HCD Ombudsperson

Job Description:

HCD Ombudsperson

Description

Position Description

Final Filing Deadline: April 20, 2025

Exam #: 25/14H30/02SA

HCD Ombudsperson

$8,028 - $10,960 Monthly

The County of Monterey Department of Housing and Community Development is comprised of four Divisions; Development Services, Planning Services, Permit Center, and Administration. The department’s mission is to provide reasonable and safe development, plan for future needs of the County, and help protect natural resources.

The Department of Housing and Community Development is seeking an experienced HCD Ombudsperson to serve as a resource to provide confidential, neutral, informal and independent dispute resolution and mediation services to constituents and the Department of Housing and Community Development on issues related to land use processes. The incumbent will recommend steps towards problem resolution and appropriate action consistent with County policies and procedures.

The ideal candidate for this position will honor the critical elements of an ombudsman practice, which include confidentiality, impartiality, informality, independent non-retaliatory practices, and ethical facilitation of problem-solving processes. In addition, the ideal candidate will play a critical role in promoting a culture of trust, respect, and collaboration within the County of Monterey.

The Eligible List established by this recruitment process may be used Countywide to fill current and future vacancies on a regular full-time, part-time, or temporary basis.

Examples of Duties

• Provides impartial, independent and confidential consultation on a wide variety of land use issues and complaints. Professionally assesses the nature and stage of the complaint and determines appropriate methods for resolution.
• Reviews relevant legal, policy and administrative background, original application documents, sequence of events, agencies and names of persons involved in order to determine the source of dissatisfaction and investigates the complaint.
• Analyzes number and nature of complaints received; evaluates and determines if a pattern of complaints exists and makes recommendations to the Director of Housing and Community Development.
• Makes appropriate recommendations to modify policies or practices to reduce or eliminate recurring problems. Works collaboratively with other offices and personnel whose responsibilities may overlap.
• Monitors referrals and maintains regular communication with all parties in person or by telephone to discuss progress, investigation outcomes, projected timeline, proposed resolution and communicate reasons for delays.
• Coordinates with other county departments and local or state agencies to promote a uniform and collaborative approach to resolving issues.
• Maintains appropriate confidential records and information of all contacts and notes related to complaint resolution efforts to ensure follow-up on concerns received.
• Trains internal staff and disseminates information to the community regarding the intent, purpose and role of the Ombudsperson and the complaint procedures.

To view the complete classification description, please visit the County of Monterey website or click on the following link: RMA Ombudsperson

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE

Will have a proven track record demonstrating the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Principles of facilitation, mediation and conflict resolution methods.
• Professional Ombudsman practices and procedures, ethics and investigative principles and techniques.
• Principles, practices, methods and techniques of community and public relations.

Working Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws, procedures and regulations governing plan preparation, land development, environmental review and permit review process.
• General purpose and intent of applicable codes and ordinances governing building construction, zoning, grading and erosion control.
• Political and legal aspects of County planning and building processes.

Skill and Ability to:

• Interact and communicate effectively in a multicultural population with diverse groups of varying viewpoints and with all levels of staff and management.
• Impartially and objectively gather, analyze and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing, with the public and governmental agencies for the purpose of gaining cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Maintain neutrality and confidentiality at all times and maintain the trust and confidence of the administration and clients while acting independently.
• Research, understand and synthesize sometimes conflicting zoning, environmental and building ordinances and related regulations, laws and other ordinances governing land use.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with county management, public officials, personnel from other departments and agencies, community groups and the general public.
• Operate personal computers and common computer business software programs.

Examples of Experience/Education/Training

Any combination of training, education and/or experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities and required conditions of employment is qualifying. An example of a way these requirements might be acquired is:

Education:

Graduation from an accredited institution with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Human Resources, Public or Business Administration, or a closely related field.

OR

Certification in Alternative Dispute Resolution, Mediation, Arbitration, or a closely related discipline.

AND

Experience:
Three years of professional experience with a primary focus on advising, mediation, counseling and/or conflict resolution.

Additional Information

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

The required conditions of employment include, but are not limited to the following:

• Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license or the ability to provide suitable transportation that is approved by the appointing authority.
• Be available to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and during times of disaster and/or emergency; travel out of County to attend meetings.

BENEFITS:

The County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Please visit our website to view the Unit X Benefit Summary Sheet. This information is not legally binding, nor does it serve as a contract. The benefits listed in the Monterey County Personnel Policies and Practices Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) prevail over this listing.

NOTES:

• As a condition of employment, prospective employees may be required to submit to a background review which may include a review of information concerning present and/or prior employment, driving record, and record of any criminal convictions.
• Employment is contingent upon acceptable documentation verifying identity and authorization for employment in the U.S.; a list of acceptable documents is available on the USCIS Form I-9.
• If you are hired into this classification in a temporary position, your rate of pay will be hourly, and you will not be eligible for the benefits listed in the summary.

Application and Selection Procedures

Apply On-Line at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty

by April 20, 2025 , 11:59 PM(PST)

OR

Hard copy applications may be obtained from and submitted during normal business hours

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM by contacting:

County of Monterey

Attn: Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst II

168 W. Alisal Street, 3 rd Floor

Salinas, CA 93901

Phone: (831) 755-5238 Fax: (831) 757-5792

The selection process is tentative, and applicants will be notified if changes are made. To assess applicants' possession of required qualifications, the examination process may include an oral examination, pre-examination exercises, performance examination, and/or written examination. The competitive examination process includes submittal of required application materials. A complete application package will include:

• A completed County of Monterey Employment Application

• Responses to the Supplemental Questions

Applicants who fail to provide all required materials by the final filing deadline will not be considered. Resumes, cover letters, letters of interest, and other correspondence will not be accepted as a substitute for required application materials. All required application materials will be competitively evaluated. Those applicants that are determined to be the most appropriately qualified will be invited to participate further in the selection process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Monterey County is a drug-free workplace and an equal opportunity employer. The County seeks candidates who can make contributions in an environment of cultural and ethnic diversity. Monterey County is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Stephanie Ahumada, Human Resources Analyst II, at AhumadaS@countyofmonterey.gov or (831) 755-5238.

http://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-a-h/human-resources/human-resources/benefits/benefit-summary-sheet

Closing Date/Time: 4/20/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

Salary:

$8,028.45 - $10,959.87 Monthly