Ombudsman Complex Complaints Adjudicator

Are you skilled at analysing and investigating complex complaints and finding ways to resolve disputes? Or, are you looking for a case-handling role in a professional, collaborative and service-user focused environment where you can use your knowledge of higher education?

This is an exciting opportunity to join the ombudsman service that deals with complaints from students at higher education providers and universities in England and Wales.

Position: Ombudsman Complex Complaints Adjudicator (internally known as Assistant Adjudicator)

Location: Hybrid/Reading (a minimum of one day a week in the office, more office attendance will be needed during probation)

Hours: 35 hours (part-time working considered)

Salary: Starting salary of £47,306 salary progression Grade 5 £47,306 - £55,350

Closing Date: 19 May at 10am

About the Role

As Assistant Adjudicator (AA), you will work as part of the Adjudication Team, who are responsible for the review and resolution of complex and/or entrenched student complaints.

The Adjudication Team is a collaborative casework environment. Assistant Adjudicators work at pace to see cases through to conclusion by either writing and issuing clear, concise, accurate and well-reasoned decisions (Complaint Outcomes) or by negotiating settlements.

Your cases will typically be complex with a higher level of risk or the potential to have a greater impact on the student, the provider and/or on the organisation. The information and electronic files you work with will typically involve large amounts of written documentation.

You will be expected to provide excellent customer service and as well as progressing cases in a timely way, you will have a targeted number of cases to review and close each month.  

About You

You will be skilled at evaluating large amounts of written information as well as exercising your judgment to reach well-reasoned decisions and to resolve complaints. You will have the skills and flexibility to manage a varied and demanding caseload and will be able to clearly and persuasively explain your decision in writing and/or by telephone or video calls.

You will have:

• Honours degree or equivalent professional qualification or experience
• Experienced at dealing with a range of people at various levels
• Experience of managing and maintaining a heavy workload
• Excellent analytical and investigatory skills
• Strengths in making logical, evidence based decisions and reaching solutions to problems which are creative and pragmatic
• Excellent written and oral/ telephone/video communication skills with a customer service focus
• High degree of confidentiality, discretion and integrity
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability and willingness to learn new processes and procedures with a positive attitude
• Enthusiastic about opportunity to develop professionally, by undertaking stretching tasks and engaging positively with feedback from colleagues 

The charity values diverse backgrounds, life experiences and perspectives.  It has a supportive and inclusive organisational culture and would like the organisation to be representative of the community and the people who use its service.  It welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds, in particular, it would welcome applicants from black, Asian, and minority ethnic backgrounds.  Applications for full-time or part-time working will be considered. 

Qualifications

Given the mission and purpose, we will consider any higher education qualifications, degree subjects or demonstrable interest/commitment to higher education in all its forms. 

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