title: The mediator role in social work practice.
abstract: The frameworks and skills of a mediator are indigenous to social workers. Mediation's purpose and place in human problem solving are inherent in the definition of social work practice. Decisions about assuming the mediator role with clients require that social workers weigh desired outcomes and constraints of the role. Helping client systems assume power and efficacy to negotiate problem resolution is a needed empowerment-oriented strategy in social work practice. Teaching client systems to negotiate and mediate for themselves may result in mutually agreeable solutions and growth and attitude change on the part of the client.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, CO 80208.
authors.forename: R J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Parsons
mesh_terms: D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D017008:Negotiating; D011340:Problem Solving; D012947:Social Work