Ombudsman

State of Delaware•Dover, DE

About The Position

This position has three primary responsibilities within the PSC: act as the PSC legislative liaison, including drafting and reviewing legislation and advising the Executive Director on impacts of proposed legislation on the PSC and utility customers. manage the PSC website and social media accounts, and handle public utility complaints from customers or elected officials. The Ombudsman also represents the PSC staff in community meetings and may testify in legislative committee meetings. Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here. Meets with individuals, citizen groups, state and federal legislators, representatives of business/industry and/or communities to discuss and demonstrate methods for meeting the regulations/legislation or understanding their impacts on communities and the decision making process. Directs clients to those sources within the agency and other agencies that can assist with technical questions and problems. Works with the Delaware Development Office, Small Business Association, (local, regional and national offices), the Department of Commerce, various other federal agencies and private sector financial institutions to assist individuals, businesses and industry in locating financing of retrofits, etc. as required by legislation/regulations. Drafts legislation; facilitates and promotes citizen participation in the development of new or revised legislation/regulation and permitting. Conducts studies to evaluate the economic impact resulting from various legislation; prepares reports concerning economic impacts and the effectiveness of various programs designed to assist impacted parties. Maintains close contact with peers throughout the country to compare methods for compliance, funding, legislation/regulation, communication, etc. Participates in regulatory proceedings and special projects as directed by a Director or Cabinet Secretary.

Requirements

Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
Three years experience in public relations, media relations or communications such as establishing and promoting a positive image with the public and informing or influencing specific audiences using internal and external communications such as public forums, journalism, writing, marketing, advertising, promotions, or special events.
Three years experience in program evaluation which includes evaluating programs and services to identify problems, determine compliance and evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency to ensure program goals and overall objectives are met.
Three years experience in recommending alternatives, improvements, courses of action and other changes based on findings.
Six months experience in developing policies or procedures.
Six months experience in interacting with legislators, cabinet officials or interest groups as a liaison.
Six months experience in interpreting public utility laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
All new hires are required to report to the Statewide New Employee Orientation (SNEO) on their first day of employment.

Responsibilities

act as the PSC legislative liaison, including drafting and reviewing legislation and advising the Executive Director on impacts of proposed legislation on the PSC and utility customers.
manage the PSC website and social media accounts
handle public utility complaints from customers or elected officials
represents the PSC staff in community meetings
testify in legislative committee meetings
Meets with individuals, citizen groups, state and federal legislators, representatives of business/industry and/or communities to discuss and demonstrate methods for meeting the regulations/legislation or understanding their impacts on communities and the decision making process.
Directs clients to those sources within the agency and other agencies that can assist with technical questions and problems.
Works with the Delaware Development Office, Small Business Association, (local, regional and national offices), the Department of Commerce, various other federal agencies and private sector financial institutions to assist individuals, businesses and industry in locating financing of retrofits, etc. as required by legislation/regulations.
Drafts legislation; facilitates and promotes citizen participation in the development of new or revised legislation/regulation and permitting.
Conducts studies to evaluate the economic impact resulting from various legislation; prepares reports concerning economic impacts and the effectiveness of various programs designed to assist impacted parties.
Maintains close contact with peers throughout the country to compare methods for compliance, funding, legislation/regulation, communication, etc.
Participates in regulatory proceedings and special projects as directed by a Director or Cabinet Secretary.