Job Description

 TITLE: OMBUDSPERSON 

Primary Function:

The primary function of the District Ombudsperson is to ensure that all members of the Amherst-Pelham Regional School District community receive fair and equitable treatment in matters of concern or complaint.

When established, formal procedures have failed to result in resolution, the Ombudsperson serves as an independent, impartial, confidential resource to assist parents and community members in resolving complaints, conflicts and other school-related issues. The Ombudsperson is a designated neutral party who listens, answers questions, receives and provides resources and information, suggests referrals, and helps individuals develop options to resolve concerns and conflicts.

An important function of the District Ombudsperson is to assist individuals seeking problem-solving information. The District Ombudsperson helps individuals become familiar with policies and procedures that may solve particular problems and specific concerns. The Ombudsperson may be consulted when a problem arises in order to define the correct procedure for initial conflict resolution. The Ombudsperson should be consulted only after students, parents and community members have sought resolution to school-related issues at the building level, following proper procedures, and when mutually agreed resolution remains dissatisfactory and believe the formal process has failed.

Performance Responsibilities:

The Ombudsperson performs the following:

• Endeavors to solve problems in a confidential matter within the context of negotiated contracts

• Serves as an impartial resource to families and individuals by providing guidance about how to solve problems at the initial stage

• Provides guidance to families and individuals when complaints have exhausted the complaint process and results are not satisfactory

• Assists families and individuals in clarifying issues and generating options for resolution

• Serves as a District resource by providing the tools for effective issue resolution

• Listens to requests for information and provides referrals

• Conducts informal interventions and mediations

The Ombudsperson does not:

• Address employee grievances or non-school related issues

• Participate in formal litigation or grievances

• Create or change District policy

• Breach confidentiality

• Act without permission from parents or individuals who seek assistance

• Conduct formal investigations

• Influence a decision or the implementation of recommendations made as a result of a formal investigation

Reports to: Superintendent of Schools