Gain an accredited mediation skill set with our intensive short course
Through our intensive course, you’ll learn to facilitate mediation, a structured and facilitated negotiation process for resolving disputes.
You’ll gain the practical skills needed to be a mediator - an independent and impartial person who assists people in conflict to generate options, negotiate agreements and resolve disputes.
You’ll develop knowledge and skills of the mediation process, and how to apply these when working with clients, customers and colleagues, including across workplaces and community settings.
This course provides nationally recognised training and assessment for a Mediation Skill Set (CHCSS00110) through the Australian Qualifications Framework.
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An interactive course with online and face-to-face blended learning - ask questions, see skills demonstrated first-hand
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Highly-experienced trainers - backgrounds in corporate, family and community mediation
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A leading provider of mediation and dispute resolution services for over 30 years, we continue to deliver both funded and unfunded services
Ideal for
People interested in learning about resolving disputes and conflicts in their workplace or personal life, those who want to start a career as a mediator and those who require an entry pathway into the Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (CHC81115).
Register for this course Download the RTO Program Manual
Free 'Learn more' webinar
Do you have a burning question you would like to ask about one of our accredited courses?
In this free webinar, we’ll provide information about the course, address any questions you may have, and assist you to make a decision about applying.
Webinars last for 45 minutes each and are hosted by RAV’s experienced course facilitators.
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Course structure
You’ll start by completing a series of online modules, which will include readings, interactive activities, demonstrations, video presentations and collaborative learning, to provide you with the theory and knowledge required to move on to practical activities.
These online modules should take you two days, or approximately 14 hours, to complete. This will vary based on your learning style.
You’ll then attend four days of face-to-face workshops, involving a range of interactive activities designed to maximise your learning and enable you to develop mediation skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Our highly-experienced trainers will be available during the course to provide additional learning and feedback opportunities.
Learning outcomes
The course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to:
- understand the theory and practice of the mediation process
- assess if a conflict is suitable for mediation
- facilitate the mediation process
- understand how mediation can be applied in a variety of contexts
- respond to specific issues that may arise in the process (for example, family violence)
- assist parties to document mediation agreements.
Program outline
Online learning
Mediation overview
- ADR models
- Facilitative mediation
- Characteristics of a facilitative mediator
- NMAS standards
Mediator skills
- Communication skills
- Mediation strategies
- Ethics and self-care
Mediation process
- Process stages
- Pre-mediation
- Mediation formats
- Agreements
Culture and mediation practice
- Attitudes to conflict and conflict resolution
- Expectations and communication differences
- Process decisions
Face-to-face workshops
- Practical activities
- Knowledge and skill consolidation
- Simulated mediations with NMAS accredited coaches
Mediation skills training and assessment
Develop practical vocational skills by learning the micro-skills required for mediation and through simulated client mediation sessions.
Assessment activities are online and face-to-face throughout the course.
Course outcomes
Gain a statement of attainment for CHCSS00110 Mediation Skill Set.
- CHCMED001 Prepare for Mediation
- CHCMED002 Facilitate Mediation
- CHCMED003 Consolidate and Conclude Mediation
About the trainers
Lilia Szarski is an accredited mediator, family dispute resolution practitioner (FDRP) and experienced trainer, including of our Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution (FDR). Lilia is also a clinical supervisor and registered psychologist.
Natasha Belmont is the Program Leader FDR and Mediation Training at RAV. She holds tertiary qualifications in law and psychology and is an experienced FDRP and child consultant. Natasha coordinates RAV’s Graduate Diploma of FDR, Mediation Training Short Course, and delivers training for RAV and external organisations. She also conducts alternative dispute resolution work for the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and the Commonwealth Ombudsman.
Astrid Horter is an accredited mediator, experienced FDRP and a facilitator, assessor and coach for our Mediation and FDR training programs. Astrid has tertiary qualifications in law and psychology, and extensive experience working in community organisations as a clinical supervisor, trainer and manager.
Why choose Relationships Australia Victoria?
Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV) has been delivering mediation and other dispute resolution services for over 30 years. Our training team members are highly-experienced, nationally-accredited mediators and deliver the course as an engaging and interactive experience. Feedback from our past students has been overwhelmingly positive and indicates that the skills and knowledge that they gain equips them to support clients and staff with a specific set of tools and structure to use.
Student feedback
We are committed to providing high quality training that leads to a positive student experience at Relationships Australia Victoria (RAV). Feedback is sought from all our students through formal and informal evaluations throughout the course and this informs the ongoing development of our training programs.
Our students consistently provide positive feedback about their experience of training with RAV.
- "I really enjoyed the course. It was delivered with a mix of activities/role plays and information. Very clear and in depth."
- "All the theory is relevant, and the role playing outcomes are all the things I will be applying to my new career in mediation."
Registered Training Organisation (RTO)
RAV is an RTO (registration code 21977), providing nationally-recognised courses.
Unique Student Identifier
From 1 January 2015, students undertaking nationally accredited training with RAV (i.e. enrolling into VET courses) will need to set up a Unique Student Identifier (USI) and provide this to RAV’s administration team via email. RAV is required to record and verify a USI for each student.
More information and assistance in applying is available from the USI website and via the links below.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition enables students to have their existing skills and knowledge relating to FDR acknowledged and status granted where appropriate. This is available for people with extensive and relevant experience in family law, mediation, counselling or family and domestic violence.
To apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), you will need to provide evidence of the competencies needed for FDR by completing the RPL Application and Assessment Form, which is available from the RAV Training Team on (03) 8573 2222 or via email. Please also refer to the RTO Program Manual.
