​​Assistant Ombudsperson​

The Assistant Ombudsperson will serve the entire University of Iowa community, including students, faculty, and staff and all of UI Healthcare, by offering a confidential, impartial, informal and independent dispute resolution service and ensure that all members of the University community receive fair and equitable treatment within the University system.

This position is a full-time Professional & Scientific Term Status appointment reporting to the University Ombudsperson.

Extensive training will be provided on and off campus.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide impartial and confidential consultation to members of the University community who are aggrieved or concerned about an issue.
• Remain independent and impartial, and exercise good judgment.
• Apply essential knowledge of, and experience with, current University policies, procedures and personnel in resolving complaints, and assist inquirers in interpreting University policies and procedures.
• Employ a wide variety of problem-solving techniques to assist visitors, including listening, helping to clarify problems, identifying and evaluating options, referral to other resources as necessary, coaching on effective conflict management, negotiation, shuttle diplomacy, facilitation, and mediation.
• Employ a wide variety of problem-solving techniques to assist visitors with problem solving and decision making; this includes listening, helping to clarify problems, identifying and evaluating options, referral to other resources as necessary, coaching on effective conflict management, negotiation, shuttle diplomacy, facilitation, and mediation, with an understanding that visitors must be consulted and grant permission before any direct action is taken. Strive to do no harm and develop a mutually satisfactory process for resolution. Develop and maintain a impartial perspective regarding conflicts and concerns. When possible, the ombuds will seek out alternative explanations, try to understand the perception of other parties who are involved, and develop a holistic perspective on the issues.
• Advise on-campus committees regarding conflict resolution, and participate in ombuds outreach activities on campus, regionally and nationally.
• Effectively collaborate with all other offices and resources on campus.
• Maintain awareness of multiple dimensions of diversity and their impact on conflicts and concerns. Work effectively with all visitors and campus resources.
• Bring to the attention of those in authority and if necessary, the entire University community, any concerns/issues regarding University policy, procedures, and personnel that should be addressed.
• May develop and/or provide workshops on conflict management, civility, and related topics.
• Ensure that the integrity of the office is maintained by all ombuds office staff through independence, fair process, impartiality, confidentiality, and timely attention to the resolution of issues while treating people with dignity and respect.
• Maintain caseload data, including user demographics

For a complete job description, please contact Jade Rogers at jade-o-rogers@uiowa.edu.