Mediator Training Screening Survey (1 of 2)

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in becoming a mediator through Billings Mediation Center's Conflict Resilience Project (CRP).

Our program provides opportunities for formal mediation training and practical experience through our Mediator-in-Training (M-I-T) program.

Scholarship recipients commit to two years of volunteer service, FOLLOWING completion of both the fundamentals course and the M-I-T program, during which they develop their mediation skills through observation, co-mediation, mentoring, and continued participation in actual cases.

Successful participation requires persistence, scheduling flexibility especially on Mondays and Wednesdays, attention to detail, and a willingness to adapt to mediation opportunities that may arise irregularly or extend beyond their scheduled time.

**Our objective is to make better-informed scholarship and training decisions, not to discourage applicants.**

We want prospective mediators to understand the commitment involved and thoughtfully assess whether their personal and professional circumstances will support their success. There are no preferred employment arrangements, and scheduling limitations do not automatically disqualify applicants. Your responses will help us identify potential challenges, discuss reasonable expectations, and determine whether the program is a good fit for you.

Please answer thoughtfully and candidly. We appreciate your interest in helping expand access to facilitative mediation in our community.

## Section 1 — Background, Training, and Mediation Philosophy

1.Please provide your name and explain your reasons for applying to this program and your future goals regarding the use of mediation skills.

2.Which statement best describes your prior formal mediation training?

I have completed basic or fundamentals mediation training with facilitative components within the past five years and can provide a certificate.

I completed qualifying basic mediation training more than five years ago and am willing to complete an eight-hour refresher course at my own expense.

I have not completed qualifying basic mediation training of at least 24 hours with facilitative components and am interested in obtaining this training.

Other (please explain).

**Mediation Styles**

Please review the Mediation Styles before answering Questions 3–6.

If you have not yet practiced mediation, select the option indicating that you have not performed that style.

3.How would you describe your experience with Strictly Evaluative Mediation?

Primarily Evaluative with instances of Directive

Primarily Evaluative with instances of Facilitative

I do not perform Strictly Evaluative mediation.

I have no experience with mediation yet

4.How would you describe your experience with Directive Mediation?

Primarily Directive with instances of Evaluative

Primarily Directive with instances of Facilitative

I do not perform Strictly Directive mediation.

I have no experience with mediation yet

5.How would you describe your experience with Facilitative Mediation?

Primarily Facilitative with instances of Directive

Primarily Facilitative with instances of Evaluative

Primarily Facilitative with a goal of Transformative where possible

I do not perform Facilitative Mediation.

I have no experience with mediation yet

6.How would you describe your experience with Transformative Mediation?

Primarily Transformative relying on Facilitative

Primarily Transformative with instances of Directive

Primarily Transformative with instances of Evaluative

I do not perform Strictly Transformative Mediation.

## Section 2 — Skills and Readiness

7.Please rate your level of attention to detail. Use this tool for reference: Attention to Detail

Attention to Detail Level I

Attention to Detail Level II

Attention to Detail Level III

I have difficulty with attention-to-detail behaviors.

8.Please rate your ability to manage multiple responsibilities involving organization, prioritization, scheduling, and delegation.

Basic proficiency

Intermediate proficiency

Advanced proficiency

I have difficulty managing multiple responsibilities.

9.Please rate your proficiency with online communication technology, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or similar platforms.

Basic proficiency

Intermediate proficiency

Advanced proficiency

No proficiency, but willing to learn and accept guidance.

10.Please rate your proficiency with web applications, including Google Drive, Google Email, Microsoft Word and Excel, Adobe Acrobat, and DocuSign.

Basic proficiency

Intermediate proficiency

Advanced proficiency

No proficiency, but willing to learn and accept guidance.

## Section 3 — Availability and Scheduling Flexibility

11.How much flexibility do you have to adjust your regular schedule to participate in mediation opportunities?

Considerable flexibility; I generally control my schedule.

Moderate flexibility; I can rearrange commitments with advance notice.

Limited flexibility; I must obtain approval or arrange time away.

Very limited flexibility; my schedule is generally fixed.

My availability varies significantly.

12.How much advance notice would you typically need to participate in a mediation lasting approximately 2–4 hours?

3–7 days

1–2 weeks

More than 2 weeks

My availability depends on other commitments.

13.During which periods could you generally participate in mediation or mentoring?

Weekday mornings

Weekday afternoons

Weekday evenings

Other (please explain).

14.What circumstances might limit your ability to participate consistently in the M-I-T program?

Employment or professional obligations

Limited paid time off or vacation

Caregiving or family responsibilities

Transportation or travel limitations

Other ongoing commitments

No significant limitations anticipated

Other (please explain).

## Section 4 — Persistence and Service Commitment

15.The M-I-T program depends on actual case referrals, court schedules, and mentoring opportunities. How comfortable are you with a training process in which opportunities may be irregular or require schedule adjustments?

16.What strategies would you use to remain engaged and continue progressing through the M-I-T program when mediation opportunities are limited or scheduling becomes difficult?

17.Scholarship recipients commit to two years of volunteer service with the Conflict Resilience Project following formal training. Having considered the scheduling and participation expectations, how confident are you in your ability to fulfill that commitment?

Very confident

Somewhat confident

Unsure; I would like to discuss the expectations.

I anticipate significant challenges.

18.Is there anything else you would like us to understand about your availability, scheduling flexibility, or circumstances that could affect your participation?

## Closing Message

Thank you for completing the Billings Mediation Center's Mediator Training Screening Survey.

Your responses will help us better understand your interests, experience, availability, and readiness for the practical demands of mediation training.

Our goal is to help prospective mediators make informed decisions about their participation while strengthening the long-term sustainability of the Conflict Resilience Project.

Following review of your responses, we may contact you to discuss your goals, answer questions, or explore the next steps in the training and scholarship application process.

We appreciate your interest in becoming part of our mediation community.