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COMMUNITY MEDIATOR FAQ

Volunteering for WVDRC

INVESTMENT IN MEDIATOR TRAINING

WHAT IS THE COST?

Becoming a volunteer mediator for WVDRC requires both Basic and Family mediation training and costs $735.  WVDRC endeavors to find sponsors or grants so that we can offer partial or full scholarships.

HOW MUCH TIME IS INVOLVED?

Basic and Family Mediation Training is 60 hours of training plus time for completion of a final exam.  Approximately 60 hours of practicum is required for certification.  Maintaining certification requires ongoing continuing education and practice of mediation skills on an annual basis.

MEDIATOR CERTIFICATION

MEDIATOR-IN-TRAINING

Once you have completed the 40-Hour Basic Mediation Training and Final Exam, you may begin your practicum towards becoming a Certified Mediator.  The timeline for this process is dependent on the availability of mediations and your schedule.

OBSERVATION HOURS

The goal of observing mediations is to provide you with experience watching actual mediations and mediators in preparation for your practice as a mediator.  Sometimes a mediation does not reach completion: clients end mediation early without completion of the full mediation process (opening statements, agenda building, negotiations, and closure with settlement or no settlement).  Small Claims mediations are a more condensed version of a full mediation: no co-mediator and condensed mediator opening statements.
WVDRC observation requirements: Total minimum of 20 hours (14 hrs. must be at least 3 completed cases, 6 hours can be mocks or more observation of actual mediations. Small claims observation counts ½ hour for each hour observed.)

CO-MEDIATION HOURS

Co-mediation is an opportunity to mediate with a Certified Mediator; serve in the role of both Mediator 1 and Mediator 2; write the agenda; and write the settlement agreement.  Co-mediation is one of the most important steps during your mediation training.  Your preparation, review of your mediation training, and the debrief session after the mediation is vital to your development as a mediator.
WVDRC Co-mediation Requirements: Total minimum of 24 hours of 4 completed cases. (One case can be Small Claims mediation with appropriate supervision). Within the 4 cases candidate must act as Mediator 1, Mediator 2, write the agenda and complete the Settlement Agreement at least once.

SOLO MOCK MEDIATION & INTERVIEW

The Certification Committee is comprised of Mentor Mediators.  This Committee reviews your certification records, conducts a brief interview, and then observes your solo-mock mediation.  The solo-mock mediation is designed to assess your ability to serve as both Mediator 1 and 2.  After the mediation, the committee members will debrief with you about the mediation.  The committee will either recommend you be certified or suggest some additional training, if appropriate, before recommendation.    
WVDRC Solo Mock Requirements: One solo or co-mediated mock, evaluated and coached by at least 2 qualified mediators. These can be DRC staff member of any DRC in WA State or Senior/Mentor mediator.
WVDRC Certification Requirements: Certification Committee interview and recommendation.  Senior/Mentor Mediation recommendation for certification.

FAMILY MEDIATOR CERTIFICATION

MEDIATOR-IN-TRAINING

Many of our cases involve parenting plan issues and property division.  Family mediation training is essential to serving our community. 

WVDRC Requirements:

  • Attend Family Mediation Training (20 hours) or equivalent

  • Participate in 2 mock mediations playing the role of mediator at least once

  • Co-mediate 5 family cases with a mentor mediator

  • Receive a recommendation for certification by mentor mediator

MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION

SKILL BUILDING & EXPERIENCE

Once you are Certified Mediator, you are asked to continue

  • practicing and improving your skills as a mediator;

  • expanding your knowledge and experience; and

  • supporting fellow mediators and mediators-in-training. 

How do you complete these requirements?

  • Serve as a coach/trainer and co-mediator for WVDRC including mock mediation support and mediation training.

  • Participate in continuing mediator education (written documentation required) totaling 30 hours every 3 years:

    • Attend training offered by WVDRC

    • Attend DRC local, state, or national conferences or trainings

    • Attend appropriate classes or trainings

    • Read mediation books, journals, or articles

  • Demonstrate adherence to WVDRC mediation model and standards of practice. 

MENTOR MEDIATOR

COACH & SUPPORT

  • Becoming a mentor mediator is a fantastic way to inspire and support fellow mediators as well as offer valuable reinforcement of your own journey as a mediator. 

  • WVDRC Requirements: Basic Certified Mediator must complete a minimum of 10 mediations and a minimum of 75 hours of demonstrated competency; participate in ongoing professional development annually; demonstrate commitment to WVDRC by volunteering for 12 hours annually; and receive a recommendation from Certification Committee.   

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