Mediator

The Community-Police Mediator is a contract position. Selected contractors are not City of Chicago (City) employees and are not entitled to membership in any City Pension Fund, Group Medical Insurance Program, Group Dental Program, Group Vision Care, Group Life Insurance Program, Deferred Income Program, vacation, sick leave, extended sick leave, or any other benefits ordinarily provided to individuals employed and paid through the regular payrolls of the City. The City is not required to deduct or withhold any taxes, FICA or other deductions from any compensation provided to contractor.

Contract Summary:

The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) is seeking qualified mediators to contract as community mediators for the Community Mediation Program (CMP) pilot. COPA’s mission is to provide a just and efficient means to fairly and timely conduct investigations within our jurisdiction to determine whether allegations of police misconduct are well-founded. The CMP pilot is a non-disciplinary remedy mandated by the Consent Decree, which will serve as a tool for expediting the resolution of complaints, building trust and fostering mutual respect between community members and police. The role of Community-Police Mediator serves as a neutral facilitator to resolve disputes and misunderstandings between community members and law enforcement. This role involves acting as an impartial and neutral third party that facilitates a dialogue between a community member who logs a complaint against a member of the Chicago Police Department (CPD) with the goal of building trust, identifying and providing ways to address conflict, and promoting peaceful communication through mediation, preventing escalation and fostering positive community relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate mediation sessions between community members and police officers to resolve conflicts peacefully.
• Engage the parties through active listening and dialogue, with a goal of helping the parties gain an understanding of the other person’s perspective in a mutually agreeable way.
• Help parties identify the underlying issues and work collaboratively toward mutually acceptable solutions.
• Provide education on mediation and the conflict resolution process to community members and law enforcement personnel.
• Document mediation outcome and provide any recommendations for follow up support as needed.
• Collaborate with COPA, CPD, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), CCPSA District Councils, and local leaders to support conflict resolution initiatives.
• Administrative duties which can include responding to email correspondence, timely submission of mediation documents and other tasks as it relates to mediation assignments.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism at all times.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a qualified 40-hour basic mediation skills training.
• Background or training in mediation, conflict resolution, social work, community engagement, or criminal justice.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to remain neutral and empathetic.
• Understanding of community dynamics, social issues, and historical and contemporary policing challenges.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Candidate can self-certify a minimum of 200 hours of mediation experience.
• Knowledge of CPD policies, directives, and orders.
• Experience working with diverse communities and law enforcement agencies using restorative justice practices for conflict resolution.

Skills:

• Conflict de-escalation and negotiation
• Trauma informed interviewing practices
• Cultural competency and sensitivity
• Active listening and emotional intelligence
• Problem-solving and facilitation
• Relationship building and community outreach
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Documentation and reporting
• Must possess general Microsoft Office skills

SELECTION REQUIREMENTS

This contract opportunity requires applicants to complete an interview. Interviewed applicants possessing the qualifications best suited to fulfill the responsibilities of the service contract, based on the interview will be selected.

APPLICATION EVALUATION:  Initial evaluation will be based on information provided on the mediator interest form and the documents submitted. Staff will review applications after the final posting date.  Staff will follow any and all required policies, the City of Chicago Hiring Plan Contractor Policy, federal, state and local laws, and Collective Bargaining Agreements when applicable.