Ombudsman (#MECZ08)
$58,719.00 Yearly Min / $73,399.00 Yearly Mid / $88,079.00 Yearly Max

A class incumbent is responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating a statewide program that assists business, industry, communities and the general population in understanding the requirements of various regulatory programs administered by a state agency.

A class incumbent reports to the Cabinet Secretary or a Division Director. Work involves drafting, proposing and lobbying for legislation or administrative action that will help affected parties in their efforts to comply with and understand the various regulations and their impacts. A significant aspect of this work includes educating the Governor's policy staff and the legislative leadership regarding the impact proposed legislation will have on affected parties; and, how compromise can accomplish the legislative intent without having a negative impact on the agency's mission. Other regular contacts include staff within the Attorney General's office, the Delaware Development Office, Council Members, Special Interest Groups, utilities, consumers, federal agency representatives, other elected officials and various other Cabinet/Division level offices. A class incumbent must be constantly aware of and able to respond to various pending environmental and/or regulatory legislation/regulation and its potential impact, negative and positive, on various segments of Delaware's business/ industry/population.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Meets with individuals, citizen groups, state and federal legislators, representatives of business/industry and/or communities to discuss and demonstrate methods for meeting the regulations/legislation or understanding their impacts on communities and the decision making process. Directs clients to those sources within the agency and other agencies that can assist with technical questions and problems.
   
• Works with the Delaware Development Office, Small Business Association, (local, regional and national offices), the Department of Commerce, various other federal agencies and private sector financial institutions to assist individuals, businesses and industry in locating financing of retrofits, etc. as required by legislation/regulations.
   
• Drafts legislation; facilitates and promotes citizen participation in the development of new or revised legislation/regulation and permitting.
   
• Conducts studies to evaluate the economic impact resulting from various legislation; prepares reports concerning economic impacts and the effectiveness of various programs designed to assist impacted parties.
   
• Maintains close contact with peers throughout the country to compare methods for compliance, funding, legislation/regulation, communication, etc.
   
• Participates in regulatory proceedings and special projects as directed by a Director or Cabinet Secretary.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations such as those related to environmental protection, public utility regulation, or transportation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of marketing/economics.
• Skill in mediating conflict.
• Skill in drafting and lobbying legislation.
• Skill in gathering and analyzing economic data and preparing reports detailing the significance of such data.
• Ability to develop positive rapport with affected parties.
• Ability to prepare and present educational programs.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Ombudsman
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

Ombudsman: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:

1. Three years experience in public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.
2. Three years experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
3. Three years experience in recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
4. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
5. Six months experience in interacting with legislators, cabinet officials or interest groups as a liaison.
6. Six months experience in interpreting environmental laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

 Ombudsman: Public Service Commission:

1. Three years experience in public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.
2. Three years experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
3. Three years experience in recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
4. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
5. Six months experience in interacting with legislators, cabinet officials or interest groups as a liaison.
6. Six months experience in interpreting public utility laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.

Ombudsman: Department of Transportation:

1. Three years experience in public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public, informing or influencing specific audiences through the use of internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.
2. Three years experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
3. Three years experience in recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
4. Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
5. Six months experience in interacting with legislators, cabinet officials or interest groups as a liaison.
6. Six months experience in interpreting transportation laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.