Job Overview

The Associate Ombuds serves as a designated neutral resource for families, employees and community members, advocating for fairness, equity and consistency to assist in the resolution of education, student and employee-related concerns, problems, complaints and issues. The position provides resources for information and referral; fosters positive working relationships among stakeholders; and facilitates conflict resolution and informal mediation at the direction of the Ombuds. This position is on an as needed basis, up to 5 hours per month. 

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned by the Ombuds when deemed appropriate.

• Acts as an informal, impartial and confidential resource for families, employees and the school community to communicate and inquire about education and employee-related concerns.
• Provides information and assistance regarding the Division rules, regulations, and procedures.
• Assists stakeholders in identifying office or official to which an issue should be addressed.
• Promotes positive working relationships among employees and between the division and the school community.
• Assists families in effectively advocating for their students.
• Researches and identifies best practices to proactively address and prevent conflict.
• Recommends and develops conflict avoidance and resolution strategies and fair and equitable processes.
• Receives and documents initial concerns; hears perspectives of one or both parties as appropriate; and recommends means of resolution.
• Seeks to ensure resolution of problems and concerns in a prompt and fair manner that is satisfactory to all parties involved through consultation, informal mediation, and conflict resolution services.

Qualifications

Below are the preferred qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, sociology, conflict resolution, human resources, public administration, or related field

Experience

Six years of K-12 education, ombuds or professional mediation conflict resolution experience

Licenses and Certifications

NA

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures and practices of K-12 school administration
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and trends of fact finding, conflict resolution, informal mediation, and cultural competency
• Knowledge of school division and community resources, demography and diversity
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships and build trust with school personnel, public entities, families and citizens
• Ability to deal with controversy, and handle sensitive or confidential information with tact and discretion
• Proficiency in the use of personal computer and related hardware and software
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply and explain complex rules, regulations, policies, legislation and court decisions
• Ability to analyze processes and problems, identify opportunities for improvement and implement changes
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds
• Ability to represent the division in a variety of public settings

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Reports to: Ombuds

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Months/Days/Hours: as needed

Salary Level: Banded Rates: Band 16

Salary Scale: https://www.lcps.org/compensation

Salary Range: $42.44