The Roles and Responsibilities of a Mediation Expert

A meeting with different parties being led by a mediation expert.

Mediation experts are important personnel who help parties negotiate and reach a mutual decision and conclusion for their needs, issues, or problems. Their services are helpful in various settings and situations.

If you’re on the fence about signing up for our online certificate programs ​​to be a mediator, it helps to know what this job and role entail and what exactly you’ll be expected to do as you work. Let’s take a look at some of the key roles and responsibilities of a typical mediation expert.

Roles filled by a meditator:

  • Convener: they arrange a meeting or discussion in the first place. 
  • Educator: they will be making the parties involved aware of what’s going on, different laws and policies that affect them, potential outcomes, and more.
  • Communication expert: there are several ways to work as a communication expert, including translating between two parties, clarifying each party’s stance to the other, and ensuring that everyone gets a fair say and is heard during the meeting.
  • Advisor and accountability expert: they make recommendations for possible solutions and outcomes and remind parties of the initial goals, desires, and intentions set by them.
  • Record-keepers: they will work to record the information shared by the parties, draw up a contract, and save the terms of the agreement.
A mediation expert looks at her clients as they talk to one another.

Responsibilities of a mediator:

  • To mediate situations fairly and without favoritism or bias and decline involvement if there is a possibility that they may not remain impartial.
  • To manage any type of conflict of interest or argument from ensuing and ensuring all parties agree. This includes doing their own research into their history and possible biases.
  • To uphold standards of confidentiality and protect their client’s interests above all else. Nobody can be made privy to the discussions and information brought forth here.
  • To follow strict FINRA procedures and adhere to the Code of Mediation Procedure and the Standards of Conduct for Mediators.
  • To avoid making any decisions for the parties involved, but rather facilitating them to make their own choice.

A mediator’s job requires tough analytical and critical thinking skills, close observation, and the ability to remain an impartial judge no matter how excitable the situation may be.

Obtain your certificate in mediation through our online certificate programs. We’re sharing some of the most effective strategies and recommendations for aspiring mediation experts, training you to excel in your chosen field.

Get more information about our undergraduate certificate programs online and register for the program of your choice today!