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Assistant Ombudsman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12 Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic ... Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll help assist with implementing each student ...

Alternative Education Program, Grades 9-12 Ombudsman Educational Services, a growing, dynamic ... Collaborating closely with classroom educators, you'll help assist with implementing each student ...

COORDINATOR

Bay Shore, NY · On-site

$31K/yr

... mentor Ombudsman volunteers. * Escalate to Program Coordinator of critical issues and lack of resolution to complaints. * Assist residents and family members to develop councils. * Accurately ...

Regional Ombudsman Program Director Supervises: Ombudsman Volunteers FLSA Classification: FT 35 ... Assist residents to address and resolve issues to their satisfaction. Act as a mediator to ...

Job Page

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$55K - $72K/yr

Senior Ombudsman Job Location: Ombudsman Division 800 W Washington St. Phoenix, AZ 85007 Salary ... Assist injured workers throughout the workers' compensation claim and adjudication process. • ...

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Assistant Ombudsman information

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$21K

$43.1K

$76K

How much do assistant ombudsman jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant ombudsman in the United States is $43,066.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $47,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant ombudsman?

Assistant Ombudsmen are professionals who support the work of an Ombudsman by helping to investigate and resolve complaints from the public about government agencies, organizations, or services. They gather facts, conduct interviews, review documents, and help ensure that complaints are handled fairly and impartially. Assistant Ombudsmen often communicate findings to both complainants and the entities involved, aiming to facilitate solutions and improve processes. Their role is crucial in promoting transparency, accountability, and trust in public administration.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant ombudsman, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Ombudsman, you need a strong background in conflict resolution, investigative techniques, and a relevant degree such as law, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with case management systems, legal research databases, and documentation tools is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal skills, impartiality, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly help someone excel in this role. These skills enable fair, thorough, and efficient handling of complaints, fostering trust and accountability within organizations or public services.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant ombudsmen when handling complaints and how are they addressed?

Assistant Ombudsmen often encounter challenges such as managing high caseloads, handling sensitive or emotionally charged complaints, and maintaining impartiality while investigating issues. To address these challenges, they rely on strong communication and conflict resolution skills, adhere strictly to confidentiality protocols, and seek guidance from senior Ombudsmen when facing particularly complex cases. Regular training and peer discussions also help Assistant Ombudsmen stay effective and maintain high professional standards.

What is the difference between Assistant Ombudsman vs Complaint Investigator?

AspectAssistant OmbudsmanComplaint Investigator
Required CredentialsRelevant degrees, certifications in dispute resolution or public administrationSimilar credentials, often with focus on investigative training
Work EnvironmentPublic agencies, non-profits, organizations handling disputesGovernment agencies, regulatory bodies, or private organizations
Employer & IndustryPublic sector, consumer rights, dispute resolutionGovernment, legal, or compliance sectors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in dispute resolution, public serviceInvestigative processes, complaint handling

The Assistant Ombudsman and Complaint Investigator roles share similarities in credentials and work environments, often within public or regulatory sectors. While the Assistant Ombudsman focuses on mediating disputes and advocating for fairness, Complaint Investigators primarily gather facts and assess complaints. Both positions require investigative skills and knowledge of administrative procedures, but their specific responsibilities and scope differ based on organizational needs.

More about Assistant Ombudsman jobs

What cities are hiring for Assistant Ombudsman jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Ombudsman job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Ombudsman jobs?

The most popular types of Ombudsman jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant Ombudsman jobs?

The top employers for Assistant Ombudsman jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Ombudsman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Ombudsman jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Ombudsman jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Assistant Ombudsman jobs are:

Infographic showing various Assistant Ombudsman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,066 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Director, University Ombuds Office

Penn State University

University Park, PA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Penn State University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 104 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
POSITION SPECIFICS
Reporting directly to the Provost's Chief of Staff, the inaugural Director, University Ombuds Office will be responsible for establishing a new office that serves as a resource for Penn State faculty, staff, and postdoctoral scholars, while also providing a systematic feedback channel for university leadership. The Ombuds Office will develop and implement a structured process for selecting ombuds representatives across organizational units, oversee protocols and training for unit-level ombuds, and serve as a central point of contact for questions, guidance, and coordination. Penn State Ombuds serve as a neutral resource to support these members of Penn State's community across all our colleges and campuses, helping to clarify misunderstandings, advise employees on available courses of action, and assist in the informal resolution of issues. The Ombuds Office enhances stakeholder contributions to the university, contributes to the positive operation of units, and promotes a fair and respectful campus environment by working to enhance effective communication, avoid misunderstandings, and clarify issues and language in interactions between unit stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Conflict Resolution & Consultation
  • Provide neutral and informal consultation to individual faculty, staff, and postdocs
  • Assist in resolving workplace and interpersonal concerns
  • Facilitate restorative dialogue when appropriate
  • Coach individuals with conflict management and communication strategies
  • Identify patterns and systemic issues while protecting individual confidentiality

Policy Navigation & Referral
  • Guide faculty, staff, and postdocs to appropriate university policies, offices, and formal complaint channels
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of institutional policies and procedures

Training and Coordination
  • Develop protocols and training for ombuds within units across Penn State and serve as a central point of contact for questions, guidance, and coordination
  • Develop a strategy for individual unit ombuds to support staff and postdocs and integrate the existing Faculty Senate Ombuds program

Outreach & Education
  • Conduct workshops and presentations on conflict resolution, civility, and the role of the Ombuds Office
  • Promote awareness of the Ombuds Office and its services across all campuses

Data & Reporting
  • Track and analyze trends in concerns and conflicts
  • Prepare de-identified annual reports highlighting systemic issues and recommending policy or procedural changes

Office Leadership
  • Establish and manage the Penn State Ombuds Office
  • Represent Penn State in national and regional Ombuds networks
  • Hire and manage staff and oversee budget and operations

Required Qualifications
  • Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., law, social work, higher education, conflict resolution)
  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in conflict resolution, mediation, or higher education administration
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the International Ombuds Association (IOA) Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical, and communication skills
  • Ability to maintain neutrality, confidentiality, and independence
  • Experience working with diverse populations and complex institutions

Preferred Qualifications
  • Completion of IOA's Foundations of Organizational Ombuds Practice course
  • Experience in data analysis and reporting
  • Familiarity with university governance, academic freedom, and compliance frameworks
  • Supervisory experience and strategic planning capabilities

Working Conditions
  • Primarily office-based with potential for hybrid work
  • Occasional travel between campuses and professional development events
  • Minimal physical demands

Application Details
  • Cover letter, current résumé or CV, and references

MINIMUM EDUCATION, WORK EXPERIENCE & REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
Master's Degree10+ years of relevant experience, includes 3+ years of supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience acceptedRequired Certifications:None
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
Penn State does not sponsor or take over sponsorship of a staff employment Visa. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The salary range for this position, including all possible grades, is $130,596.00 - $202,464.00.
Salary Structure - Information on Penn State's salary structure
Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans and substantial paid time off which includes holidays, vacation and sick time. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children. For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.
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