MCC is looking for mediators to join our team. Get in touch at director@mediationcville.org and we will work with you to provide the trainings and mentorship you need!
What is a mediator?
The mediator guides the process to give all the parties an opportunity to be heard, identify the issues to be resolved, generate possible alternatives, and help parties reach voluntary agreements that are acceptable to all. The mediator will not give advice, decide who is right or wrong, or suggest a particular solution. Rather, the mediator helps the disputants come up with their own solution. If an agreement is reached, the mediator writes a Memorandum of Agreement, outlining the terms and the responsibilities of each party.
VA Supreme Court Certification Requirements
All mediators involved in mediations referred by the VA Supreme Court must complete training and certification requirements established by the Court. Download a chart of the requirements.
Community Mediation Certification Requirements
In order to meet community needs for mediators who are in the same neighborhoods as those requesting mediation, we are developing an alternate route to becoming a mediator. This training will be offered shortly. For more information contact christina@mediationcville.org.
Elder Mediation Training
We will be offering a new training for experienced mediators that focuses on Elder Mediation. This 12 hour training is scheduled for February 28-29. Stay tuned for details and registration information!
VIRGINIA MEDIATOR CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL DISTRICT COURT
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
- 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills Training
- 4-hour Virginia’s Judicial System Training
- 2 Observations with a certified mentor OR 8-hour Case Observations class
- 3 Co-mediations (minimum 5 hours) with a certified mentor
JUVENILE AND DOMESTIC RELATIONS COURT
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
- 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills Training
- 4-hour Virginia’s Judicial System Training
- 20-hour Family Mediation Skills Training
- 8-hour Domestic Violence in Mediation Training
- 2 Observations with a certified mentor OR 8-hour Case Observations for Family class
- 5 Co-mediations (minimum 10 hours) with a certified mentor
- Submission of Child Support Worksheet and Memorandum of Agreement
MENTOR STATUS
- Current Virginia Mediator Certification
- Recertification at least once
- Completion of a 2-hour Mentoring Others Class
CIRCUIT COURT CIVIL
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
- 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills Training
- 4-hour Virginia’s Judicial System Training
- 20-hour Circuit Court Civil Training
- 2 observations of Circuit Court Civil Cases (if GD-certified, need only 1 observation) OR 8-hour Case Observations Class
- 5 Co-mediations (minimum 10 hours) with a certified mentor (if GD-certified, need only 2 co-mediations)
CIRCUIT COURT FAMILY
- Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience
- 20-hour Basic Mediation Skills Training
- 4-hour Virginia’s Judicial System Training
- 20-hour Family Mediation Skills Training
- 8-hour Domestic Violence in Mediation Training
- 12-hour Advanced Family Training
- 2 observations of Circuit Court Family cases (if JDR-certified, need only 1 observation) OR 8-hour Case Observations Class
- 5 Co-mediations (minimum 10 hours) with a certified mentor (if JDR-certified, need only 2 co-mediations)
- Submission of Child Support Worksheet and Memorandum of Agreement
For additional information, see:
https://www.vacourts.gov/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/drs/mediation/certification_process/certification_requirements.html
An applicant for certification shall have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or shall submit evidence of relevant experience and qualifications sufficient to support certification.
For more information on mediation and certification requirements, see
http://www.courts.state.va.us/courtadmin/aoc/djs/programs/drs/mediation/home.html
Helpful Things to Consider Before Becoming a Mediator