Ombudsperson

Receives and initiates investigations of complaints, concerns, reports and issues arising under the ethics provisions of the City of Flint Charter, from any person against public servants and City of Flint agencies for failure to adequately perform services as required by the City of Flint Charter, ordinances, regulations and policies; and for dereliction of duty and/or misconduct in office by public servants.

1. Establishes rules for receiving and processing complaints, conducting investigations, hearings, and reporting findings.
2. Provides an informal internal avenue for resolution of complaints and attempts to resolve issues in lieu of formal proceedings.
3. Must possess a high level of integrity.
4. Handles all inquiries, complaints, investigations, etc. in a professional and confidential manner.
5. Works to promote a relationship of trust and cooperation.
6. May subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony, and require production of evidence relevant to a matter under investigation.
7. To enforce a subpoena or order for production of evidence or order to enter an office or facility of the City of Flint, to impose any penalty prescribed for failure to a subpoena or order. the Ombudsperson may apply to the appropriate court.
8. May delegate in writing to a member of his/her staff the power to administer oaths and take testimony.
9. Provides an annual public report on complaints received and actions taken by the Ombudsperson's office.

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Dispute Resolution, Psychology, Social Work, Human Services, a related field, or equivalent experience. Master's Degree preferred.
• Five years of experience in municipal, state, or federal government.
• Ability and willingness to work with both legislative and executive branches of government.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws and regulations.
• Five years of experience in counseling and/or alternative dispute resolution (examples:  Mediation, Negotiations).
• Demonstrated investigative and analytical skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, in a professional and timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work with various ethnic, social and age groups.
• Strong professional, civic or community service background.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise the staff of the office of the Ombudsperson; and 
• Computer literate with excellent written and oral communication skills. 

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT(S):

• Must pass a required criminal background check.
• Must pass a required drug test.
• No person shall be eligible to appointment to the office of Ombudsperson who has held any City office within two (2) years prior to the time of appointment. 
• Upon acceptance of the position of Ombudsperson, the Ombudsperson cannot hold any office of trust or profit other than that of Ombudsperson or engage in any occupation for profit outside the duties of the Ombudsperson; and  
• Upon acceptance of this position, the Ombudsperson, must operate and perform her/his duties in accordance with the United States Ombudsman Association Governmental Ombudsman Standards, and the City of Flint Personnel Rules policies and regulations.

SALARY
Per Section 3-506 of the City Charter, salary is commensurate with the Flint City Clerk.

APPLICATION PROCESS
You must meet the minimum entrance requirements and attach supporting documentation to be considered for employment. A formal application packet, including (1) a resume, (2) a writing sample (of at least 2 pages in length), and (3) an application, must be completed and submitted electronically through the City of Flint's website for consideration. Please be sure to complete the application in full. Writing samples and resumes may be uploaded with your application, but will not be accepted in lieu of a fully completed application and will not be considered for qualifying credit. Such statements as: "see resume" or "see attachment", will not be accepted. Failure to supply required documentation (i.e. transcripts, driver's license, etc.) will result in disqualification for consideration. Applications are available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/cityofflint. Phone calls, letters of interest, or other contacts will not be accepted or considered as a formal application or in compliance with the application process.

DISCLAIMER: The job description may be updated from time to time.