Job Description

Assistant Ombudsman 1

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Assistant Ombudsman 1

Salary

$60,923.20 - $86,632.00 Annually

Location

Des Moines - 50319 - Polk County, IA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

26-01462

Agency

503 Office of the Ombudsman

Opening Date

12/03/2025

Closing Date

12/16/2025 4:30 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Bernardo Granwehr - Ombudsman@legis.iowa.gov

To Apply

Submit a letter of application, resume, writing sample (illustrating your written communications skills) and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references (two employment-related) to be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on the closing date to: Office of Ombudsman, Ola Babcock Miller Building, 1112 East Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50319. You may fax your application materials to 515-242-6007 or e-mail to ombudsman@legis.iowa.gov.

Job Description

Why This Role Matters

The Iowa Ombudsman's Office helps thousands of Iowans each year cut through bureaucracy and resolve problems with state and local government agencies. We handle about 6,000 complaints annually on a wide variety of issues, including police conduct, city and county zoning regulations, billing and licensing disputes, and the protection of children and the elderly. A sizeable proportion of the office's complaints involve corrections-related issues such as disciplinary matters, constitutional rights, and medical concerns. Your work will directly impact fairness, accountability, and transparency in government.

What You'll Do to Succeed

In this role, you'll be the first point of contact for individuals seeking help. You'll listen carefully, analyze complaints, and determine the best course of action-whether resolving the issue yourself or escalating it for further review. You'll manage a caseload, identify patterns, and uncover systemic issues that affect thousands of people. Success means turning frustration into solutions and ensuring government agencies follow the rules.

Key Challenges You'll Tackle

• Handle a high volume of diverse complaints, often from distressed or frustrated individuals. - Investigate cases involving complex laws, rules, and policies.

• Influence agencies to take corrective action when necessary.

• Spot trends and recommend improvements to prevent future problems.

What You'll Need to Bring

• Strong communication and listening skills to build trust and gather facts.

• Ability to research, interpret, and apply laws and policies.

• Problem-solving and negotiation skills to resolve complaints effectively.

• Resilience and professionalism when working with difficult situations.

Preferred Background

Training, education, or experience in legal, corrections, medical, law enforcement, public administration, or journalism fields. A four-year degree or equivalent experience (three years) is required.

Why Join Us?

If you want a role where your work truly matters-where you help people navigate complex systems and improve government accountability-this is your opportunity. Apply today and be part of a team dedicated to making a difference in the lives of Iowans.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Process cases received through intake or as assigned by the Ombudsman or designee.

• Exercise appropriate judgment in determining when to pursue or decline a case.

• Appropriately determine what action to take to complete an investigation and formulate case plan.

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing with the public and public officials.

• Enter timely, accurate, and detailed notes into the office's electronic case management system.

• Organize case files and other assigned tasks to meet deadlines.

• Draft final communication or report at conclusion of investigation.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Basic knowledge of the functions and responsibilities of the Iowa Office of Ombudsman.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Excellent interpersonal skills as applied to interactions with difficult people, other staff, clientele, legislators, and agencies.

• Ability to professionally and compassionately interact with members of the public who may be in distress.

• Ability to investigate, research, interpret, apply, and explain law, rule, and policy of government agencies.

• Ability to ascertain facts through personal contact, observation, and examination of records.

• Ability to enter data and information accurately into the office's case management system.

• Ability to collect, analyze, and summarize information through research and interviews.

• Knowledge of investigative procedures and fact-finding techniques.

• Ability to negotiate and problem solve to effectively resolve complaints and influence the actions of agencies.

• Ability to conduct investigations of low complexity and prepare basic communications and reports.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular sitting, standing, walking, reaching, or kneeling. This job requires that stairs be traversed and weight be lifted or force exerted up to 20 lbs. occasionally.

• This job requires close, distance, color, depth, and peripheral vision.

• The noise level of the work environment is low to moderate noise levels regularly.

This is a non-merit position with the Iowa Office of the Ombudsman . Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduate from an accredited four-year college or university, or three years of work experience with similar or demonstrated knowledge and skills.

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

503 Office of the Ombudsman

Address

Ola Babcock Miller Building

1112 East Grand Ave

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Phone

515.281.3592

Website

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Job Tags

Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Local area,

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