PRACTICUM COORDINATOR JOB DESCRIPTION

The Community Dispute Settlement Center (CDSC) provides mediation services, as well as training in mediation and conflict resolution throughout Middlesex County and beyond. One of the oldest community mediation centers in Massachusetts, CDSC promotes better ways to understand and deal with conflict through skilled teams of pro bono mediators, training programs in mediation and conflict management, and broad community outreach. We are committed to making our services accessible to underserved populations and to addressing emerging community needs.

The Practicum is CDSC’s apprenticeship program, designed to provide experience to novice mediators. Practicum participants typically work with CDSC mediators for five or ten sessions. The Practicum Coordinator works closely with the CDSC Office Manager, who refers participants, bills or provides scholarships to participants, and transitions Practicum participants to the CDSC volunteer roster. We expect the Practicum Coordinator to work 5-10 hours per week. While most of the work is virtual, the Coordinator may be called upon to co-mediate in person with a Practicum participant. The Coordinator is an independent contractor, and is paid at a rate of $40 per hour billed.

OBJECTIVE: 

To oversee all Practicum participants and mentor new mediators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Schedule participating mediators to observe and/or co-mediate with experienced CDSC mediators.

Observe (either firsthand or through a CDSC Practicum mentor) participating mediators during co-mediations, and provide feedback.

Update Practicum spreadsheet as needed.

Recommend participating mediators to CDSC for inclusion in its volunteer roster.

QUALIFICATIONS:

 5-10 years of mediation experience and experience with teaching and/or coaching.

Comfortable using office technology, including Zoom, MS Office, and Google Applications.

Proven ability to work independently and creatively.

Excellent written and verbal skills.

OTHER:
Work will be performed in an office setting. CDSC will operate on a hybrid schedule, with both virtual and in-person workdays. Candidates must be able to participate in virtual and in-person meetings throughout the workday. Candidates must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Candidates must be able to use office technology (laptops, telephones, copiers, scanners, etc.) continually.

CDSC is an AA/EO employer. We especially encourage people of color, bi-lingual people, people with disabilities, and people from underrepresented groups to apply.

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with a preference for applications to be submitted by December 15, 2023.