This article discusses the results of a job analysis conducted by the Mediator Skills Project at the University of Georgia in collaboration with the Voluntary Mediator Certification Project of the Academy of Family Mediators. Five other dispute resolution organizations across the United States assisted with this project. This article provides the findings in terms of the areas of knowledge and skills that the mediator should possess in order to fulfill the requirements and expectations of such a role. Information was derived from detailed journals kept by skilled mediators and the insight and input of a team of project advisors and collaborators.

The knowledge areas identified as necessary for a skilled mediator are: Administrative Practices and Procedures, Personal Skills and Limitations, Mediation Models, Mediation Process, Problem-Solving Techniques, Interpersonal Dynamics, Theories of Social Change, Conflict, Communication, Information Gathering, Solution/Agreement Formation, Cultural Issues, Power and Control, Inform/Disseminate/Educate/Teach, Alternatives to Mediation, Knowledge of Resources Outside of Mediation, How to Interact with People Outside the Mediation, and Ethical Issues.

The skill areas identified as necessary for a skilled mediator are: Administrative, Mediator Error Correction, Mediation Process Management, Problem Solving, Relationship Management and Encouragement, Critical Thinking, Communication, Information Gathering, Dealing with Information, Cultural and Diversity Competency, Power and Control, Education and Dissemination of Knowledge, and Ethical Issues.