 |
We are looking for people of all talents and skill-levels. Volunteering with Solve-It! is an opportunity to develop new skills and enhace existing ones!
Volunteer mediator requirements include:
- Completion of a 40-Hour Basic Mediation training course. (You may take the bi-annual Solve-It! training or provide proof of completion of another, comparable course)
- Completion of a 2.5-Hour Solve-It! Case Development training workshop.
- Completion of a minimum of three observations of Solve-It! mediation sessions.
- Commitment to a minimum of 4 hours per month of volunteer service (may include performing mediations, assisting with community outreach efforts, case development, program development, assistance with class instruction, etc.)
- If you are interested in volunteering with our Peer Mediation training team, you must additionally have your fingerprints taken and a background check processed.
To apply, please fill out and return our Volunteer Application. Our Program Coordinator will contact you upon reciept of your application to schedule an interview.
The Leadership Centre and Solve-It! are currently accepting interns for the Fall, 2009 semester. These positions are reserved for individuals interested in learning about and gaining experience in the field of alternative dispute resolution. Our internships are unpaid, but The Leadership Centre and Solve-It! offer invaluable knowledge in dispute resolution that may assist you in any career path that you pursue. If you are interested in an internship, please read the following description and contact us as soon as possible! We look forward to working with you!
Internship Responsibilities:
The Leadership Centre and Solve-It! are committed to collaborating with colleges and universities to provide a quality learning environment for student growth. As a site supervisor, our responsibilities begin with providing each student or volunteer information regarding his or her job description and learning activities. We expect the internship to be academically challenging. Each intern will be involved in substantive mediation projects having significant independence. Direct supervision will also help each intern to continue to develop professionally. Providing direct mediation services to the public, an intern will serve as an interface between clients in conflict and clients and their mediators, and will serve as a liaison between local government officials and The Leadership Centre via our third-party referral process.
To provide a well-rounded view of our organization, each intern will also have access to different departments, staff meetings, and board meetings of The Leadership Centre. Because the nature of human service agency work can at times be intense, supervisors and staff are always available to help student and volunteer interns. In addition, every intern will have a direct supervisor to meet with regularly to discuss job performance, questions, and interests. This supervisor will also provide more formal evaluations that meet the requirements of educational institutions.
Job Description:
- Intake Interviews: either through face-to-face, telephone, or written contact. Gather relevant information from potential clients, explain mediation process, and assess appropriateness for mediation.
- Communication & Recording: maintain quality service delivery through complete charting of case events by computer data entry and communication with co-workers.
- Scheduling: match times clients are available for mediation with appropriately qualified mediators and observers. Send reminder letters and complete reminder phone calls.
- Preparation: assemble mediator's notebooks, including case files. Secure a mediation meeting space, making sure that the room is well equipped for our mediator's needs.
- Follow-up: reschedule appropriate cases, contact clients for follow-up interviews, and file cases.
2. SUPPORT SERVICES: answer phone when program coordinator is not available, photocopy and maintain stock of forms, type correspondence, assist with mailings, become knowledgeable of various service branches of The Leadership Centre, other office duties as necessary.
3. MEDIATION: after orientation, interns may serve as observer or co-mediator during mediation sessions when appropriate.
4. REPRESENTING THE LEADERSHIP CENTRE: observe or participate in mediation services staff, full staff and board meetings, represent TLC and Solve-It! at community meetings, speak to groups/organizations regarding our services.
Learning Experience:
- Develop higher level of comfort and mobility within intense conflict situations.
- Enhance interpersonal communication skills (face-to-face, telephone contact, and written correspondence).
- Strengthen personal work habits and skills through the combination of high individual responsibility within a team atmosphere.
- Gain valuable knowledge of, and experience in, the structure and functioning of a private, non-profit community service organization.
- Obtain greater awareness of personal strengths and areas for continuing growth within a structured environment that is geared toward learning.