Mediation & FDR Careers
The possibilities are endless..
What work opportunities are there as a mediator?
There is increasing use of mediation and other forms of ADR in Australia. People undertaking mediation training vary to the extent that they find opportunities as a mediator. Some may find salaried roles within government or not for profit agencies.
As with many areas of study, it is very dependent on the individual - on their expectations, skills, flexibility, entrepreneurship and opportunities. (information adapted from www.msb.org.au)
FDR participation is a mandatory requirement for people going through separation and divorce if there are Children’s matters to be resolved. Family Relationship Centres, State Legal Aid Centres and publicly funded providers at times have high demands with interested parties waiting weeks or months to even begin the intake process.
Mediators come from various professional backgrounds.
Some individuals pursue mediation as a full-time career whilst others see a career in mediation as a viable option to supplement their current vocation or as a part-time profession post retirement.
Others use their professional networks to build private mediation consultancy businesses, which may include offering other related professional services.
Others pursue further academic studies and careers, or use their mediation skills in roles such as working in human resources.
Career Outcomes
The Mediator Training Academy’s accredited programs will equip you with the specialist skills needed to effectively manage and resolve conflict in a professional capacity.
Such a skillset is highly valued across a range of disciplines ranging from workplace, family, community, law, business and politics to industrial relations, international trade and human resources. With a further study of six compulsory FDR units, one can also become a Family Dispute Resolution practitioner.
Due to the complex nature of interpersonal, legal, community and organisational relationships, the need for mediation training and conflict resolution skills can arise in any field and benefit professionals in a variety of settings, including:
- Legal Disputes
- Commercial Mediation
- Boards of Directors / Partnership Disputes
- Family Dispute Resolution
- Workplace Dispute Resolution & Conflict Management
- Community Development
- Family Therapy
- Public Service
- Human Resources
- Law Enforcement
- Faith-Based Organisations
- Education, Student Affairs And Higher Education
- Crisis Management
- Natural Resources
- Hospitals And Healthcare
Occupational titles for Family Dispute Resolution Practitioners may include:
- Aboriginal Family Consultant
- Family And Couples Mediator
- ADR Practitioner
- Family Law Mediator
- Barrister Mediator
- Family Relationships Mediator
- Dispute Resolution Facilitator
- Indigenous Family Facilitator
- Family and Child Mediator
- Manager of an ADR Service
However remember, that if you want to enter dispute resolution, and it is a distinct profession from your current day job, it will require a major investment and time commitment. And, as with everything in life, there are no guarantees.