Volunteering with SEEDS

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

Please be advised that SEEDS Community Resolution Center is accepting new volunteer mediators on an extremely limited basis.

Please review the roles and responsibilities listed below for a number of volunteer opportunities at SEEDS. If you are interested in our volunteering for one or more of this volunteer positions, please submit on volunteer application online or contact our office.

• Case Manager Internship
• Volunteer Mediator

Volunteer Mediation Case Manager :

This is an unsalaried position in the SEEDS office that provides the opportunity to develop skills and to explore or make a transition to a career in conflict resolution. SEEDS cooperates with students seeking internship credit and financial aid.

Time Commitment:

This position requires a minimum six-month commitment (three months if it is a formal internship for credit), 4-8 hours one day per week.

Job Description:

Conduct intake interviews with clients
Counsel clients about conflict resolution options
Provide referrals when appropriate to other agencies
Develop mediation cases
Maintain records of casework
Other tasks as necessary

Volunteer Mediator:

Volunteer mediators are on call to participate in scheduled mediation sessions where they help facilitate communication and understanding between disputants toward a positive resolution of their conflict. These mediation sessions run 3-4 hours in length and can take place evenings, weekends and during business hours.

All SEEDS volunteer mediators have been extensively trained in communication and conflict resolution skills. Each mediation session is facilitated by a team of 2-3 mediators working to help people in a dispute resolve their conflicts.

Requirements:

Volunteer Mediators are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of basic Mediation Skills Training using the Community-Based Mediation Model or an acceptable substitute, as well as participate in on-going advanced workshops, discussion sessions and role-plays periodically offered by SEEDS.

Time Commitment:

This position requires a minimum one year commitment, 4-5 hours per month for a mediation , plus availability and willingness to volunteer for outreach and other projects as needed for at least 15 hours per year.