Penn State Job Catalog

The defined natural career progression within or between job profiles.

Ombuds

The Ombudsperson (Ombuds) serves as a confidential, impartial, independent, and informal resource for faculty, staff, administrators, postdoctoral fellows, and students to raise concerns, resolve conflicts, and navigate university systems; fosters fair and equitable treatment within the institution by offering dispute resolution services and providing information on policies and procedures. Ombuds seek to further the University's strong commitment to Penn State's Values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

• Provide confidential consultations and conflict resolution services, including coaching, facilitated dialogue, and shuttle diplomacy for members of the university community
• Utilize conflict resolution techniques, presenting a range of options to resolve conflict, including complex and/or difficult cases, by candidly discussing problems and issues, and opening channels of communication
• Provide attentive and tactful sensitivity when dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and cultures
• Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality in accordance with the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, except in situations involving imminent risk of serious harm
• Help members of the university community understand university policies, procedures, and available resources without acting as an advocate for any party; provide referrals to other campus resources as appropriate, while maintaining independence
• Review and advise on gaps or inadequacies in policies and procedures
• Track and report trends and patterns (without breaching confidentiality)
• Deliver training sessions, workshops, and presentations on conflict resolution, civility, communication, and fairness in university settings
• Develop and maintain ongoing relationships and work collaboratively with all campus constituencies to promote the value and process of conflict resolution
• Maintain strict, confidential records of inquiries and cases in accordance with the university's information retention policy and obligations
• Remain up to date on relevant laws and regulations to ensure compliance with government guidelines and university requirements, policies, and procedures

Level:

– Senior Professional

Base Description:

– Completes activities, tasks, and/or projects of a functional nature.

Level Summary:

– Demonstrates advanced knowledge of principles, practices, and procedures of a particular field. Works independently on moderately complex work assignments under limited oversight, reviews progress, and evaluates results. Monitors work and projects ensuring timeliness, quality, and efficiency. Identifies and mobilizes resources to achieve outcomes. Trains others and reviews progress with management. Presents ideas, concepts, and instructions in a clear and persuasive manner. Develops new techniques, concepts, and approaches and applies them to moderately complex and strategic and/or operational issues.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

– Indirect supervisor for other full–time employees
– May serve as direct supervisor for part–time, student, and/or temporary workers, volunteers, or a full–time employee

Fiscal Responsibilities:

– May validate and pay invoices
– Monitors and tracks budgets and funding

Problem Solving:

– Encounters moderately complex problems
– Applies specialized knowledge and skills to resolve problems
– Understands benefits, limitations, and impact of potential solutions

Independence of Action:

– Works independently on moderately complex work assignments, reviews progress, and evaluates results
– May set priorities and organize work within general guidelines established by supervisor
– May review the work of others to verify accuracy and conformance to required procedures and special instructions

Communication and Collaboration:

– Communicates internally within working unit and the University
– Communicates with external audiences for scheduling/coordination
– May communicate with external audiences for business purposes
– Coaches others in using appropriate strategies for resolving conflict; negotiating reasonable compromises; and proposing and evaluating possible solutions
– Give candid and constructive feedback to others to influence and persuade managers and employees to accept and implement findings and recommendations

• Comp Grade – 12
• Minimum – $76,700.00
• MidPoint – $95,900.00
• Maximum – $115,100.00

• Active listening
• Business relationship management
• Conflict Resolution
• Content creation
• Cultural competency
• Ethical judgement
• Facilitation
• Policy development
• Problem Solving
• Regulatory compliance
• Reporting
• Strategic thinking
• Training & Development
• Trend analysis