Overview
Community & Famiily Mediation Specialist Jobs in Canton, NY at The Resolution Center, Inc.
Community & Family Mediation Specialist (Part-Time)
Flexible 15–20 Hours/Week | Paid Training Provided
The Resolution Center is looking for someone who is interested in helping people work through conflict in a constructive, meaningful way.
You may be a great fit if you are comfortable with conflict and genuinely curious about why people disagree. Strong mediators do not shy away when emotions run high. They stay engaged, listen without taking sides, and help people work through disagreement rather than rushing to fix it, end it, or avoid it.
We are seeking a Community & Family Mediation Specialist to provide mediation and conflict coaching services at St. Lawrence County Family and City Courts, from our Canton office, and virtually. The role is primarily mediation/conflict coaching (about 75%) and case management (about 25%). No prior mediation experience is required. We provide comprehensive paid training, apprenticeship, mentorship, and ongoing support to help the right candidate become a certified mediator under New York State Unified Court System standards.
This position is especially well suited for someone with a strong interest in, or professional experience working in conflict resolution, legal studies, human services, psychology, or criminal justice who wants to build or deepen meaningful, hands-on experience while helping individuals and families navigate conflict more constructively.
Because we invest significantly in training and developing our mediators, we are looking for someone who is interested in making a longer-term commitment, continuing to grow their skills, and becoming a dependable part of our team and the communities we serve.
What You’ll Do
- Facilitate mediation and conflict coaching sessions that help individuals, businesses, and families resolve disputes respectfully and constructively.
- Guide productive conversations while remaining neutral and maintaining a safe, structured environment.
- Maintain a calm, structured process during emotionally charged conversations and use de-escalation skills when needed.
- Draft clear, concise, neutral written agreements and outcome documentation.
- Manage assigned cases from referral through closure using the Center’s case management system, including scheduling, case notes, required documentation, data entry, and deadline tracking.
- Build professional relationships with court personnel while serving as the Center’s onsite representative.
- Receive ongoing coaching, supervision, and professional development.
Why You’ll Love This Position
- No prior mediation experience required!
- Extensive paid training and apprenticeship across multiple types of mediation.
- Flexible part-time schedule, generally 15–20 hours per week.
- Meaningful work that directly impacts families and communities.
- Unique working environments (courts, office, and virtual).
- Supportive team that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Access to a statewide network of ADR professionals, peer support, and subject-matter experts.
We’re Looking for Someone Who…
- Naturally picks up on what people are feeling, even when they may have difficulty putting it into words.
- Is a strong listener who can reflect back what someone has said in a way that helps them feel heard and understood.
- Can reframe emotional, negative, or accusatory statements into more neutral and constructive language without changing the speaker’s meaning.
- Asks thoughtful questions and is genuinely curious about different perspectives rather than jumping to conclusions or solutions.
- Can remain calm and grounded when others are upset, frustrated, or in conflict.
- Communicates clearly and builds rapport easily with people from different backgrounds and life experiences.
- Can remain neutral even when they personally agree or disagree with someone’s choices or point of view.
- Has strong written communication skills and can draft clear, concise, neutral agreements using precise, professional language.
- Is organized, dependable, adaptable, and loves to learn.
- Is comfortable working independently at court sites, making sound real-time decisions, and seeking guidance when needed.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; associate’s or bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Willingness and ability to complete required mediation training and apprenticeship.
- Reliable personal transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance.
- Ability to travel to local courts and occasionally attend training outside the area. (There will be required daytime training in Syracuse in mid-September.)
- Comfortable using Microsoft Outlook, Word, Teams, and Zoom.
- Ability to maintain a professional appearance and adhere to the Center’s dress code when working in court, office, and community settings.
Schedule
Approximately 15–20 hours per week, primarily Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, based on court schedules, caseload, and program needs. Approximately 15 hours per week are anticipated, with flexibility to work up to 20 hours when needed. Occasional early evening appointments may be required to accommodate participants.
Compensation & Benefits
- $18.00–$22.00 per hour, depending on education, qualifications and experience.
- Paid basic and advanced mediation trainings, conflict coaching training, and continuing education through the statewide ADR network.
- Mileage reimbursement for required work-related travel or use of rental vehicles when appropriate.
- Paid/reimbursed costs associated with required work-related travel.
- Paid sick leave.
- Loan forgiveness.
Pay: $18.00 – $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Loan forgiveness
- Mileage reimbursement
- Professional development assistance
- Tuition reimbursement
Application Question(s):
- This position requires drafting agreements that are clear, concise, neutral, and precise rather than narrative or creative. Briefly describe your experience with professional, legal, case-related, or other concise written documentation.
- Mediation often involves people who are angry, frustrated, emotional, or strongly disagree with one another. How would you describe your comfort level working in an environment where conflict and heightened emotions are a regular part of the job?
- Mediators are not responsible for deciding who is right or telling participants what they should do. What appeals to you about helping people work through disagreements without solving the problem for them?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Willingness to travel:
- 25% (Required)
Work Location: In person
Title: Community & Famiily Mediation Specialist
Company: The Resolution Center, Inc.
Location: Canton, NY
Category: