Program Associate

Program Summary

A program of Child and Family Services, the Community Mediation Center (CMC) helps individuals and organizations throughout WNY to have difficult conversations through mediation, conflict coaching, and Restorative Justice initiatives toward peaceful and meaningful solutions and resolving disagreement.

CMC is part of a statewide network of Community Dispute Resolution Centers that provides free and low-cost dispute resolution programs that support disputing parties to develop their own solutions to matters that might otherwise bring them to court or have already put them in litigation. Services are provided by a team of professional staff and trained, volunteer community mediators.

Position Summary:  

This entry-level staff position is responsible for the management of cases referred for mediation, conflict coaching and restorative practices.  Cases handled may include youth, parenting, small claims, community, broader family disputes and more.  CMC’s primary referral sources include courts throughout the 8^th Judicial District (WNY), public and private agencies, community professionals and self-referrals.  Program Associates are expected to complete our Basic Mediation and Conflict Coaching trainings and apprenticeship.  Almost endless opportunities for professional development in advanced areas of mediation and restorative practices are available to all Program Associates and become a unique perk of working with this team. 

This position currently offers a hybrid work environment with a combination of an in office, at Erie County Family Court, and work from home schedule. Candidate may be required to join other CMC staff in coverage of extended hours on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

A day on the job as a Program Associate includes:

• Talking with members of our community about their disputes and explaining our services by phone or in-person. This includes supporting individuals as they share emotional and difficult stories about conflict that is taking a toll on their day-to-day life.


• Screening parties to determine the appropriateness of a matter for mediation and/or ability of a party to effectively engage in the mediation or conflict coaching process.


• Scheduling mediations and assigning mediators or other ADR professionals to provide the service as part of the complete case management process.


• Initiating, maintaining and closing electronic case records with great attention to detail.


• Hosting sessions either in-person, at our CMC offices in Buffalo and Jamestown or in various community locations across WNY, or on our virtual mediation platform.


• Mediating as needed (upon completion of extensive training and supervision).

Our best candidate:

Believes that:

• Resolving conflict is an important key to the overall health of our neighbors and our community,


• the parties involved in a dispute can and should be provided the opportunity to develop their own solutions, and


• diversity in ideas and in people fosters an atmosphere of equity and inclusion which is fundamental to the practice of community mediation.

And has:

• An Associate’s Degree or equivalent knowledge and experience with conflict resolution and direct client service.


• Experience in mediation, conflict resolution and/or working with people in high conflict situations.


• Excellent interpersonal engagement skills and can put people at ease quickly over the telephone and in person.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and online conferencing platforms.


• A commitment to maintaining accuracy and paying attention to detail in the utilization of caseload management system.


• Superior organizational skills to juggle multiple competing priorities and meet deadlines.


• The ability to remain level-headed and cool under pressure.


• Flexibility and willingness to adapt responsibilities according to program needs.


• A demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team-based environment.


• Willingness and ability to travel to and work in a variety of settings, including virtually, within C+FS office, courts and community offices and, occasionally, travelling outside of WNY for statewide meetings or professional development opportunities.

Competitive Pay Rate of $25.00 per hour

C+FS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment

• Paid Time Off (PTO), paid holidays and bereavement time


• Employer Paid Life Insurance


• Medical insurance options


• Dental insurance options


• Vision insurance options


• Wellness Program and Incentives


• Health Savings Account (HSA)


• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)


• Dependent Care FSA Retirement


• Employee Referral Bonus


• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)


• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Child and Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child and Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.