, University Counsel, Office of Equal Opportunity, and the Counseling Assistance and Referral Services (CARS).
  8. In coordination with the University's Alternative Dispute Resolution Coordinator (ADR) submits quarterly reports to the Office of State Risk Management Division, ADR Bureau, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
  9. Develops and maintains records of dispute resolution processes for future reference in relation to policy and procedure development and modification.
  10. Oversees all facets of the daily operations of the organizational unit, ensuring compliance with the University, state, and federal laws, policies, and regulations.
  11. Represents the organization at various community and/or business meetings, committees, and task forces; promotes existing and new programs and/or policies.
  12. Participates in the development of annual operating budgets and provides fiscal direction to the unit.
  13. Instructs and functionally supervises the activities of other employees performing the same or related duties.
  14. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • Master's degree; at least 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Must have basic Mediation Certificate.
  • 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

  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Ability to provide advice and guidance in the development of effective supervisory and communication skills.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Knowledge of budget preparation, cost estimating, monitoring, and fiscal management principles and procedures.
  • Knowledge of formal and informal dispute resolution methodology, procedures, and techniques.
  • Knowledge of public policies, legislation, guidelines, and standards pertaining to discrimination and sexual harassment in the work place.
  • Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
  • Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
  • Records maintenance skills.
  • Ability to lead and train staff and/or students.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to develop and maintain recordkeeping systems and procedures.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
  • Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
  • Knowledge of federal and state employment laws and regulations, and public sector employment policies and procedures.
  • Knowledge of teambuilding principles and techniques.

Conditions of Employment

  • Employees in this job title are subject to the terms and conditions of an employment contract. Employment contracts are typically subject to review and renewal on an annual basis.
  • 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: 09/25/2023