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Where am I now? Lawlink > Community Justice Centres Homepage > Mediator Training
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Mediator Training
CJCs ARE CURRENTLY NOT RECRUITING FOR NEW MEDIATORS
What is a mediator?A mediator is someone trained in dispute resolution. Mediators help people in dispute to discuss their differences constructively and come to an agreement that suits them both. If selected during a recruitment process and successfully trained, mediators are employed by the Community Justice Centres of NSW. The CJCs operate on a co-mediation basis, where each mediation is conducted by two mediators.
How are mediators chosen?CJCs’ policy on the recruitment and selection of mediators has two basic requirements:
The range of mediators should reflect the nature of the community in which it operates, therefore the selection of applicants may be determined by age, gender, availability, ethnic and cultural background or specific program needs.
The basis for recruitment and selection is on personal attributes rather than formal qualifications. Good listening and communication skills are crucial.
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How can I become a CJC mediator?To become a mediator you must go through a selection process involving an information session followed by group and individual interviews, and then complete an intensive training course (Basic Mediator Training course) run by the staff and mediators of the CJC. Recruitment and selection processes take place on a "needs basis".
If you complete your training satisfactorily, you will become an accredited mediator. This means that the CJC can call on you to mediate in any suitable dispute.
There are no Basic Mediator Training courses scheduled for 2009. If you are interested in becoming a mediator please check our website regularly for updates. Expressions of interest will be sought prior to scheduled courses and information on how to submit your expression of interest will be made available at that time.
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How are mediators trained?The Basic Mediator Training Course includes 72 hours of training. The course is free and attendance at all sessions is compulsory. The exact configuration of the training program depends on the makeup and availability of the trainee group, generally it is conducted over a period of weeks.
The trainees practise the techniques of the mediation process in structured role-plays and are assessed by their peers and by the trainers. In this way, the trainees receive detailed feedback about their performance at all stages of their training.
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How do the trainees qualify as mediators?The trainees must reach a satisfactory standard by the end of the course. The Director of CJCs makes the final decision on the standard for accreditation and advises the Attorney-General on who should be accredited.
The criteria for accreditation with the service are that the trainee demonstrates:
- an understanding of and commitment to the philosophy of mediation as practised by the service
- proficiency in applying the techniques of the mediation process.
The trainee must also accept the terms of accreditation.
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What are the terms of accreditation?The trainee must agree to:
- comply with the requirements of the Community Justice Centres Act 1983
- perform a mediator’s duties in accordance with his/her training and subject to the direction and supervision of the regional coordinator
- undergo continual skills development by participating regularly in panel meetings and the training program
- give and receive feedback on mediation performance be reasonably available to conduct mediations.
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What is the likely income of a mediator?The current rate of payment is $29.70 per hour. Mediators are paid a minimum of 2 hours for each attendance for a mediation session. Up to one hour is paid for briefing and de-briefing time (in addition to time actually spent mediating).
The hourly rate for mediators is indexed. In addition, mediators receive loading in lieu of annual and sick leave. Mediators receive a non-contributory superannuation benefit.
As Ministerial Appointments of the Attorney General’s Department, mediators are covered by Workcover. Income tax is deducted from fees paid, and payment is by direct credit to a nominated bank account.
The CJC does not guarantee full time work,
- the NSW case load;
- the availability of the mediator;
- the flexibility of the mediator;
- the special skills of the mediator and
- the size of the mediator panel
all impact on the amount of work able to be offered.
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