Be part of the solution

Volunteer mediators needed

Making the Laboratory the National Nuclear Security Administration laboratory of choice has myriad factors and successfully solving internal problems is one of those factors.

The Mediation Center in the Ombuds Program Office needs volunteers to go through training to facilitate mediations. The center provides a collaborative approach to problem-solving that prevents or minimizes the escalation of disputes by resolving conflict in an expeditious, cost-effective and mutually acceptable manner.

Currently there are 20 Laboratory mediators from various organizations. The mediator pool has 10 vacancies, with the greatest need for volunteers in the technician and OS/GS series, said Mary Beth Stevens, associate ombudsperson and Mediation Center project leader

Candidates must be regular University of California employees. Commitment requirements include approval from the employees' group manager; participation in an apprenticeship training program that begins with a 40-hour basic-training program that is sponsored and paid for by the Ombuds Program Office; continuing education and co-mediation; availability to serve as a mediator up to eight hours a month; attendance at monthly meetings; and adherence to the Ombuds Association Code of Ethics; model standards of conduct of mediators; and signing the Ombuds Program Office confidentiality agreement. For employees working on direct-funded program, the Ombuds Office provides a charge code for time spent during mediations.

Interested candidates will be interviewed by the Mediation Center staff and selected based on demonstrated commitment to full participation and demonstrated experience or skill in the following: active listening, problem analysis, effective oral and written communication, facilitation skills, sensitivity to diverse values and the ability to remain neutral and impartial.

Interested employees can fill out a questionnaire at http://www.lanl.gov/orgs/ombuds/Mediator%20Application.pdf online and return it to the Mediation Center at M897. The deadline for applications is June 17.

For more information, contact Stevens at 7-0907.

--Judy Goldie

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