- Position Title
- Senior Associate Ombudsman
- Agency
- Patent and Trademark Office
- Announcement Number
- TMCO - OUSD-24-12410879-DE Opens in new window
- Open Period
- Monday, May 20, 2024 to Friday, May 31, 2024
For preview purposes only. To apply, please return to the USAJOBS announcement and click the Apply button.
Eligibilities
1.
Do you claim Veterans’ Preference?
2.
Are you a current or former federal employee displaced from the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice or a Proposed Removal/Separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
3.
Are you a current or former Federal employee displaced from a position in a Federal agency other than the agency hiring for this position? If yes, confirm:
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
- you are located in the same local commuting area of the vacancy; AND,
- you are applying to a position that is at or below the grade level of the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- you are applying to a position that does not have greater promotion potential than the position from which you were or will be separated; AND,
- your last performance rating of record is at least fully successful or the equivalent. For more information, review the USAJOBS Help Center.
To verify your eligibility, you must submit supporting documentation such as a Reduction in Force (RIF) separation notice to include your latest performance rating (if the notice does not have this information included, you must submit a copy of your most recent performance appraisal) and a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50.
Preferences
1.
How did you hear about this USPTO job opportunity? (No Choice Limit)
2.
Have you held a political appointment within the previous five-year period?
3.
If you are a current or former Federal civilian employee, by what agency/office or Department of Commerce bureau are you employed?
4.
If you answered "Other" to the above question, please enter the agency and organization.
Assessment 1
Thank you for interest in the Senior Associate Ombudsman position with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Your resume and the responses you provide will be used to determine if you are among the best qualified for this position. Your responses are subject to verification. Please review your responses for accuracy before you submit your application.
1.
Specialized Experience: Candidates for the GS-14 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Do you meet all of the below specialized experience requirements for this position?
- Experience analyzing conflict and formulating or collaborating on the formulation of initiatives to resolve conflict as an ombuds;
- Experience addressing new, complex, or unique issues as an ombuds, including issues representing a departure from previous practices;
- Experience serving as a liaison between an employee and management; or
- Experience with using the alternative dispute resolution (ADR) techniques and processes used in organizational ombuds practice, including understanding the mechanisms and benefits of each.
For each item, select the one response that most accurately describes your current level of experience and capability using the scale below.
2.
Guide individual and group inquirers as an ombuds in articulating and defining concerns, listen impartially, ask clarifying questions, gather relevant background information, and assess the dynamics of inquiry issues.
3.
Apply a range of highly specialized and tailored conflict resolution techniques used in the ombudsman practice, including coaching, mediation, facilitation, shuttle diplomacy, systemic reviews, and business unit-level interventions.
4.
Help parties analyze issues and concerns and explore possible resolution options as an ombuds while maintaining impartiality, independence, and confidentiality.
5.
Design and initiate agency-wide, multi-unit, business unit-specific, and work unit-specific systemic reviews and programmatic interventions as an ombuds and in collaboration with other ombuds personnel as needed.
6.
Meet with individuals and leaders at all levels of the organization who seek consultation and coaching, providing feedback about policies, programs, and practices; proactive assistance in avoiding or reducing conflict; or guidance in exploring ways of understanding and addressing situations. Maintain impartiality while providing this assistance.
7.
Design and initiate training, workshops, and educational seminars tailored and targeted to the needs of specific audiences regarding ombudsman areas of expertise such as conflict management, communication, and emotional intelligence.
8.
Advise as an ombuds on the design, redesign, and expansion of organization-wide dispute resolution systems and processes.
9.
Design and develop a wide array of marketing materials to ensure that individuals are both aware of and understand available ombudsman services.
10.
Originate and implement marketing and outreach strategies aligned with the policies and goals of the ombudsman in increasing awareness of ombuds services.
11.
Maintain and analyze data as an ombuds to identify systemic problems and trends within the confines of federal laws and regulations and the IOA Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics.
12.
Capture ombudsman inquiry data accurately in conjunction with the Office's data glossaries.
13.
Draw inferences, outline options, and provide feedback and recommendations as an ombuds to parties in conflict, managers, and senior leadership.
14.
Coordinate as an ombuds with agency officials, employee resources, and work units responsible for other informal and formal dispute resolution processes and resources, including employee assistance programs, Human Resources staff, civil rights/EEO offices such as the USPTO Office of Equal Employment and Diversity, and counsel's offices such as the USPTO Office of General Counsel.
15.
Represent the Office of the Ombudsman on organizational committees and at leadership meetings as appropriate. Speak on behalf of the head of the ombuds office as needed.
16.
Promote both effective communication practices and the availability and value of ombudsman services.