Ambassadors of Reconciliation

Job descriptions for Ministry Director, Case Administrator, and Reconciler

© 2009 Ambassadors of Reconciliation. All rights reserved. Permission is herein granted to copy and adapt these job descriptions in developing Reconciliation Ministries. For more information on these jobs, enroll in our Church Reconciler Training course or see the book Cultivating Lifestyles of Reconciliation.

Director of Reconciliation Ministry Job Description

________________________ [name of organization]

Reconciliation Ministry

Reconciliation Ministry seeks to equip and assist people associated with [name of organization] in reconciliation. Our ministry is defined as a Christian conciliation ministry in the Rules of Procedure for Christian Conciliation (Rules) of Peacemaker® Ministries), and this ministry is operated pursuant to the Rules.

POSITION: Director of Reconciliation Ministry

ACCOUNTABLE TO: ____________________[may be a person or a board]

PURPOSE: To serve Reconciliation Ministry of [name of organization] by providing overall direction consistent with the Scriptures, serving our organization’s mission, and pursuant to the Rules.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Make certain that confidential information received and gathered in connection with the work of Reconciliation Ministry is held in the strictest confidence. Such matters shall be discussed only with the appropriate supervisors, Reconcilers, staff, consultants or clients.
Be completely familiar with the Rules and model case forms, and keep informed about new changes or recommendations made by Peacemaker Ministries or Ambassadors of Reconciliation. The Director of Reconciliation Ministry must be knowledgeable and able to confer with the Case Administrator whenever questions arise on cases. The Director and Case Administrator must closely follow all Rules and know which Rules apply to certain cases. In addition, the Director of Reconciliation Ministry needs to monitor the work of the Case Administrator ensuring that the appropriate forms are all being utilized for the right situation.
Serve as the main promoter of Reconciliation Ministry. Keep everyone associated with [name of organization] informed about Reconciliation Ministry. Provide regular communications through articles, presentations, brochures, and other media, utilizing other Reconcilers to assist. Answer initial questions about the ministry, referring specific case questions to the Case Administrator.
Recruit, select, train, and supervise the Case Administrator, in accord with the policies of [name of organization].
Write and implement policies to guide the Case Administrator in the roles of assigning coaches, mediators and arbitrators to cases.
Serve as a Reconciler in appropriate cases.
Seek opportunities for teaching peacemaking. Serve as a teacher and presenter, and assign other Reconcilers to also teach Bible classes, make presentations, and serve in other teaching opportunities as they arise.
Research new reconciliation procedures, resources, and training sources, and keep the [person to whom Director is accountable] and all the Reconcilers informed about what is available. Implement new procedures that fall within the Director’s responsibilities.
Plan and provide for continuing education, planning and encouragement for Reconcilers. Utilize the Case Administrator in training Reconcilers for completion of all necessary forms in their work. Ensure that meetings include Scripture readings and prayer. Training should always be scripturally sound.
Working together with the Case Administrator, ensure that appropriate and accurate records are maintained and stored in a location which protects confidentiality, including:
• case files for all types of cases, including general inquiries, coaching, mediation, and arbitration;
• all correspondence;
• expense forms and reports for all case and ministry work;
• other confidential files as needed.
In addition, ensure that:
• case forms for all types of reconciliation cases are available to all who need them.
• all other files required for Reconciliation Ministry are properly maintained.
Coordinate development and preparation of the budget for Reconciliation Ministry, and provide it to _____________________ as required. Monitor all payables and receivables of Reconciliation Ministry, and report to __________________ as required.
Coordinate the requests for purchasing equipment and furniture with the ____________________ [supervisor or other person responsible].
Sign all reconciliation agreements on behalf of our Reconciliation Ministry.
Approve, arrange, and sign for consulting services regarding reconciliation matters for Reconcilers or other organization leaders.
Provide regular reports to [supervisor], protecting confidences of parties.
Work with the Personnel Committee of [name of organization] to implement the appropriate personnel policies and procedures for staff and volunteers of Reconciliation Ministry.
Recruit, screen and recommend to [the supervisor] candidates to serve as Reconcilers for Reconciliation Ministry. When appointed, help Reconcilers arrange for their training. Supervise all Reconcilers, providing regular reviews.
When necessary, make recommendations to [supervisor] for removing a Reconciler from service, documenting reasons consistent with the organization’s policies.
Determine what biographical information should be provided to parties about Reconcilers, including:
• all training that a Reconciler has received for reconciliation work;
• a description of his/her professional experience and education;
• a description of his/her other service work in Christian ministry;
• other information which the Reconciler provides to the Case Administrator.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date information on all reconciliation training offered at [name of organization], maintaining lists of people who participated in training. In addition to planning future teaching events, this information may be helpful in recruiting new Reconcilers.
Establish Reconciliation Ministry goals and objectives by prioritizing related programs, managing the use of facilities and equipment, planning an appropriate budget, delegating tasks and evaluating progress regularly.
Work with appropriate boards, pastors, officers and other leaders to carry out Reconciliation Ministry of [name of organization].
Attend staff meetings and retreats [and meetings of the supervisor] as requested by [supervisor].
Cooperate with [supervisor] by performing any other duties when asked to do so.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed courses in Christian reconciliation, including at least:
• personal peacemaking;
• coaching people through conflict;
• mediating people in conflict;
• introductory training for arbitrating disputes for conflicted parties.

The Church Reconciler Training Course by Ambassadors of Reconciliation meets these basic requirements.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Case Administrator Ministry Job Description

________________________ [name of organization]

Reconciliation Ministry

POSITION: Case Administrator

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Reconciliation Ministry

PURPOSE: To serve Reconciliation Ministry of [name of organization] by providing case administration pursuant to the Rules and appointing Reconcilers to serve on specific cases involving coaching, mediation or arbitration.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Make certain that confidential information received and gathered connected with the work of Reconciliation Ministry is held in the strictest confidence. Such matters shall be discussed only with the appropriate supervisors, Reconcilers, staff, consultants or clients.
Be completely familiar with the Rules and model case forms, and keep informed about new changes or recommendations made by Peacemaker Ministries or Ambassadors of Reconciliation. The work of the Case Administrator must closely follow all Rules and know which Rules apply to certain cases. In addition, the Case Administrator must know which forms need to be completed and request the appropriate form for the right situation.
Respond to all initial inquiries for Reconciliation Ministry:
• answering questions regarding Reconciliation Ministry resources and services;
• providing initial materials to those inquiring, including a copy of our Reconciliation Ministry brochure, a copy of Guidelines for Christian Conciliation, and other introductory materials;
• describing service options;
• providing interview agreement forms, requesting signatures before any reconciliation services are provided, including coaching;
• providing initial coaching;
• collecting intake information for new cases;
• referring those cases not appropriate for Reconciliation Ministry to other ministries or services as appropriate.
Coordinate the assignment of coaches, mediators and arbitrators to cases.
Serve as a Reconciler in appropriate cases. (It is not appropriate that the Case Administrator serve as an arbitrator or as a mediator in mediation/arbitration cases.)
Schedule mediations and arbitrations after gathering information on availability for all persons involved.
Send all appropriate notices to parties, parties’ advisors, and Reconcilers for cases. Collect all intake and case data from parties for the disbursement to assigned Reconcilers and other parties and their advisors. Maintain copies of material disbursed and accurate records of all material received and sent out. When requested, send out all decisions and communications from Reconcilers to parties. In cases involving arbitration or mediations with special legal issues, all notices shall be sent with return receipt requested. All arbitration decisions shall be sent out with return receipt requested.
Invoice and collect all fees and deposits required for reconciliation services. Manage all accounts receivable for reconciliation services and resources. Notify Director of Reconciliation Ministry of any late payments.
Prepare all requests for payments of bills and fees for services and submit them to _______________. Monitor all payables of Reconciliation Ministry, and report any past due payables to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
Arrange for appropriate meetings places:
• for coaches (if requested by the coach);
• for mediations, providing for separate caucus rooms;
• for arbitrations, providing for parties’ separate caucus rooms.
If requested by the mediator or arbitrator, set up the rooms for mediation and arbitration including Bibles, note pads, pencils, flip chart and markers, “Slippery Slope” cards, “Announcing God’s Grace” pamphlets, refreshments, and other items necessary (see checklists). The lead Reconciler is responsible for indicating which items the Case Administrator should provide in the room; all other items on the checklist are the Reconciler’s responsibility.
If requested by the mediator or arbitrator, arrange for meals to be delivered or reservations for meals.
Following reconciliation services of coaching, mediation, or arbitration, send out evaluation forms to all parties.
• Maintain all responses in a separate file.
• Provide copies to all Reconcilers who worked on the case.
• Provide copies to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
Coordinate and monitor purchasing of resources for Reconciliation Ministry, supplies and other items, maintaining an adequate inventory of reconciliation resources and supplies for coaching and mediation, all in accord with approved budgets and organizational purchasing policies.
Research new reconciliation procedures, resources, and training sources, and report them to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
As requested by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, train Reconcilers and monitor their work for completion of all necessary forms in their work.
Working together with the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, ensure that appropriate and accurate records are maintained and stored in a location which protects confidentiality, including:
• case files for all types of cases, including general inquiries, coaching, mediation, and arbitration;
• all correspondence;
• expense forms and reports for all case and ministry work;
• other confidential files as needed.
In addition, and in cooperation with the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, ensure that:
• case forms for all types of reconciliation cases are available to all who need them;
• all other files required for Reconciliation Ministry are properly maintained.
Prepare required budget requests for case administration and submit to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
Prepare all reconciliation agreements for parties and Reconcilers. Sign informational letters as Case Administrator, and submit reconciliation agreements to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry for signature.
Provide regular reports to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry as requested for his/her reports, protecting confidences of parties.
Recommend to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry candidates for Reconcilers to serve in Reconciliation Ministry.
Maintain accurate, up-to-date biographical information on each appointed Reconciler for providing to parties. Information shall include:
• all training that a Reconciler has received for reconciliation work;
• a description of his/her professional experience and education;
• a description of his/her other service work in Christian ministry;
• other information which the Reconciler provides to the Case Administrator.
The Director of Reconciliation Ministry shall make the final determination of additional information which may be included.
As requested by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, maintain accurate, up-to-date information on all reconciliation training offered at [name of organization], maintaining lists of people who have participated in training.
Attend staff meetings and retreats [and meetings of the supervisor] as requested by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
Cooperate with the Director of Reconciliation Ministry by performing any other duties when asked to do so.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS: Must have completed courses in Christian conciliation, including at least:
• personal peacemaking;
• coaching people through conflict;
• mediating people in conflict;
• introductory training for arbitrating disputes for conflicted parties.

The Church Reconciler Training Course by Ambassadors of Reconciliation meets these basic requirements.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Reconciler Job Description

________________________ [name of organization]

Reconciliation Ministry

POSITION: Reconciler

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Director of Reconciliation Ministry

PURPOSE: To serve the Reconciliation Ministry of [name of organization] through teaching, coaching, mediating, and arbitrating, serving our organization’s mission, and pursuant to the Rules.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Make certain that confidential information received and gathered in connection with the work of Reconciliation Ministry is held in the strictest confidence. Such matters shall be discussed only with the appropriate supervisors, Reconcilers, staff, consultants or clients.
Be familiar with, and work according to, the Rules and model case forms, and keep informed about new changes or recommendations made by Peacemaker Ministries or Ambassadors of Reconciliation. Use appropriate forms in all work for Reconciliation Ministry.
Be familiar with the “Standard of Conduct for Christian Conciliators,” as defined in Guidelines for Christian Conciliation (produced by Peacemaker Ministries). Conduct all reconciliation work according to these standards.
Serve as an example to others by living the biblical truths about peacemaking, seeking to apply the Four G’s in all personal conflicts: Glorify God, Get the log out of your own eye, Gently restore, and Go and be reconciled.
Seek informal opportunities for teaching peacemaking. Inform the Director of Reconciliation Ministry about all presentations. Serve as a teacher and presenter as assigned by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, including teaching or leading Bible classes, making presentations, and serving in other teaching opportunities as they arise.
Serve in the following roles as assigned by the Case Administrator, using the Scriptures, reconciliation resources for homework and guidance, and the processes described in reconciliation training and the Rules:
• Coach;
• Mediator or co-mediator;
• Arbitrator or co-arbitrator.
Notify the Case Administrator of any potential conflicts of interest when assigned to a case (see Rule 11). Provide written documentation so that all parties are aware of the potential conflicts of interest prior to working with the parties. Also notify the Case Administrator if assigned to a case for which the Reconciler is not qualified.
Provide arrangements for coaching, mediation, and arbitration in coordination with the Case Administrator. Be responsible for providing that all items necessary are available when needed, including room set up, case file and forms, and reconciliation resources. Ask the Case Administrator in advance of meetings if help is needed for arranging the room or ordering meals.
Provide regular reports to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry, protecting confidences of parties. Provide appropriate updates to the Case Administrator.
Research new reconciliation procedures, resources, and training sources, and keep the Director of Reconciliation Ministry informed about what is available.
Seek opportunities for continuing education. Participate in continuing education for reconciliation services as planned by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry or Case Administrator
Review with the Director of Reconciliation Ministry any evaluation forms and letters received from parties following services provided.
Notify the Case Administrator of supplies needed for reconciliation resources.
Maintain accurate records of all reconciliation work. After completion of a case, provide all file information to the Case Administrator for final filing and storage, including:
• case files for all types of cases, including general inquiries, coaching, mediation, and arbitration;
• all correspondence;
• expense forms and reports for all case and ministry work;
• other confidential files as needed.
Recommend to the Director of Reconciliation Ministry candidates for Reconcilers to serve in Reconciliation Ministry.
Provide accurate, up-to-date biographical information to the Case Administrator for providing to parties. Information shall include:
• all training that a Reconciler has received for reconciliation work;
• a description of his/her professional experience and education;
• a description of his/her other service work in Christian ministry;
• other information which the Reconciler believes helpful for parties.
The Director of Reconciliation Ministry shall make the final determination of information that will be provided to parties.
Attend staff meetings and retreats as requested by the Director of Reconciliation Ministry.
Cooperate with the Director of Reconciliation Ministry by performing any other duties when asked to do so.

The Church Reconciler Training Course by Ambassadors of Reconciliation meets these basic requirements.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: