Thu 08 Dec 2022

Call for Applications to the Child Protection Mediator Roster

Posted by mbcstaff

The Child Protection Mediation Program (CPMP) assists families across BC to find ways to ensure that the children involved with the child welfare system have every opportunity to grow up healthy, safe, and well.  The Program is managed by Mediate BC Society, a non-profit society focused on ensuring access to collaborative decision-making processes delivered by qualified conflict resolution professionals.

To continue, expand, and enhance the important work of this Program we are pleased to announce a call for qualified individuals to join the Child Protection Mediator Roster.

Please note that only a limited number of qualified mediators will be invited to join the CPMP.  The Admissions Panel will consider Program needs related to geographic representation, under-served populations, and equity and diversity needs.

If you do not currently meet the minimum qualifications, we encourage you to apply as a “prospective Child Protection mediator”. In order to meet Program needs for representation across the province and within under-served communities, we seek to identify candidates who may be interested in future training opportunities to meet the minimum qualifications.  (Please note that opportunities to participate in future training will be limited and that completion of additional training does not guarantee placement on the Roster.)

Child Protection Mediator – Minimum Qualifications

1. Professional Development

1. Successfully completed 80 hours of core education in conflict resolution, mediation theory, and skills training – 40 hours of which is specifically on mediation and includes 10 hours of simulated or role play mediation under direct supervision.
2. If core training/education identified above was completed more than ten years ago, the Respondent should demonstrate a minimum of 60 hours in the past five years of ongoing professional development related to conflict resolution and mediation.

2. Related Training in Dispute Resolution

1. Minimum of 100 hours of training in dispute resolution or a “related field” completed by the Respondent.

3. Work Experience as a Mediator

1. Minimum of 10 Mediations as a sole mediator or as a primary co-mediator in the past 3 years.

4. Indigenous Context

1. Recent experience working with Indigenous communities and/or individuals.
2. In-depth understanding of:

1. The impact of residential schools and colonization on Indigenous peoples
2. Indigenous heritage and culture,
3. Indigenous decision-making processes,

3. Demonstrates how their experience and knowledge has been incorporated into their mediation practice. 

5. Child Welfare Context

1. Knowledge and training in the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
2. Experience in the field of child welfare.

6. Family Violence

1. Knowledge and training in family violence, including a demonstrated understanding of power dynamics.
2. Experience in creating safe processes for all participants in circumstances involving family violence.
3. Ability to provide trauma-informed mediation services involving participants who have concerns surrounding family violence.

7. Mental Health/Problematic Substance Use

1. Knowledge and training in mental health disorders.
2. Knowledge and training in the field of problematic substance use.
3. Experience in the field of mental health and/or problematic substance use.
4. Ability to provide safe and supportive mediation services involving participants who are experiencing challenges related to their mental health or problematic substance use.

8. Clear Criminal Record Check

9. Disclosure of Disciplinary Proceedings

Equity and diversity are essential to the Child Protection Mediation Program’s ability to serve all Children, Families, and Communities of BC.  We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

Please send the following to hannah.stanley@mediatebc.com no later than January 6, 2023:

1. Cover letter
2. Resume
3. An outline of your qualifications in reference to the minimum qualifications noted in 1 through 9.

For more information, please contact Lori Frank, Director of Child Welfare Initiatives, at lori.frank@mediatebc.com or call 604-684-1300 (ext.107).