POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

OMBUDS

WORKING TITLE

Ombuds

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Superintendent’s Office

LOCATION

Crossroads I, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Contract as established by Superintendent/Board of Education

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

Yes

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (evening and weekend requirements) Position is not available for a Hybrid Telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Serves as a confidential, independent, neutral, and informal resource to our diverse community while complying with all reporting requirements and duties. Our diverse community includes Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) employees, students, families, volunteers, and community partners. Ensures fairness, promotes respect for all constituents, and supports systemic changes to achieve this goal. Provides assistance to address and navigate concerns, problems, complaints, and other issues. Listens, reviews, and provides resources for information and referral. Advocates for fairness, equity, inclusion, and consistency. Partners across the district departments, working closely with the student supports and academic services teams, and ensures alignment of district resources with the needs of students and families.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Demonstrated experience of how to facilitate informal dispute resolution processes;
• Demonstrated experience of monitoring and/or collaborating in monitoring compliance of interventions and sanctions related to complaint resolution activity, especially for those in accordance with state and federal mandates;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and Power Point; Google Apps;
• Knowledge of recommending policy or practice changes for review;
• Ability to provide a confidential place to share concerns, questions, and complaints;
• Ability to refer individuals to appropriate resolution resources;
• Ability to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity, and to prioritize work efforts to execute overall strategy;
• Ability to exhibit deep understanding of the complex role of the school leader, the complexities of
• teaching and the tools/support necessary to improve student outcomes;
• Ability to be courageous in addressing matters of equity, race, and bias in decision-making with confidence and empathy;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, school administrators, teachers, support staff, outside advocacy groups, and other community members, with an expertise in consensus building.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, sociology, conflict/dispute resolution, public administration, or a related field;
• Three years of experience mediating work-related conflicts and/or experience as an Ombudsperson, including experience delivering public presentations, reports, information, or conflict resolutions.

An equivalent combination of relevant education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully meet the essential duties may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s license according to the State of NC requirements;
• Must be a member of the Ombuds International Ombudsman Association (IOA).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s/advanced degree in education, psychology, sociology, education, human resources, public administration, or a related field;
• Experience working in a K-12 school district or public

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Serves as a confidential, independent, neutral, and informal resource to our diverse community while complying with all reporting requirements and duties. Our diverse community includes Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) employees, students, families, volunteers, and community partners.
2. Ensures fairness, promotes respect for all constituents, and supports systemic changes to achieve this
3. Provides assistance in seeking to address and navigate concerns, problems, complaints, and other
4. Listens, reviews, and provides resources for information and
5. Advocates for fairness, equity, inclusion, and
6. Partners across the district departments, working closely with the student supports and academic services teams, and ensures alignment of district resources with the needs of students and families.
7. Facilitates fast and efficient response(s) to service inquiries and builds trust with parents, guardians, and community partners in the school systems dispute resolution methods.
8. Performs other duties

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school officials, school administrators, teachers, support staff, outside advocacy groups, and other community members. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires activities involving driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE:  2/2024

DISCLAIMER:  The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position.  They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position.  This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.