Employee Ombudsperson

History:

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) established the services of an Employee Ombudsperson in 2007. In doing so, the District's goal was to provide employees with confidential and informal assistance in resolving workplace concerns such as conflicts and ethics issues related to suspected compliance or policy violations. Such a service helps to enhance the overall quality of work life at MCCCD

Who or What is an Ombudsperson?

The term Ombudsman (om-budz-man) means a designated individual who reviews reported issues or concerns about an institution. MCCCD has adopted the term "ombudsperson". The MCCCD Ombudsperson offers effective, efficient and innovative dispute resolution services, and helps people to use non-adversarial approaches in resolving disputes. The Ombudsperson maintains a high level of confidentiality and impartiality, and acts independently to assist employees to resolved their concerns, complaints and/or disputes without fear of relation.

How Can I Benefit From These Services?

The Ombudsperson can be a first resource when an employee doesn't know where to go to get information regarding a particular situation or, as a last resort, when other channels of communication have failed to result in a resolution.

The Ombudsperson Will:

• Receive and review your concerns
• Provide impartial and confidential consultation to MCCCD employees who are concerned about an issue but will not maintain permanent records regarding such issues.
• Search for a resolution to disputes and help resolve problems with working conditions or ethical issues
• Offer feedback and provide information and resources on policies, procedures and services
• Protect the parties' right to privacy
• Inform the individual(s) initiating the complaint of the review's outcome and may offer advice as to an appropriate course of action
• Attempt to guide parties towards options that are fair and conform to MCCCD policies
• Consult with appropriate parties to develop cooperative strategies for complain resolution
• Use shuttle diplomacy and/or negotiate skills to facilitate communication among parties in conflict
• Follow up to be certain agreed-upon resolutions have taken place.

Who May Contact The Ombudsperson?

Any employee who has a question or concern. If you wish, your name can be kept confidential. Anonymous of "whistle blower" complaints are also addressed pursuant to Governing Board policy.

About the Ombudsperson

The District has contracted with Elizabeth Karabatsos of Karabatsos & Associates to provide the independent services of an ombudsperson. Karabatsos & Associates provides consulting and mediation services. Elizabeth has served in both the legislative and executive branches of th4e US government, and in Arizona state government. She has served as an Ombudsperson for a large aerospace manufacturer and is a member of the United States Ombudsman Association, the Association for Conflict Resolution, and the Arizona Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution.

What is the Cost and How can I Contact the Ombudsperson?

Services are free and contact may be made in person or in writing.

Telephone: 602-956-3317
• Cell: 602-920-3576
• Email: ekarabatsos@cox.net