Become a Mediator in Missouri

Why join AMM? We welcome everyone to join us who has  an interest in mediation and what it can accomplish to constructive resolve disputes and misunderstandings. You do not have to be a trained or experienced mediator to join.  We have resources and support to help you develop mediation skills if that is your goal.

What can I expect in a career in mediation?  Mediators find their work challenging but also very rewarding and fulfilling. This is a developing field.  In addition to training and experience, a  career as a full-time mediator requires significant time devoted to networking and marketing. Many mediators augment their mediation work with other employment. There are many jobs that  draw on mediation skills such as business risk management, collections, counseling, court administration, education, human resources, and sales. Mediators are often engaged by agencies and organizations  by contract rather than full-time employment. Missouri has several community mediation organizations where  mediators can volunteer or work on a sliding scale. 

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 What is required to be a mediator in Missouri? People of all backgrounds and educational attainments can become mediators. Missouri does not license this profession. There is no "certification" of mediators in the state. (The national Model Standards prohibit a mediator from claiming to be certified when there is no official program for certification.) Some mediation programs do have specific educational requirements. It is advisable to check with specific programs and organizations about their expectations for training and experience.

Mediating for the Courts: Mediators taking referrals from the state court system must meet the training requirements of Missouri Supreme Court Rule 17 for civil mediation generally and Missouri Supreme Court Rule 88 for domestic relations mediation (see the rules at www.courts.mo.gov). The Missouri Bar maintains the list of mediators who meet the Supreme Court requirements (known as the "Rule 17 List"). An application form may be obtained from The Missouri Bar, which administers the statewide list for the courts. There is no cost to be included on the Rule 17 List. Federal Courts in the Eastern and Western Districts of Missouri also have requirements for mediators handling federal cases and maintain lists of mediators.

Where to get Core Training in Missouri:  "Core" (basic) mediator training is available from numerous trainers. Basic training can involve as little as 16 hours for civil mediation up to 40 hours for family dispute mediation. The following organizations offer training periodically in Missouri. Individual trainers also offer mediator training (see the training events list on this site).

After training, where to get mediation experience:  A newly trained mediator will want to gain experience to build skills, confidence, and proficiency. It is recommended that a mediator handle at least one case per month to maintain skills. The following programs invite newly trained mediators:
The Seventh Judicial Circuit (northern Kansas City/Clay County) invites newly trained mediators to observe and co-mediate for the Small Claims and Landlord/Tenant mediation programs. Call the Office of Dispute Resolution Services at 816.736.8400.
The Sixteen Judicial Circuit (central Kansas City/Jackson County) has similar court connected programs and welcomes volunteers. Call Division 29 at 816-881-3000
The Twenty-first Judicial Circuit (St. Louis County) also offers opportunities for mediating small claims and housing court disputes. Contact Mike at 314-423-1462.
CONFLICT RESOLUTION CENTER OF ST. LOUIS CITY is a nonprofit organization that provides professional disputes resolution services are accessible to all residents. www.stlresolutioncenter.org  or contact info@stlresolutioncenter.org
CONFLUENCE MISSOURI is a non-profit that trains and works with mediators to provide mediation in the St. Louis City and County. www.confluencemissouri.org  or call 314-699-9235
MARCH Mediation Inc. also works with newly trained mediators around the state to develop skills in domestic relations mediation. For information see their website:  www.marchmediation.org
Opportunities with the federal government:  Go to usajobs.gov and create a profile to find internships in mediation.
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Continuing Education:  Mediators are encouraged to participate in continuing education every year.  The AMM Annual Conference and the Heartland Mediators Association annual conference are excellent sources for advanced training. The Heartland Regional Conference of Mediators, sponsored by four mid-western statewide mediation associations, for a conference every two years. Go to our "Training" page for information about upcoming opportunities.

Job Opportunities: Jobs for dispute resolution professionals, including mediators, are listed on the following websites.  AMM Members are also alerted to openings available locally through our quarterly newsletter The Communicator and via periodic email alerts.