An Assistant Ombudsman has a critical role in providing leadership and direction to teams to ensure that team members understand and work towards achieving the Office’s strategic direction and statutory responsibilities. An Assistant Ombudsman also holds specific operational delegations under the Ombudsman Act 2001. This position reports to the Deputy Ombudsman and is responsible for the management of the investigation team which primarily investigates local government matters. The team is part of the Investigation and Resolution Unit.

Job details

Key Responsibilities

As the Assistant Ombudsman you will: 

•    Contribute to the overall strategic direction and corporate performance of the Office as a member of the Senior Management Team.
•    Lead and manage a team of investigators to ensure performance outputs are established, planned for, and communicated to staff.
•    Monitor and report to the Deputy Ombudsman on team progress against target outputs and ensure those outputs are achieved.
•    Manage complaint assessments, resolutions and investigations conducted by team members.
•    Manage team resources to ensure timely and efficient resolution and investigation of complaints.
•    Finalise investigations within the limits of the power delegated by the Ombudsman and provide advice to the Deputy Ombudsman or the Ombudsman about the finalisation of investigations.
•    Develop recommendations for changes to policies, practices and decisions of agencies and negotiate the implementation of the changes with officers of those agencies.
•    Prepare reports for the Ombudsman's consideration that relate to maladministration, corrupt conduct, public interest disclosures and human rights assessments and include recommendations for remedial action and other action by agencies to improve administrative practice where required. 
•    Provide professional, impartial and well-considered advice to the Ombudsman on bills, discussion papers and other material relating to proposed legislative and regulatory changes including consideration of likely impacts.
•    Monitor and report on team performance to meet internal and external requirements.
•    Represent the Ombudsman, including in discussions and negotiations with chief executives and other senior officers of public agencies at seminars and other forums to promote the role of the Office, and on visits to regional centres to promote improvements to administrative practice in agencies. 
•    Interpret, communicate and promote the Office's strategic direction to team members and manage the implementation of organisational change at team level.
•    Champion innovation and regularly review performance metrics to ensure operational outcomes are effectively linked to a proactive program of continuous improvement.
•    Contribute to integration and cooperation between the teams of the Office to promote seamless service delivery and quality outcomes.
•    Prepare submissions, reports and other publications for consideration of the Ombudsman, including reports to the Parliamentary Justice, Integrity and Community Safety Committee and the Office's Annual Report to Parliament.

You will be expected to:

• model exemplary standards of personal integrity and ethics and demonstrate the Office's values in all interactions internal and external to the Office.
• work collaboratively with other team members, participate in meetings and training programs, and actively monitor, review and assist with improvements to policy, procedure, process and administrative practice across The Office and stakeholder agencies
• provide support and guidance for a culturally inclusive and safe workplace, ensuring cultural identity and perspectives are valued
• adhere to the OQO Code of Conduct and values; workplace health and safety legislation; confidentiality policies; all other relevant policies, directives and legislation
• meet personal performance expectations and standards
• Undertake other duties specified by the Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsman from time to time.

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

***APPLICANTS ARE TO APPLY ONLINE*** Please Note: Any documents attached to Smart Jobs or submitted by email must be in Microsoft Word 2003 or above, Open Office or PDF.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Guidelines for applicants (PDF, 766KB)
  Information Package for Applicants
  
  Assistant Ombudsman LGT role description (PDF, 459KB)
  Role Description