Ombudsman Training Schedules

Ombudsman training is thorough and continuous. It begins with orientation to the command's program. It includes basic training about the Navy's Family Ombudsman Program and skills to do the job. Ombudsmen maintain their knowledge and skills by attending advanced training offered by Fleet and Family Support Centers and local Ombudsman Assemblies. Download the Ombudsman Program Manual (June 2010).

Fleet and Family Support Centers provide standardized Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT). OBT is required for all Command Ombudsmen. It is open to all Commanding Officers, Executive Officers, Command Master Chiefs and their spouses.

Training topics include:

• Ombudsman Program Overview
• Managing Your Responsibilities
• Code of Ethics
• Command Relationships
• Communication Skills
• Information and Referral
• Crisis Calls and Disasters
• Deployment and Mobilization
• Course Review and Summary

Ombudsman Webinar Training

Webinars are a valuable alternative to classroom training.  CNIC now offers three webinars related to the Ombudsman Program:

OBT Orientation is available for newly appointed ombudsmen from both the active and reserve communities. This 90 minute webinar is designed for newly appointed ombudsmen who will not be able to attend the standard Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) within the required six weeks of their appointment as a command ombudsman. Classes are limited to 15 participants.

Download the OBT Orientation Outline

Information and Referral and Family Readiness supplement OBT Orientation with guidance for Reserve ombudsmen and other remote ombudsmen, during the interim between their appointment and their attendance at Ombudsman Basic Training. 
NOTE: This training does not replace the requirement to attend OBT, but will provide basic information to help new ombudsmen in the interim.

Ombudsman Registry Webinar Training is designed to assist Commanders/Command Designees, Ombudsmen, and Ombudsman Coordinators in navigating the Ombudsman Registry. This webinar will walk you through the processes of registering, updating command information, registering an ombudsman, assigning yourself to your command, and ensure that the required monthly/quarterly ombudsman worksheets are submitted per OPNAVINST 1750.1G.

eOBT and Webinar Schedules

eOBT and Webinar Registration:

Registration for all webinars uses the Learning Management System (LMS). Anyone using this system to attend webinars is required to create an account. To get started, go to http://learning.zeiders.com. This is a separate account from your Ombudsman Registry account. Please note: AOL accounts are not compatible with the LMS. Please use another account for trainings on this site. Use the appropriate link below to register your account.

• Government Employees: http://government.zeiders.com
• Contract (Zeiders and Serco) Employees: http://staff.zeiders.com
• All others – ombudsmen (not contract, not government): http://learning.zeiders.com.

The user will then logon using the email address and password used to create the account. Select the desired webinar from the Course Categories list or the calendar and click on it to register. The system will automatically register the user and a notification will be sent to the email address on file.

Contact CNIC Ombudsman Training Coordinator, Doreen Scott, at (402) 614-0550 or doreen.a.scott@gmail.com if you have any questions. 

Certified Ombudsman Training (COT)

Experienced ombudsmen are encouraged to become Certified Ombudsman Trainers (COT).  These individuals are trained and certified to teach Ombudsman Basic Training. If you are interested in attending this training, please review the requirements on the COT Application.

Reserve Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) Workshops

Ombudsman Basic Training (OBT) is required for all ombudsmen and is offered through the Fleet and Family Support Centers.  Recognizing that many Reserve ombudsmen live in remote or isolated areas, the Navy Reserve offers additional classes throughout the year in alternate locations.  All OBT classes are standardized, regardless of Active or Reserve status.  Please choose the location that is convenient to you by using the FFSC links below or go to the Navy Reserve Ombudsman Training Schedule.

Ombudsman Basic Training Schedule