Joining the Practicum

The practicum at PCCDR is one of the most active and largest in Washington. Internship is open to anyone who has completed an approved 40-hour basic mediation training. There is no licensing for mediators in the state of Washington, but this practicum meets the state standards set forth by a coalition of Washington DRC's (see Resolution Washington's website for more information). The following is an overview of what you can expect from your experience:

PRACTICUM & CERTIFICATION

Requirements & Steps for entering the Practicum:

1. Complete the PCCDR 40-hour basic mediation training and receive your Certificate of Completion
2. For those attending a training outside PCCDR:
   1. Submit a copy of your Certificate of Completion of the 40-hour course
   2. Submit a copy of the agenda of the training
   3. Submissions need to be reviewed and approved by PCCDR
3. Mail to PCCDR, attn: Practicum
   1. Internship application
   2. Resume
   3. Complete Practicum Entry Exercise
4. You will be contacted by PCCDR to set up an appointment for an orientation/interview in which you will be asked to:
   1. Sign a Volunteer Commitment & Confidentiality form
   2. Sign a Drug-Free form
   3. Pay for the Practicum ($300 for PCCDR trainees, $400 for others)

Steps to Certification as an Intern in the Practicum:

Certification can be awarded at most of the DRC's in Washington state (see Resolution Washington for a listing of DRC's). Washington state does not have licensing for mediators (very few states do). Through a collaboration of the state DRC's, with consideration for national guidelines, the Resolution Washington has developed a standardization of minimal requirements for mediators. PCCDR meets or exceeds these standards for those joining the Practicum and wishing to be certified as a mediator. Our Center is committed as both a service provider, and a learning Center for mediators.

To be certified by PCCDR, review the following:

Individualized learning development will include:

1. Observe 6-8 mediations and complete observation forms for each (leave in case folder)
2. Satisfactorily mediate a solo mock case that is evaluated by a member of the Certification Committee and includes areas to focus on for growth
3. Satisfactorily co-mediate a minimum of 6 cases with certified mediator practitioners, and have the mediators complete evaluation forms
4. *Request certification when ready
5. Once approved by PCCDR Board,
6. Continued commitment to be an active volunteer mediator for PCCDR over the next 2 year period including volunteering for a minimum of 12 mediations and 6 in-services

*Request complete interview with *Certification committee member at completion of individualized internship (contact Marc or Maralise). Applicant will submit a narrative review of skill development through their internship, plus their plan for further skill development and commitment to PCCDR during their first year of certification. If skill goals are met (as outlined from their mock evaluation), certification is awarded, pending approval from the PCCDR Board of Directors. Otherwise, additional opportunities for skill building are provided in a revised plan.

The training and certification process at the Pierce County Center for Dispute Resolution is consistent with that of the other 18 Dispute Resolution Centers organized under RCW 7.75.

For more information, application materials, or any questions, contact Marc Steiner, Training Coordinator (253) 203-6631 or email: training@pccdr.org