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Family mediator

Alternative titles for this job include

Family mediators help separating couples agree on future plans without having to go to court.

Average salary (a year)

£19,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

35 to 37 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a family mediator

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • volunteering
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional association

University

You could do a degree or postgraduate diploma to get some of the skills you need for this job.

Relevant subjects include:

  • social work
  • law
  • counselling
  • psychology
  • psychotherapy
  • education

Training programmes

You'll improve your job prospects if you take an accredited training programme after university. The programme has to be approved by the Family Mediation Council (FMC).

Training programmes include:

  • a taught course
  • practical experience
  • support to build a portfolio

In addition to a degree, training providers may expect you to have experience dealing with conflict and managing relationships.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

More Information

Volunteering

You might find it easier to join a training course if you volunteer to work with families at places such as:

Direct Application

You can apply for a job as a trainee family mediator if you have a higher education qualification and experience in law, social work or counselling.

When you apply, you'll need to show you have the right personal qualities and skills to be a family mediator.

Other Routes

You've also got the option to train with a professional association.

Each association sets their own criteria to join but most will expect you to have experience from paid work or volunteering.

Professional associations that offer training include:

More Information

Career tips

Many people become a family mediator as a second career. Employers will like it if you have life experience and evidence of supporting people with challenging problems.

Further information

You can get more advice about working in family mediation from the Family Mediation Council.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • persuading and negotiating skills
  • active listening skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • knowledge of equality and diversity issues
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you could:

  • listen to your client and work out what they need your help with
  • help your clients talk to each other fairly and respectfully
  • discuss issues like where a child will live, property and money
  • keep accurate and confidential records of discussions
  • summarise agreements in writing
  • recognise when mediation is not working
  • work with solicitors and courts when necessary

Working environment

You could work in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could:

  • set up your own mediation business
  • train other mediators
  • manage a team of mediators
  • use your skills in other careers, such as housing or social work

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a family mediator right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Access To Social Work

  • Provider: On Course South West
  • Start date: 05 September 2024
  • Location: E-assessor

BA (Hons) Social Work

  • Provider: NEW COLLEGE DURHAM
  • Start date: 09 September 2024
  • Location: Durham

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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