Position Title

Ombudsman/Affirmative Action Officer

Campus

Cranford Campus

Department

VP, Student Services

Full or Part Time

Full Time

Exempt or Non-Exempt

Exempt

Regular or Temporary

Regular

General Description

An Ombudsman/ Affirmative Action Officer is a designated neutral or impartial dispute resolution practitioner. His or her main role is to provide confidential and informal assistance to constituents of Union County College or the college community. This may include students, staff, faculty and or administrators. The Ombudsman/ Affirmative Action Officer’s role is to adjudge cases wherein individuals believe they have been treated outside of College policy.

Characteristics, Duties, and Responsibilities

• Investigates claims of misconduct by conducting interviews of complainant(s), alleged offender(s), and witnesses to gather factual information pertinent to the allegation of misconduct.

• Document the incident of the gathered evidence.

• Prepares detailed reports to document all investigative activities conducted during the course of an investigation. Reviews and analyzes data and records to determine whether evidence of misconduct exists.

• Makes recommendations to the appropriate authority.

• Maintains files on all assigned cases.

• Directs, coordinates and monitors the updating and implementation of the College’s Affirmation Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Program.

• Reviews programs for the recruitment, selection, and employment of under-represented groups.

• Promotes educational progress on cultural diversity, harassment and bullying for students, faculty and staff of Union County College.

• Monitors recruitment, retention and promotion of protected group members.

• Provides leadership and assistance to affirmative action representatives who are assigned to search committees for the screening and hiring process for all employment vacancies.

• Assists with review and revisions of all policies and related procedures relative to the conduct of individuals. Implements and provides training as necessary to the College Community on expected conduct, affirmative action, equal employment, and sensitivity to diversity.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor or designee.

Education Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Higher Education, Student Personnel, Educational Leadership, Counseling, or another related field is required.

Competencies and Skills Required

• Demonstrated experience interacting cross-functionally and inter-departmentally in an educational setting.

• Demonstrated experience conducting investigations.

• Demonstrated experience implementing policies and programs and disseminating information to various constituent groups.

• Demonstrated experience conducting training relevant to affirmative action including, but not limited to harassment, bullying, etc.

• Proficiency with Microsoft office products including Excel and Access.

• Outstanding communication skills and be ability to communicate with all levels of the organization as well as with diverse populations.

• Awareness of the implication and impact of decisions on inquirer, as well as other stake holders.

• Demonstrated sensitivity to interaction with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• This position’s duties are normally performed in a typical interior/residence work environment, based on the activity scheduled.

• Some physical effort required; however, the employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.

• Some travel required.

Additional Information

Union County College is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and to maintaining an academic and work environment for students, faculty and staff which is conducive to the achievement of educational and career goals on the basis of ability and performance, and which is free of discrimination on the basis of race, sex, color, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or marital status.

Terms of Employment

Full Time. Flexible schedule to meet department needs. Some evening, weekends and extended hours may be required. Ability and willingness to travel on short notice, to all on and off- campus sites as needed by the college. Employee must establish primary residency in New Jersey within one year of appointment unless an exemption applies.

Open Date

05/03/2012

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes