Ombudsman
Also known as: children's ombudsman, information commissioner, ombudswoman
About this occupation
Ombudsmen resolve disputes between two parties where there is a power imbalance, as an impartial mediator. They interview the parties involved and investigate the case in order to come to a resolution beneficial to both parties. They advise on conflict resolution and offer support to clients. The claims are mostly against public institutions and authorities.
Essential skills and knowledge
- observe confidentiality
- apply knowledge of human behaviour
- show intercultural awareness
- employment law
- respond to enquiries
- show empathy
- show impartiality
- handle conflicts
- create solutions to problems
- apply conflict management
- manage contract disputes
- facilitate official agreement
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers (O*NET 13-1041.03). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Investigate employment practices or alleged violations of laws to document and correct discriminatory factors.
- Prepare reports related to investigations of equal opportunity complaints.
- Interview persons involved in equal opportunity complaints to verify case information.
- Study equal opportunity complaints to clarify issues.
- Interpret civil rights laws and equal opportunity regulations for individuals or employers.
- Meet with persons involved in equal opportunity complaints to arbitrate and settle disputes.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Writing
US median pay: US$80,730 a year (2025), 417,070 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.0)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.4)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.3)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Labor Relations Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
- Human Resources Specialists
- Compliance Managers
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
- Compliance Officers
- Regulatory Affairs Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.