Mediator

Mediators use conflict resolution techniques to help disputants (people involved in disputes) to reach mutually satisfactory agreements. Mediators do not decide issues.

In general, mediators:

• facilitate communication between disputants
• help disputants clarify the issues, identify underlying concerns and develop a better understanding of their respective needs and interests
• help disputants find creative solutions that are acceptable to all parties concerned.

If the disputants are not able to reach an agreement through mediation, they may choose other dispute resolution processes such as arbitration or litigation (for more information, see the Arbitrator and Lawyer occupational profiles).

Mediation has been used to settle many types of conflicts, including disputes between:

• neighbours
• spouses
• labour and management
• environmental groups and industrial organizations
• landlords and tenants
• co-workers
• parents and teachers
• parents and teens
• business partners
• businesses and their customers (for example, insurance companies and injured parties)
• businesses and their suppliers.

Using mediation to resolve disputes usually is faster and less expensive than going to court. It also allows disputants to:

• keep their arguments private and confidential
• retain control over the outcome of the dispute
• explore a wide range of possible solutions to their differences
• preserve or even improve ongoing business and personal relationships.

In certain types of disputes parties are required to participate in mediation, while in others it is voluntary. In either case, it is best used when:

• there is some ongoing personal or legal relationship between the disputants
• both parties are willing to express personal wants and needs, and are committed to addressing these issues
• there is a commitment to settle using the mediation process
• there is a need to settle the dispute quickly and efficiently.

Mediators work in a variety of physical environments. They may conduct meetings anywhere and at any time that is acceptable to all parties concerned.

Mediators need the following characteristics:

• patience
• a neutral, unbiased attitude and a keen sense of fair play
• the ability to develop rapport with all kinds of people
• good communication skills, including active listening skills and the ability to question effectively and tactfully
• the intellectual ability required to deal with complex factual material, analyze problems and identify and separate the issues involved
• the creativity required to help disputants identify mutually acceptable solutions.

They should enjoy synthesizing information to develop innovative approaches to problems, co-ordinating information, and dealing with people.

Below-average occupational growth is expected in Alberta for 2016 to 2020. Job openings are a result of employment turnover and newly created positions.

Mediators often work in other occupations and contract their services as mediators when they are needed.

When disputants agree to participate in mediation, they must find a mutually acceptable mediator, preferably someone who has training or experience in conflict management. They may obtain lists of trained mediators from organizations such as the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society, Alberta Family Mediation Society, or ADR Institute of Canada.

ADR Institute of Canada website: www.adric.ca

Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society (AAMS) website: www.aams.ab.ca

Alberta Family Mediation Society (AFMS) website: www.afms.ca

Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) website: www.jibc.ca

Legal Education Society of Alberta (LESA) website: www.lesaonline.org

For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.