Ombudsperson

American Psychiatric Association

United States, D.C., Washington

800 Maine Avenue Southwest (Show on map)

Nov 02, 2024

Please see the attached Request for Proposal for the services of an Ombudsperson from the American Psychiatric Association.

Proposals received by December 10, 2022 (email to contracts@psych.org) will receive priority.

Questions should be sent to contracts@psych.org

Thank you for considering this request.

Sincerely,

Alison

Alison Crane

Deputy General Counsel

American Psychiatric Association

800 Maine Avenue SW, Suite 900

Washington, DC 20024

Desk: (202) 683-8317

psychiatry.org

AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION OMBUDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is a national medical specialty society with its office in the District of Columbia and approximately 200 employees representing more than 37,400 physician members who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. Information regarding the APA can be found on our website: www.psychiatry.org.

The APA aspires to create a community built on diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes in an environment of mutual respect for all persons. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our organization have a responsibility to uphold these values.

APA is seeking proposals from a professional Ombuds to work as an independent contractor confidentially with individuals within APA to explore and assist them in determining options to help resolve conflicts, problematic issues or concerns, and to bring systemic concerns anonymously to the attention of the organization for resolution with suggestions for improvement.

Responses to this solicitation must be submitted to contracts@psych.org. Any questions regarding this solicitation should be sent to contracts@psych.org.

Responses received on or before December 10, 2022, will be given priority consideration. Our goal is to have an Ombuds on board by January 5, 2023.

Instructions and questions to which specific responses are requested are below:

Instructions:

Please include a CV or resume that addresses the major functions (listed below) of the Ombuds APA is seeking.
Feel free to provide specific examples of how you have exercised each of the skills listed below in a separate document or in the space below.

Major Functions and Requirements for APA Ombuds:

The APA Ombuds' major function is to provide confidential assistance to staff seeking information or conflict resolution. Services provided include but are not limited to consultation, referrals, explanations of policies and procedures, and review of applicable resolution methods. The Ombuds operates in a manner to preserve the confidentiality of those seeking services, maintains a neutral/impartial position with respect to the concerns raised, and is independent of formal administrative structures.
The Ombuds provides general reports to the CEO and Medical Director of the APA regarding the types of issues employees are facing and recommendations for improvements across the organization. The Ombuds will prepare a periodic report based on aggregated, de- identified data to the CEO, Division of Diversity and Health Equity, and Human Resources. The report will maintain the confidentiality of visitors' identities and concerns. The report will discuss trends in the general types of issues and concerns reported, identify patterns or problem areas in existing policies, procedures, and practices, may recommend revisions and improvements, and may assess the climate of APA.

Communications and Problem-Solving Skills. The Ombuds must have outstanding communication skills and be able to communicate effectively with individuals at all

levels of the organization, as well as, with people of all cultures. It is imperative that the Ombuds have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to gather information, analyze it and, as necessary, help the inquirer develop appropriate options and actions.

Conflict Resolution Skills. An essential element of the Ombuds' role is that of facilitating the resolution of conflict. It is important that the Ombuds have a thorough understanding of what leads to conflict, the nature of conflict, and methods of resolution.
Sensitivity to Diversity Issues. The Ombuds must be sensitive to dealing with individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds and cultures. The Ombuds must be open, objective, and must seek to understand issues from multiple perspectives. The Ombudsperson should be innovative in developing options that are responsive to differing needs.
The Ombuds suggests training on conflict resolution skills, effective communication, successful culture-climate change initiatives.
The Ombuds engages in ongoing training provided by the International Ombudsman Association and other sources, including in areas of counseling, implicit and explicit bias, principles and practice of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging and anti-racism, and trauma-informed support.
The Ombuds preferably has a Master's degree in a related field, is a member or is eligible to be a member in the International Ombudsman Association and adheres to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice. Preferred qualifications include Ombuds training, dispute resolution and mediation training, and/or familiarity with organizational development theories, and at least 4 years of experience in a similar Ombuds role. Certified Organizational Ombudsman Practitioner (CO-OP) status preferred.

References:

Please provide the names and contact information of three individuals for or with whom you have worked as an Ombuds or in a similar role and who can serve as a reference.

Cost

Please provide a summary of the manner in which you would bill APA and the proposed fees to be charged.

Other Information

APA anticipates that most services will be provided virtually.

APA is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Organization committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status or any other protected characteristic.