Brief Job Description:

Under the general direction of the Deputy Director, the Community Mediator role will be part of a team working to advance the Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) goals. OPAT was established in 2020 to provide an additional point of entry for individuals with concerns or complaints related to the Boston Police Department (BPD) sworn and civilian personnel, in addition to working on policies and procedures that build positive relationships with the community and internally in the BPD.

The Community Mediator will play a key role in building positive relationships between the community and the BPD. The Community Mediator will serve as an initial point of contact for complainants seeking remedies that can be resolved directly by the parties to remedy a given situation via mediation. The Community Mediator will work closely with the OPAT Investigative Team and be a vital conduit between the OPAT office and the community. The position requires a high level of professionalism, confidentiality, diplomacy, and patience. The successful candidate should be devoted to the mediation process, be able to work collaboratively with multiple teams and departments, and consistently communicate effectively and clearly, both orally and in writing.

• Serves as OPAT’s Community Mediator for all complaints against BPD sworn and civilian personnel.
• Educates complainants and BPD personnel regarding the mediation process.
• Stays up to date on the latest developments in mediation techniques.
• Manage and prioritize assigned caseload.
• Function as a neutral third party without bias toward any individual or group.
• Create a supportive, safe environment when faced with people in conflict.
• Adhere to all ethical standards of mediation practice.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Works with community partners to educate about OPAT and the mediation services.
• Respects parties rights while maintaining and upholding the parameters of confidentiality.
• Works with the Executive Staff to develop the Mediation program and outreach.
• Presents at Board meetings.
• Represents OPAT at community meetings, events, public gatherings, including during the evenings and/or weekends, as needed.
• Occasional travel required.
• Performs related work as required.

• Minimum of three (3) years experience working in an office setting preferably in a busy work environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Law, Political Science, Psychology, Business or a related field required; may be substituted for two (2) years of the required experience.
• Strong knowledge of both the theory and experience with the practice of mediation.
• Has good working knowledge and understanding as to applicable discrimination and harassment laws, specifically under M.G.L. c.
• Handles conflict and emotional situations effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a willingness to work both individually and as part of a team.
• Bilingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese and Vietnamese).
• Exercise confidentiality and discretion with highly sensitive information and demonstrate sound judgment.
• Knowledge of the City of Boston’s neighborhoods.
• Knowledge and/experience with the Boston Police Department.
• Able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to be resourceful and proactive when issues arise.
• Possesses strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrates personal accountability.
• Ability to maintain well-organized case files and other materials.
• Contribute towards the success of others with organizational tasks.
• Independently manage project-based work.
• Strong time-management skills to handle multiple tasks according to stated timelines in a busy office.
• Ability to think strategically and proactively.
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, as well as the Google Suite is preferred.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and focus on detail as required by the job.

Boston residency required.

Terms:

Union/SalaryPlan/Grade:MM2-8

Hours per week: 35