NRAO OMBUDS REPRESENTATIVE

WHAT IS AN OMBUDS REPRESENTATIVE AT NRAO?

An ombuds representative at NRAO is an advocate for fairness. The ombuds representative is an independent, confidential resource available to assist employees, visitors, contractors, and students affliated with NRAO in resolving problems, complaints, conflicts, and other issues when normal processes or procedures have not worked satisfactorily, or when you just don't know where to go for help.

WHO ARE THE OMBUDS REPRESENTATIVES?

Patty Lindsey, VLA, New Mexico
Phone: (505) 835-7314
email: Patty Lindsey

Jennifer Neighbours, Charlottesville, Virginia
Phone: (434) 296-0296
email: Jennifer Neighbours

Sheila Reasner, Socorro, New Mexico
Phone: (505) 835-7351
email: Sheila Reasner

Cara Rose, Green Bank, West Virginia
Phone: (304) 456-2164
email: Cara Rose

Paul Marganian, Green Bank, West Virginia
Phone: (304) 456-2202
email: Paul Marganian

WHAT SERVICES DOES THE OMBUDS REPRESENTATIVE PROVIDE?

• Listen to you and discuss your problems/concerns, identifying and evaluating with you options to resolve problems.
• Provide information on resources within NRAO that may help you.
• Open avenues of communication, investigate complaints, and gather information.
• Serve as a neutral party to solve problems and resolve conflict. The ombuds representative does not take sides, but works to achieve fair outcomes.
• Identify problem areas facing employees, visitors, contractors, and students, and suggest changes in NRAO policies and procedures.

WHY GO TO THE OMBUDS REPRESENTATIVE?

The Ombuds representative will not identify you or discuss your concerns with anyone without your permission. She/he can arrange private confidential meetings at your convenience.

The Ombuds representative works toward resolution of problems based on principles of fairness, regardless of the parties involved.

The Ombuds representative does not take sides. The rights and interests of all parties will receive equal consideration.

You don't know where to go for help. You've been there, done that, and gotten nowhere. You are reluctant to go through normal channels for assistance.

Other NRAO Resources:

• Addresses discrimination and sexual harassment concerns of anyone affiliated with NRAO.
• Counsels employees and departments on policy, conflict resolution, grievance procedures, and performance evaluations.
• Coordinates the services for affiliated persons with disabilities.
• Provides answers or resources to questions regarding accomodations, benefits, service, etc.

Your EAP program is a free resource for counseling and support services. It's provided by the NRAO to help you resolve issues and problems quickly - so you can stay healthy, happy and productive.

• Is available to all NRAO employees and resident family members.
• Is completely confidential
• You speak to a trained professional
• Provides you with information and referrals
• Toll free 1-877-622-4327

Please note that although the EAP is completely confidential, because it is sponsored by the employer, issues regarding legal actions directly affecting the employer/employee work relationship cannot be addressed.

NRAO is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.

The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is a facility of the National Science Foundation operated under cooperative agreement by Associated Universities, Inc.