Ombudsman (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking a highly qualified candidate to serve as an Ombudsman supporting the organization’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and community trust. This position will serve as a neutral and independent resource, providing confidential assistance in addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and facilitating communication between community members, employees, and the Sheriff’s Office. Reporting directly to the Corrections Division Captains, this position will oversee complex and sensitive inquiries involving public concerns, employee matters, service complaints, and interdepartmental issues requiring impartial review and resolution. The Ombudsman will work collaboratively with Sheriff’s Office leadership, County departments, allied agencies, and community stakeholders to promote fair processes, identify systemic issues, and recommend practical solutions in relation to incarcerated persons. The selected candidate will conduct independent reviews and analyses, prepare reports and recommendations for executive leadership, support policy and process improvement efforts, and provide guidance on conflict resolution and problem-solving strategies. This position will also play a critical role in fostering organizational accountability, improving communication and public confidence, and supporting initiatives that strengthen relationships between the Sheriff’s Office and the communities it serves.

Requirements

Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare and present clear, concise, and objective reports and recommendations.
Ability to remain neutral, independent, and solution-oriented when addressing concerns or resolving disputes.
Strong commitment to ethics, integrity, transparency, accountability, and fairness in all aspects of the position.
Experience collaborating with community organizations, advocacy groups, and local stakeholders to strengthen partnerships.
Demonstrated experience interpreting, applying, and evaluating policies, procedures, or regulatory frameworks in a law enforcement, public sector, or community-based environment.
A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field.
Two years of experience in a public, health, social services, or community-based program that included responsibility for program planning, client or customer services, program evaluation, budget administration, or community resource coordination, of which at least one year included responsible supervisory experience.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of public administration and program management, including planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Knowledge of: Principles and practices of the specific social, community or public services area, including current trends in research, treatment, education, rehabilitation or related services.
Knowledge of: Principles of budget preparation and monitoring.
Knowledge of: Principles of personnel training, supervision and evaluation.
Knowledge of: Laws, codes and regulations governing the specific social, community or public service program area.
Skill/Ability to: Organize, direct and coordinate program services.
Skill/Ability to: Work cooperatively with other County departments and public and private organizations.
Skill/Ability to: Analyze problems accurately, develop recommendations and take appropriate action to resolve them.
Skill/Ability to: Prepare complex and detailed written reports, procedures, grant applications and contracts.
Skill/Ability to: Speak effectively to diverse audiences, including professional, clinical and citizen groups.
Skill/Ability to: Apply principles and techniques of community organization, including community awareness, resource coordination, and mobilization of diverse community groups, as appropriate.
Skill/Ability to: Train staff and coordinate activities of contractors, volunteer groups and staff.

Responsibilities

Serve as neutral point of contact between incarcerated individuals, their families, community members, and Sheriff’s Office custody staff to improve communication and understanding of jail operations.
Receive, document, and review concerns, complaints, and inquiries from incarcerated individuals, their families, jail staff, and community members regarding jail operations and conditions of confinement.
Develop and refine grievance processes and responses to ensure consistency, fairness, and compliance with state and national best practices.
Prepare clear, objective reports summarizing findings, policy analysis, and recommendations for Sheriff’s Office leadership.
Keep up to date on events in the community directly applicable to Corrections.
Participate in the development of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and priorities within the specialized service of corrections.
Prepare cost estimates and justifications for budget recommendations; monitor and control expenditures to ensure the accomplishment of objectives within the corrections budget.
Prioritize maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of public, private, and non-profit organizations, including staff in other County departments and agencies working in corrections settings.
Answer questions and provide information to the public; supervise the enforcement of applicable standards, codes and regulations, as required.
Investigate the sources of outside funds, prepare and submit grant applications and administer secured funds.
Provide staff assistance to higher-level management on program or service issues.
Perform related duties as assigned.