Family Mediator in Woking

SearchLight Counselling and Therapy (formerly Relate West Surrey) is a well-established Surrey charity providing relationship support, counselling and family mediation services.

We are seeking an experienced and fully accredited Family Mediator to join our Family Mediation Service. This is an opportunity to work independently while benefiting from the support, infrastructure and reputation of an established charitable organisation.

The successful candidate will manage their own caseload and diary, providing family mediation services to private-paying clients online via Zoom and face-to-face from either or both of our locations. The role is ideally suited to a confident and experienced mediator who enjoys autonomous working whilst maintaining high professional standards and collaborative links with colleagues.

About the Role

The successful candidate will:

• Conduct Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs).
• Provide family mediation services covering both Child-Focused and All Issues (AIM) mediation.
• Deliver mediation sessions online via Zoom and face-to-face in either or both of our locations.
• Prepare all required mediation documentation, including Open Financial Statements, Memoranda of Understanding and Parenting Plans.
• Maintain accurate, confidential client records in accordance with FMC standards and data protection requirements.
• Manage their own diary, bookings and client administration, supported by standard SearchLight documentation and templates.
• Undertake appropriate safeguarding and risk assessments.
• Work in accordance with the Family Mediation Council Code of Practice and all relevant professional standards.
• Participate in professional supervision and quality assurance processes.
• Work independently whilst maintaining communication with the SearchLight team.
• Signpost clients to appropriate support services where necessary.
• Inform clients about available support schemes, including the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.

About You

You will have:

• Full accreditation with the Family Mediation Council (FMC).
• Qualified and experienced in Child Inclusive Mediation.
• Accreditation in both Child-Focused and All Issues (AIM) mediation.
• Experience of working remotely within a mediation service.
• A minimum of three years' post-accreditation mediation experience.
• Previous experience within a charity or not-for-profit environment.
• Ability to conduct and sign off MIAMs.
• Experience of supporting clients through complex family arrangements.
• Current FMC registration and compliance with FMC requirements.
• Commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD), with training records available on request.
• Strong report writing and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a self-employed caseload.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of safeguarding principles and best practice.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice.

Additional Requirements

• Current Professional Indemnity Insurance.
• Enhanced DBS clearance (particularly important for mediators undertaking Child Inclusive Mediation).
• Two professional references, including one from a current or recent Professional Practice Consultant (PPC), employer or professional colleague.
• A primary PPC arrangement in place.

What We Offer

• Flexible, self-employed working arrangements.
• The freedom to manage your own diary and availability.
• Established referral pathways and a recognised community reputation.
• Administrative support for client payments.
• Standardised forms and documentation.
• The opportunity to work remotely while remaining connected to a supportive organisation.
• Access to office facilities where appropriate and by arrangement.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to families across Surrey and beyond.
• This is a self-employed role.
• The mediator needs to submit monthly invoices and work logs.
• All mediation sessions are delivered online via Zoom or face-to-face in either or both of our locations.
• The mediator is responsible for managing their own administration and case records, with the exception of client payments which are processed by SearchLight.
• Diary management is alongside SearchLight client management and both must be maintained in sync.
• The service works exclusively with funded clients and does not provide Legal Aid mediation.
• SearchLight participates in the Family Mediation Voucher Scheme.
• The successful candidate will primarily work independently and should be comfortable working remotely with limited day-to-day supervision.

About SearchLight

SearchLight Counselling and Therapy (formerly Relate West Surrey) supports people of all ages and backgrounds through life's challenges. Our services help individuals, couples, young people, children and families improve emotional wellbeing, strengthen relationships and build resilience