Empower Your Public Serving or Facing Agency (PSFAs)

Technology Ombudsteams  

UWS collaborates closely with the CWA Technology Ombudsteam, a specialized group of union-affiliated professionals with deep expertise in public administration and technology. This team brings decades of administrative experience within New York City’s public agencies, combined with targeted training designed to assist public and public-facing organizations in navigating the complexities of technological implementation. Their mission is to enhance agency and organizational decision-making and ensure that technology serves the public interest.

Why An Ombudsteam?

In the post-pandemic era, workers are seeking new arrangements and greater protections, while technology’s role in delivering public services continues to grow. Our initiative responds to these trends, offering a structured way for public-facing organizations to manage technological change effectively, backed by professional administrative union expertise.

Who The Ombudsteam Support

The Ombudsteam is capable of providing critical assistance to a wide range of organizations, including:

• Non-profits (advocacy organizations, unions, etc.)
• Hospitals and healthcare organizations serving the public interest
• Government agencies
• Worker cooperatives
• Other public-facing service agencies (PFSAs)

Engagement Options

Organizations can access the Ombudsteam through two flexible options:

1. Direct Hire: Employ these professionals directly as part of your public sector agency or public-serving organization.
2. Independent Technologist Engagement: Contract with our CWA-affiliated technologists to meet your organization’s specific needs.

Note : Subscribers to the Public Technology Co-Op can engage these services at competitive rates.

How We Operate

Our team of technological ombudsmen and women are seasoned public administrators with a deep understanding of technology’s impact on organizational missions. Led by a qualified team leader, we provide expert assistance with technology discovery, decision-making, and implementation to ensure alignment with your agency’s goals.

Benefits to Your Organization

1. Evaluating and Managing Technological Complexity
   • Benefit: Navigate complex technology challenges with confidence. Our Ombudsteam evaluates your organization’s needs and ensures that technology decisions are aligned with your goals and public service objectives.
   • Result: More efficient and effective use of technology, leading to better service delivery and outcomes for your members, primary clients or constituents and the public.
2. Assessing Proposed Solutions
   • Benefit: Make informed decisions with objective assessments of proposed technology solutions, ensuring that your choices are cost-effective and mission-aligned.
   • Result: Sustainable, cost-effective technology solutions that serve the long-term interests of your agency and the public.
3. Reducing Reliance on Outside Contractors
   • Benefit: Build internal capacity by training and supporting your in-house staff, reducing the need for costly external contractors.
   • Result: Greater autonomy, cost savings, and the development of internal expertise that strengthens your agency’s ability to manage future projects independently.
4. Building Your Talent Pipeline
   • Benefit: Develop a pipeline of skilled workers within your organization, ensuring continuity and identifying and  filling skills gaps as technology evolves.
   • Result: A stronger, more capable workforce prepared to handle current and future technological challenges.
5. Prioritizing Mission-Driven Technology Projects
   • Benefit: Ensure that all technology decisions and implementations are mission-driven, avoiding mission drift and focusing on what matters most.
   • Result: A focused, mission-aligned approach to technology that enhances your agency’s ability to serve the public effectively.
6. Supporting Smooth Implementation
   • Benefit: Receive ongoing support to ensure that technology projects are implemented smoothly, on time, and within budget, with progress monitored to ensure adherence to objectives.
   • Result: Successful technology implementations that deliver value to the public sector and the communities it serves.

Why Engage the Ombudsteam?

1. Enhance Public Decision-Making: We ensure that technology decisions are accurate, aligned with organizational missions, and prioritize public outcomes, especially for the citizens who will use the system. This is essential for integrating innovative technologies while safeguarding public interests.
2. Protect and Leverage Existing Staff: By engaging our union professionals, you protect the wages and benefits of public sector Communications Workers while leveraging their institutional knowledge for the benefit of your agency and the public.
3. Extend Benefits to Technologists: If you are a trained or aspiring technologist, joining the Public Technology Co-Op ensures that all qualified technologists and prospective members gain access to CWA affiliation benefits, enhancing their opportunities and protections.

 

Connect with Us

Ready to empower your organization with expert technology support?
Connect with our Ombudsteam today through the CWA Hiring Hall and discover how we can help you achieve your goals