Assistant Employee Ombudsperson

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 Ombudspersons 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 Citys 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 Ombudspersons work and 
contribute to improving the overall workforce environment.
  Conduct outreach and represent the Ombudspersons 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 Ombudspersons 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 escalation and methods for resolution such as mediation negotiation and facilitation.
Employment Law and Workplace Policies:
Familiarity with city state and federal employment laws workplace regulations and organizational policies related to harassment discrimination retaliation and general employee rights.

Organizational Dynamics:
Understanding of how organizations function including the nuances of public sector work environments power structures and workplace culture to provide context-specific guidance.

Data Collection and Analysis:
Knowledge of methods for collecting analyzing and interpreting data related to workplace complaints and organizational trends. Ability to use data to inform decision-making and identify systemic issues.
Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Principles:
Strong knowledge of EDI concepts and practices that promote respect accessibility and fairness in the workplace. Familiarity with how these principles intersect with conflict resolution and employee advocacy.

Skills:
Impartial Dispute Resolution Practitioner:
Demonstrated skill in resolving disputes neutrally and effectively. This includes a deep understanding of the root causes of conflict its nature and strategies for resolution through mediation coaching or other means.

Excellent Communication and Listening:
Highly skilled in communicating concepts clearly to diverse audiences at all levels within the organization. Ability to cultivate trust engage employees of various identities thoughtfully and listen actively without judgment offering impartial guidance.

Problem Solving:
Strong problem-solving skills including the ability to recognize issues gather relevant information analyze concerns and foresee barriers to resolution. Capable of self-direction to achieve the best outcomes for employees and the Ombudspersons Office.

Organizational Skills:
Proven ability to work independently while managing multiple projects estimating timelines and setting and meeting reasonable deadlines. Able to prioritize tasks effectively under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.

Analytical Thinking:
Strong analytical skills to interpret and evaluate administrative rules policies and procedures. Capable of providing clear counsel and recommendations to employees and leadership based on objective analysis of workplace concerns.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement:
Skilled at building and maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders (HR labor relations department heads) and external partners to ensure a collaborative and solution-oriented approach to workplace conflicts.

Abilities:
Impartiality and Objectivity:
Ability to remain neutral impartial and maintain confidentiality while facilitating resolution and guiding employees through workplace conflicts.

Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity:
Ability to navigate and address workplace issues while being mindful of cultural identity and socio-economic differences fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

Judgment and Decision-Making:
Strong ability to exercise sound judgment when evaluating workplace complaints determining appropriate courses of action and making recommendations for systemic changes.

Adaptability:
Ability to remain flexible and adapt to evolving workplace environments and the changing needs of employees while maintaining the integrity and standards of the Ombudspersons Office.

Conflict Facilitation:
Ability to facilitate conflict resolution between employees or groups through mediation coaching or other methods to foster a more collaborative and harmonious work environment.

Qualifications :

• Bachelors degree; Masters degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in facilitating conflict resolution or mediation among individuals and groups in complex organizational environments. Experience in human resources or employee relations with a focus on resolving workplace disputes and managing workplace conflict is a plus.

We value diverse experiences and are open to flexible qualifications. If you are passionate
 about this role and meet some of the key criteria we encourage you to apply.

Additional Information :

TO APPLY: Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and resume.

Salary Range: $86000 $95000

Discover the Perks of Being a City of Philadelphia Employee:

• Transportation: City employees get unlimited FREE public transportation all year long through SEPTAs Key Advantage program. Employees can ride on SEPTA buses subways trolleys and regional rail for their daily commute and more.
• Parental Benefits: The City offers its employees 8 weeks of paid parental leave.
• We offer Comprehensive health coverage for employees and their eligible dependents.
• Our wellness program offers eligibility into the discounted medical plan
• Employees receive paid vacation sick leave and holidays
• Generous retirement savings options are available
• Pay off your student loans faster - As a qualifying employer City of Philadelphia employees are eligible to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program. Join the ranks of hundreds of employees who have already benefited from this program and achieved student loan forgiveness.
• Unlock Tuition Discounts and Scholarships - The City of Philadelphia has forged partnerships with over a dozen esteemed colleges and universities in the area ensuring that our employees have access to a wide range of tuition discounts and scholarships. Experience savings of 10% to 40% on your educational expenses extending not only to City employees but in some cases spouse and dependents too!

Join the City of Philadelphia team today and seize these incredible benefits designed to enhance your financial well-being and personal growth!

*The successful candidate must be a city of Philadelphia resident within six months of hire

Effective May 22 2023 vaccinations are no longer required for new employees that work in non-medical non-emergency or patient facing positions with the City of Philadelphia. As a result only employees in positions providing services that are patient-facing medical care (ex: Nurses doctors emergency medical personnel) must be fully vaccinated.

The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race ethnicity color sex sexual orientation gender identity religion national origin ancestry age disability marital status source of income familial status genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at or send an email to

For more information go to: Human Relations Website: Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time