Mediation and Advocacy in Human Services

The Human Service field is generally defined, but distinctively approaches the objective of meeting the needs of individuals through education and practice. Human Service providers, focus on prevention as well as the remediation of social issues, and maintain a commitment to improving the overall quality of life of service populations through both advocacy and mediation. The Human Services profession focuses on the promotion of an improved service delivery systems through addressing the quality of direct services, and by seeking to improve availability, liability, and organization among human service professionals and the agencies in which they serve (National Organization for Human Services, 2014).

Mediation and Advocacy in Human Service Delivery

Human Service Providers act as both mediators and advocates for clients, families, groups, and communities. The United States Department of Health and Human Services (2014) defines mediation as assisted negotiations and advocacy as process of helping individuals, families, or communities in special populations to acquire specific services or resources vital to reach a basic standard of living (United States Health and Human Services, 2014). Human Service providers not only use mediation and advocacy in their service delivery but are to do so with a willingness to succeed (National Association of Social Workers, 2014).

Mediation

Mediation is a practical process in certain situations where a single solution is not a prerequisite. Mediation is also practical when emotions are strong, tensions running high, or court cost is not affordable. Mediation is also practical when communication between participants is no longer effective or if time is of the essence. Other situations are if participants do not want the dispute publicized and wish to maintain confidentiality. Finally, mediation is a practical solution when participants wish to keep a working relationship. Mediation is usually a process carried out in stages and mediators must adhere to a standard of practice (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).

Introductory Stage

Mediation can be applied in a variety of measures. The United States Department of Health and Human Services uses a basic process broken into three stages to help with any type of mediation process. The first stage is referred to as the Introductory Stage and includes creating a safe environment for all parties involved. The mediator will attempt to discuss issues at hand and provide a process overview for everyone involved. During this stage the mediator will also help to clarify his or her role as a mediator. The mediator will discuss the importance of confidentiality. During this stage, everyone involved must agree to ground rules for conduct in the mediation process. This stage should end with both parties agreeing to share sides without interruption and allow each other to state point-of-views and the outcome each party wishes to reach (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).

Problem Solving Stage

During Problem Solving Stage, participants will focus on issues at hand, special interests, negotiable options for resolution and conditions for evaluating such options. Participants could request to meet separately with the mediator to discuss confidences and have the ability to consider options in a private setting (United States Department of Health and Human Services, 2014).

Closure

During the Closure Stage, participants must decide how and on what terms to reach a resolution to the dispute. The mediator will help the participants to draft a document reflecting any commitments or wishes necessary to reach a settlement in the named dispute. Generally, this agreement usually will need to be agreed upon by all parties involved.