Volunteer Opportunities

One of the keys to our success is the dedication of our trained volunteers. CDSS volunteers come from many walks of life bringing with them diverse experiences and unique insights. Volunteers serve CDSS in several ways and the capacity in which they serve determines the training required. Many volunteers so enjoy their work with CDSS, they continue to serve for years.

What are the basic requirements?

Prior to Volunteering with CDSS, candidates must have completed, at minimum, a 16 hour Basic Mediation training course. Additionally, each volunteer must fill out an application form, undergo a criminal background check, provide three professional references, and sign a CDSS confidentiality statement. All volunteers must also complete a one-hour orientation session that includes a review of CDSS policies and procedures, court room protocol, and service requirements. In order to provide adequate program support, volunteers are required to commit to a schedule of service that is crafted in conjunction with the volunteer coordinator.

When can I start mediating cases?

Upon qualifying to participate as a CDSS volunteer, mediators must work with senior staff or other senior neutrals as co-mediators. After gaining practical experience and being evaluated by co-mediator mentors, those volunteers who have acquired the requisite mediation skills may be invited to mediate for CDSS on an individual basis for community and district court related cases.

What is co-mediation?

Co-mediation is a way of conducting mediation sessions that employs two mediators instead of a single mediator. CDSS utilizes a co-mediation model in many of its programs. It is an especially helpful way for new mediators to gain experience by mediating with a person who possesses a great deal of experience. It is also effective in situations where it is important to project a sense of balance and demonstrate cooperative behavior.

We believe it is important to continue to improve our skills and our programs. Towards that end, it is the responsibility of all CDSS volunteer mediators to debrief their sessions with their co-mediators or other CDSS staff members immediately after the session is completed. New mediators and senior mediators alike benefit from this shared experience.

What else can volunteers do?

Volunteers may occasionally choose to contribute to CDSS in many other ways. Some offer general office services, assistance in drafting or editing training manuals, participating as trainers or coaches in training sessions, help in developing in-service training for mediators, or other services. Please list your interests on your application form.

What are the benefits?

CDSS encourages the continuing development of mediator skill and training. The diversity of cases at CDSS provides a unique opportunity to gain experience many professional mediators have difficulty obtaining. CDSS also provides free in-service training seminars several times each year available only to its volunteer corp.

In addition to practicing their mediation skills, many volunteer mediators enjoy contributing their time and energy toward positive efforts toward reducing conflicts in their community. It is because of volunteer efforts that CDSS is able to provide free mediation services to those who could not afford them. Each year CDSS volunteers contribute a combined average of about 700 hours of service.

How do I apply?

If you have not had any mediation training, register for the appropriate mediation course (see the Training page for detailed information regarding training programs) or, if you've already received mediation training somewhere other than CDSS, please include detailed information about that training program in your application. Then complete your application and send it to us. Our volunteer coordinator will contact you to determine the next step towards volunteering at CDSS.

CDSS welcomes volunteer mediators from all walks of life and professional backgrounds. CDSS encourages volunteers to apply regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.

Volunteer Application Form Download