Will “Ombudsman” be Automated?

Core Skills & Abilities

• Specialize in the negotiation and resolution of environmental conflicts involving issues such as natural resource allocation or regional development planning.

• Use mediation techniques to facilitate communication between disputants, to further parties' understanding of different perspectives, and to guide parties toward mutual agreement.

• Confer with disputants to clarify issues, identify underlying concerns, and develop an understanding of their respective needs and interests.

• Issue subpoenas or administer oaths to prepare for formal hearings.

• Authorize payment of valid claims.

• Conduct studies of appeals procedures to ensure adherence to legal requirements or to facilitate disposition of cases.

• Conduct hearings to obtain information or evidence relative to disposition of claims.

• Determine extent of liability according to evidence, laws, or administrative or judicial precedents.

• Research laws, regulations, policies, or precedent decisions to prepare for hearings.

• Interview claimants, agents, or witnesses to obtain information about disputed issues.

• Prepare written opinions or decisions regarding cases.

• Prepare settlement agreements for disputants to sign.

• Set up appointments for parties to meet for mediation.

• Conduct initial meetings with disputants to outline the arbitration process, settle procedural matters, such as fees, or determine details, such as witness numbers or time requirements.

• Rule on exceptions, motions, or admissibility of evidence.

• Apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions.

• Participate in court proceedings.

• Evaluate information from documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records.

• Organize or deliver public presentations about mediation to organizations, such as community agencies or schools.

• Recommend acceptance or rejection of compromise settlement offers.