- Healthcare Mediator
- Family Law Facilitator
- Sports Mediator
- Foreclosure Mediator
- Peer Mediation Teacher
Now that you excel in negotiation and conflict management, arguing parties will value your peacemaking skills. Opposing factions need your:
- compassion
- neutrality
- insightful troubleshooting
The field is vast. Mediation is favored by large employers, including:
- hospitals
- courts
- mortgage lenders
- sports leagues
- schools
Here are jobs where your diplomacy will pave the way to agreements.
See our ranking of the 10 Great Deals: Doctorate in Negotiation & Conflict Management Online.
1. Healthcare Mediator
With the surge in malpractice insurance claims, more health care providers are opting to hire a mediator. The mediator’s goal is to help settle claims out of court. The healthcare mediator negotiates between conflicted parties, using strategies that promote cooperation.
Once ground rules are established, each participant voices their grievances, without interruption. The mediator then clarifies the issues, summarizing concerns in a “Problem Statement.” With objective input, the mediator helps each party consider the other’s viewpoint. Then, the attendees brainstorm ways to resolve the problem.
If a settlement is reached, the final decision is documented. Each party signs their consent. Healthcare mediators are sought by:
- hospitals
- insurance companies
- courts
- major medical practices.
2. Family Law Facilitator
This legal professional assists people involved in family court cases. In some states, the facilitator helps parties formulate an agreement. It is then presented to a court. This preparation is commonly done for disputes over child custody and child support.
The family law facilitator informs citizens on court procedures, including those involving:
- domestic violence
- paternity
- divorce
- court order modifications
For litigants without representation, the facilitator details their options, without giving legal advice.
Additionally, the facilitator helps individuals:
- complete court forms
- schedule cases on the court calendar
- calculate amounts for spousal and child support
With a facilitator present to explain legal terms, court proceedings are less intimidating. Some jurisdictions allow mediation between litigants during court proceedings.
For people needing other types of legal assistance, the facilitator gives referrals to social service agencies. In most counties, the facilitator is employed by courts, so their mediation services are provided free of charge.
3. Sports Mediator
The sports mediator works to resolve disputes involving:
- sports leagues unions
- athletes
- coaches
- team owners
Effective negotiation quickly ends strikes and lockouts. Issues often fielded by sports mediators include:
- contracts
- defamation
- broadcasting
- revenues
- disciplinary action.
Through efficient deal-making, parties save money in the millions.
Unlike arbitration and litigation, where one entity loses, this referee ensures that every participant wins. Plus, when negotiation includes foresight, future battles can be avoided.
Joint meetings only succeed when attendees can stay level-headed. This is difficult when stakes are high. Decisions often affect:
- player salaries
- ticket sales
- broadcasting revenues
When open communication fails, the mediator has an alternate option, the “private caucus.”
Using this forum, the mediator speaks with each party and their lawyer confidentially, away from players. Private meetings continue until the attendees consent to a deal. Here, Harvard Law School recalls how mediation stopped a 113-day strike by the National Hockey League in 2012.
4. Foreclosure Mediator
With the help of this intercessor, mortgages become manageable, enabling property owners to keep their homes. On pending court cases, the foreclosure mediator leads discussions among:
- the mortgage lender
- borrowers
- their lawyers
The goal is making a mortgage work long-term, such as by:
- a repayment plan
- loan modification
- amended interest rate
- receiving aid from a state or federal agency
Through such practical solutions, the mediator helps defer:
- trials
- default rulings
- foreclosure sales
Meetings take place in a courthouse. The mediator speaks both privately and jointly with the parties. When an agreement is reached, the mediator advises the judge of the outcome. Usually, there is no charge to homeowners for mediation. The cost is footed by government budgets or banks that initiate foreclosures.
5. Peer Mediation Teacher
This educator empowers students to work out problems among themselves. With peer mediation, clashing students learn negotiation and conflict resolution from a trained facilitator. Student issues faced by peer mediation teachers include:
- racism
- cultural prejudice
- social media infractions
- harassment
- spreading rumors
- cheating
- vandalism
- stealing
- assaults
School mediation programs avert:
- student confrontations
- bullying
- violence
Nipping conflict in the bud also cuts the need for disciplinary action. From the peer mediation teacher, kids learn how to:
- interpret body language
- listen reflectively
- control anger
- lower defenses
- communicate effectively
Additionally, student leaders are trained in conflict resolution between fellow schoolmates. Usually, two students preside over a meeting,. Here, disagreeing peers present their arguments. After reaching an understanding, the students confirm their treaty by signing a document or shaking hands.
At the elementary through high school levels, mediation builds student rapport. From The Daily Gazette, here’s a model example of a peer mediation program.
Doctor of Diplomacy
On a professional level, the practice of negotiation and conflict management is both art and science. Your skillful diplomacy will win the respect and cooperation of those you serve. With a doctorate, you can work as a mediator in the fields of:
- healthcare
- family law
- competitive sports
- foreclosures
- education
Forging handshakes from stalemates, you’ll leave a trail of smiles.