Deputy Ombuds for Transit
The King County Ombuds Office is searching for a Deputy Ombuds focused primarily on King County Metro Transit services. The Deputy Ombuds for Transit plans and conducts fieldwork; develops written analytical findings and recommendations; presents to key stakeholders; consults informally, and acts as a liaison between Metro Transit and stakeholders including Metro customers. The goal of this work is to significantly improve the performance, accountability, and efficiency of County government, focused on King County Metro Transit.
The Deputy Ombuds collaborates as part of a collegial team that helps resolve many concerns informally, in addition to investigating complaints and making recommendations regarding administrative conduct by King County agencies (KCC 2.52), possible violations of the Employee Code of Ethics (KCC 3.04), reports of improper governmental action and retaliation under the Whistleblower Protection Code (KCC 3.42), and possible violations of the Lobbyist Disclosure Code (KCC 1.07).
The most competitive candidates will have experience with King County Metro Transit services, processes, and customer issues, including transit and paratransit operations. Successful candidates are passionate about improving the performance, accountability, and efficiency of County government; are creative and intellectually curious; have strong problem solving and communication skills; and work well in team environments.
The King County Ombuds Office is committed to upholding and promoting equal opportunity in employment. The Office and the King County Council encourage people of all backgrounds, cultures and religions to apply, including veterans, people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ and people with disabilities. We value diversity and strive to hire a workforce that reflects the community we serve. We believe a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.
MEET THE KING COUNTY OMBUDS OFFICE:
The Office of the Ombuds was created by the voters of King County in the County Home Rule Charter of 1968, to investigate and resolve complaints concerning King County government agencies, including employee ethics, whistleblower, and lobbyist disclosure concerns.
The Ombuds Office operates as an independent office within the legislative branch of King County government.
SCOPE OF JOB DUTIES:
The successful candidates will, at a minimum, demonstrate skill and ability to, or experience with:
- Conduct objective, non-biased investigations including intake, determining a proper scope of inquiry, and doing documentary and testimonial fact-finding on issues affecting users of King County Metro Transit services, including both fixed-route transit and paratransit. May work in conjunction with Senior Deputy Ombuds in more complex investigations.
- Analyze transit and specialized mobility needs, including the application of appropriate legal and evidentiary standards.
- Develop recommendations to remedy issues and to improve the accountability and performance of King County Metro Transit operations and functions; provide referrals and direct assistance to customers, including advocacy in navigating King County Metro Transit processes and access to services.
- Prepare and present formal findings in a clear, concise, logical and objective manner, both orally and in writing - summarizing and clearly articulating analytic findings, issues and alternatives for elected officials and the public;
- Advise and coach complainants regarding formal and informal administrative options, and consult with agency staff and management on a variety of matters including, but not limited to transit related complaints.
- Identify complaint trends and patterns, and recommend initiatives to the Director (Ombuds) for responding to systemic and entrenched issues.
OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL:
- Possess any combination of education and professional-level experience involving investigative, analytical, legal, dispute resolution or related capacity that clearly demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, including a masters or law degree.
- Be Knowledgeable about mobility and transit issues, and have investigative experience with a focus on writing detailed analytical findings. Within King County is a plus.
- Have a deep knowledge of, and the ability to interpret and apply, relevant sections of county code, local, regional, state and federal mandates and programs. Within King County is a plus.
- Possess the ability to understand the implications of new information for current and future problem solving and decision-making; and to use logic and reasoning to identify strengths, weaknesses, alternatives, intended and unintended consequences, and whether proposals comply with policy, laws and regulations.
- Have the ability to remain objective and to properly handle private and confidential matters.
- Be flexible and adapt as required, while working in a multi-faceted and sometimes ambiguous environment.