Mediator 1

Class Characteristics

Under general supervision to provide conflict resolution services, and to coordinate and participate in the provision of conflict resolution and skill development to families, community members, and organizations; to oversee the work of volunteers, contractors and/or intern mediators and trainers; and to do other work as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Resolution Services is within the Health, Housing, and Human Services Department, Children, Family and Community Connections Division and provides conflict resolution services to people and organizations experiencing conflict and those seeking resources so they can resolve their difference peacefully, develop skills for the resolution of future conflicts and build safe, healthy relationships and communities.

The Mediator series provides a variety of direct conflict resolution and skill development services. The Mediator 1 provides basic services, including: mediation, facilitation, restorative dialogue and skill development including mediation training, facilitation training, and continuing education for mediators; coordination of staff, volunteers, interns, and contractors providing conflict resolution and skill development services, and are responsible to oversee and/or participate in intake, case assessment, and conflict resolution sessions. The Mediator 1 also assists in providing public relation outreach activities to promote dispute resolution services in the community or at schools and coordinates other services and trainings. 

The Mediator 1 differs from the Mediator 2 in that the latter must manage major and highly complex cases without supervision and oversee the design and operations of Resolution Services programs. 

Typical Tasks

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

1. Provides direct services, including mediation, facilitation, and other dispute resolution services to parties involving a variety of matters; conducts intake services; documents case information; prepares letters, memos and written agreements for the disputing parties.
2. Coordinates other services and training, and coordinates the work of staff, volunteers, contractors and interns who provide these services; administers assessment tools, makes recommendations to the court; prepares mediator and other court related reports.
3. Performs case management duties related to clients; refers callers to other community services; collaborates with collaborative agencies regarding joint client services.
4. Provides experiential education and coaching services to a variety of interested parties, including schools and organizations; develops, reviews and updates skill development curricula as necessary.
5. Coordinates staff, volunteers, contractors and intern work plans and schedules to accomplish program goals; monitors and leads the work of staff, volunteer, contractor and interns performing mediation case activity; monitors and leads the work of staff volunteers, contractor and interns performing training services.  
6. Assists in coordinating community outreach and public relations activities; develops promotional program; promotes mediation and conflict resolution services by attending meetings and presenting information to community groups, systems partners, schools, public and private agencies; participates in local mediation related events.
7. Assists with grant writing and budgeting; performs grant administration and financial reporting; monitors expenses and revenue reports; makes recommendations related to grant management.
8. Develops and maintains record keeping consistent with office procedures and systems; creates and maintains complete and accurate files, manages mailing lists; prepares reports.
9. Monitors and evaluates program effectiveness and recommends program changes.
10. Participates in continuing education trainings; prepares and conducts continuing education trainings and psycho-educational workshops for peers and community members.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Working knowledge of: Alternative dispute resolution principles and applications in various areas which may include mediation ethics, family, community based, or victim offender mediation services; small claims, foreclosure, and workplace mediation; program and case management methods and techniques; principles and techniques of lead work; principles of relevant statutes, principles and techniques of mediation; group and family dynamics; interviewing techniques; contraindications to alternative dispute resolution such as psychopathology; principles and practices of public relations; restorative justice principles and practices; evaluation methods and research procedures; report preparation; available social service and community resources; laws, procedures and techniques specific to assigned cases, such as: juvenile justice, foreclosure, small claims, probate.

Skill to: Mediate, facilitate, and/or coach between diverse individuals experiencing conflict within families, individuals, neighbors, and organizations; intervene effectively in stressful conflict and occasional hostile situations; assess and evaluate conflicts and determine appropriate courses of action; maintain client confidentiality; coordinate, train and supervise the work of adult and teen volunteers, interns, contractors, and other staff; maintain accurate and complete electronic records; effectively organize work; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing; relate to a wide variety of people; prepare and present effective written and statistical reports, promotional materials and media releases; research and prepare grants for funds; operate computer software and other office equipment; prepare and deliver oral presentations; establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, clients, judges, attorneys, community, private and governmental agencies, County employees and the public; work as a team member.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are used as a guide for establishing the minimum experience, education, licensure, and/or certifications required for employment in the classification. The following minimum qualifications are established for this classification. Additional minimum qualifications and special conditions may apply to a specific position within this classification and will be stated on the job announcement.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year of related experience that would provide the required knowledge and skills to perform the responsibilities of this position. 

Education:

• Completion of minimum 30 hours Basic Mediation training. 

Licenses/Certifications: None required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work.  Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

Post-Employment Requirements

Must successfully pass a criminal history check which may include national or state fingerprint records check.

Driving is required for County business on a regular basis or to accomplish work.  Incumbents must possess a valid driver's license and possess and maintain an acceptable driving record throughout the course of employment.

 

Classification No. 208
Established: 11/19
Revised: 8/26
FLSA: Exempt
EEO: 2