Associate Ombud

As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.

UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

The Office of the President has an outstanding opportunity for an Associate Ombud.

The Associate Ombud is essential to the university-wide responsibilities of the Office of the Ombud and is expected to work with minimal supervision in highly complex, emotional, and time-sensitive situations with the entire university community (i.e. all employees (staff, faculty) and students). The Associate Ombud works with an average of 300+ clients per year and takes a frontline role in the office's outreach efforts. The Associate Ombud works actively with university partners and units across the university and helps with dilemmas and issues faced by anyone who works or studies at the UW. This includes acting as a thought partner in individual consultations as well as a range of dispute resolution, restorative practices, trainings and workshops to help resolve systemic conflicts.

The Office of the Ombud is frequently the first point of contact for individuals seeking assistance. Recognizing the rigors of this work, the Office of the Ombud places a premium on having a collaborative and positive internal culture in which every member of the office is a thoughtful, optimistic and generous colleague. The Associate Ombud works directly with clients while regularly updating the rest of the Office of the Ombud team on relevant cases and requesting assistance as necessary. The scope of understanding related to relevant policies, procedures and codes relevant to staff, students and faculty is vast, and the Associate Ombud must be committed to continual learning in order to support the clients and university partners who entrust the office to provide assistance.

The Ombud Office of the Ombud serves the entire University of Washington community. The University of Washington is the second largest research institution in the country and includes three academic campuses (Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma) and a large medical enterprise, (UW School of Medicine, Harborview Hospital, UW Medical Centers and Clinics, the Northwest Hospital System, as well as employees and students throughout the WWAMI region - Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho). The Associate Ombud is expected to exhibit the highest level of discretion and professionalism, often in very challenging situations, with all members of the university community from undergraduate students to leadership.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Meets with a wide range of clients (staff, students, faculty, and external constituents) remotely and at Office of the Ombud locations across the university to discuss client concerns/challenges and options for resolution. (50%)
• Facilitates conversations and other methods of alternative dispute resolution to assist in resolving conflict. (17%)
• Presents cases to the Office of the Ombud team and assists in clarifying potential systemic issues and developing recommendations. (15%)
• Collaborates with internal partners on individual situations and surfaces issues and patterns that warrant systemic consideration. (5%)
• Promotes the role of the Ombud across the university's locations, including, providing trainings, making presentations, attending leadership meetings, taking part in student events, etc. (5%)
• Manages client information, organizes follow-up efforts, and posts statistical information on client demographics and issues to support annual reports. (5%)
• Provides administrative and scheduling support to help cover when the Assistant Ombud is unavailable or administrative needs exceed available staff capacity. (3%)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree

• Four years experience working in a university, medical center, or large public institution.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired Qualifications:

• Advanced ombud professional experience and training

• Demonstrated skill in individual coaching

• Demonstrated skill in facilitation and methods of alternative dispute resolution such as mediation and restorative practices

• Excellent interpersonal skills for working with individuals who may exhibit behaviors indicative of extreme stress, anxiety, or fear

• Ability to deal with sensitive and personal matters with the highest regard to confidentiality and privacy

• Proven intercultural competency and an ability to work effectively with members of diverse communities in an inclusive and respectful manner that is open to continued learning

• Experience and demonstrated ability to provide challenging information to leadership officials in a solution-focused and effective manner

• Superior oral and written communications

• Excellent organizational skills and experience in handling high volumes of complex and stressful situations

• Motivated self-starter who can work independently and collaboratively

Working Environment

Hybrid environment: In-person work in office settings and remote work via Zoom/phone.

Application Process:

The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select "Apply to this position". Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your "My Jobs" page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.