Assistant Ombudsperson

Position: Assistant Employee Ombudsperson
Company Description

A best-in-class city that attracts best-in-class talent, Philadelphia is an incredible place to build a career. From our thriving arts scene and rich history to our culture of passion and grit, there are countless reasons to love living and working here. With a workforce of over 30,000 people, and more than 1,000 different job categories, the City of Philadelphia offers boundless opportunities to make an impact.

As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you're interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.

What we offer

* Impact - The work you do here matters to millions.

* Growth - Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?

* Diversity & Inclusion - Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.

* Benefits - We care about your well-being.

Agency Description

The Office of the Employee Ombudsperson (EOMB) is the first of its kind in the City of Philadelphia tasked with providing neutral, confidential, and informal guidance to all City employees (regardless of classification) on workplace conduct issues. Our work is achieved through advising employees on available options for resolution, informally resolving work related conflicts and concerns when appropriate, and advocating for fairness and improved workplace culture.

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Office of the Employee Ombudsperson works collaboratively with various City departments to internally resolve workplace related concerns thereby building a strong, healthy working environment that champions diversity of identity and thought. The EOMB is tasked with recommending actions and proposing policy changes to create a more positive work environment for all City employees.

Job Description

Position Summary

The Assistant Employee Ombudsperson plays an essential role in helping City employees understand their options and resources for addressing workplace related concerns. The role acts as an impartial dispute resolution practitioner whose major function is to provide impartial, confidential and informal assistance to employees through consultation, mediation, conflict coaching and other alternative dispute resolution strategies. Additionally, the role evaluates complaints to identify broader patterns and refers matters to other City entities when necessary.

Essential Functions

Direct Service:

* Respond to telephone, email, and in-person inquiries from City employees across all

classifications, while upholding the confidentiality and neutrality of the Ombudsperson's Office.

* Conduct consultations with employees to assess workplace concerns, evaluate their

appropriateness for ombuds services, and provide guidance on the next steps.

* Deliver confidential, neutral, and professional support to employees using a range of conflict

resolution techniques, including:

o Conducting informal fact-finding to gather information while maintaining strict confidentiality.

o Offering conflict coaching to help employees clarify issues and explore viable options for

resolution.

o Acting as a facilitator through shuttle diplomacy to resolve conflicts between parties.

o Mediating workplace disputes when appropriate, fostering open communication and resolution.

o Facilitating group meetings to improve communication among employees involved in conflicts.

* Listen to employee concerns and guide them toward appropriate and equitable options for

resolving workplace conflicts or organizational complaints.

* Recommend and influence systemic changes to address the root causes of employee concerns,

improving the overall workplace environment.

Data Collection & Analysis:

* Assist in collecting and tracking data to evaluate the performance of Ombudsperson

operations.

* Analyze short- and long-term data to identify workplace trends, climate issues, and cultural

challenges affecting the City's workforce.

* Identify emerging patterns impacting organizational culture and recommend innovative strategies

to address these concerns.

Administrative Tasks:

* Draft correspondence to City agencies and officials to support the Ombudsperson's work and

contribute to improving the overall workforce environment.

* Conduct outreach and represent the Ombudsperson's Office at public forums, presenting its work

and promoting engagement with stakeholders.

* Assist in the development and distribution of promotional materials, such as brochures and

fliers, to raise awareness of the Ombudsperson's services.

* Conduct research and support initiatives that foster a diverse, inclusive, and healthy workplace

environment for City employees.

Required Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge:

Conflict Resolution Principles:

Extensive knowledge of the theories and practices related to conflict, including causes of conflict, stages of…