Alternative Dispute Resolution Supervisor

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 119,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission invites applications for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department Supervisor in Richmond. You will lead a team of mediators, assign work, monitor performance, and provide development opportunities while ensuring ethical, responsive service.

This role requires independent judgment on complex cases, strong mediation principles, and collaboration with the ADR Managing Deputy Commissioner as a backup.

Qualifications

• Certified General District Court Mediator or eligible for waiver.
• Alternative Dispute Resolution experience.
• Experience supervising employees.
• Experience applying mediation principles to resolve issues.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment on sensitive matters.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience coordinating multiple assignments and priorities.
• Strong computer skills including Office apps and databases.
• Willingness to travel overnight.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop ADR staff, assign work, monitor performance, and support development.
• Oversee daily operations to handle mediation requests, case assignments and inquiries.
• Provide guidance to mediators on case processing, ethics, and complex situations.
• Review work in electronic files for accuracy and policy compliance.
• Apply mediation techniques to facilitate communication and mutual agreement.
• Serve as backup to the ADR Managing Deputy Commissioner for independent decisions.
• Support training, reporting, process improvements, and outreach for ADR services.

Skills

Leadership

Mediation

Independent judgment

Communication

Time management

Office skills

Travel readiness

Education

Mediation training

Tools

Case management systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Title: Alternative Dispute Resolution Supervisor

State Role Title:Alternative Dispute Resolution Supervisor

Hiring Range: $79,657-.$119,485 (Pay Grade 9 out of 14 grade pay scale)

Pay Band: UG

Agency: VA Workers' Compensation Comm

Location:RICHMOND HEADQUARTERS

Agency Website:https://www.workcomp.virginia.gov/

Recruitment Type: General Public - G

Are you a leader who can navigate complex situations, guide others, and help people find common ground?

The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is seeking an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Department Supervisor to lead a team dedicated to helping parties navigate disputes and work toward meaningful resolutions. This role combines people leadership, mediation expertise, sound judgment, and independent decision-making to support daily operations, guide staff through complex cases, and ensure ethical, responsive service.

You'll also serve as a key partner and backup to the ADR Managing Deputy Commissioner, helping keep the department moving forward. If you're passionate about developing people, solving problems, and making a difference through effective dispute resolution, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Lead and develop ADR staff, including assigning work, monitoring performance, providing feedback, and supporting employee development.
• Oversee daily department operations to ensure mediation requests, case assignments, and inquiries are handled accurately and timely.
• Provide guidance to mediators and staff on case processing, mediation appropriateness, ethical considerations, and complex situations.
• Review work assignments and electronic case files to ensure accuracy, appropriate documentation, and compliance with Commission policies and mediation ethics.
• Apply mediation and conflict-resolution techniques to facilitate communication, address concerns, and help parties work toward mutual agreement.
• Serve as backup to the ADR Managing Deputy Commissioner, making independent operational and ethical decisions when needed.
• Support employee training, department reporting, process improvements, and outreach efforts promoting ADR services.

You May Be A Great Fit If

• You're an experienced leader who knows how to coach employees, manage performance, and create accountability.
• You have a strong understanding of mediation principles, ethical practices, and dispute-resolution processes.
• You're comfortable making independent decisions involving complex or sensitive situations.
• You can evaluate information objectively, recognize potential ethical concerns, and determine appropriate next steps.
• You communicate effectively with employees, attorneys, medical providers, and individuals with differing perspectives.
• You can balance multiple priorities while keeping your team organized, supported, and productive.
• You approach difficult conversations with professionalism, discretion, and a focus on resolution.

What To Know About This Role

• This is more than a traditional supervisory position. Along with managing daily operations and employee performance, you'll be expected to provide substantive mediation guidance and step into additional program responsibilities when the ADR Managing Deputy Commissioner is unavailable.
• The department handles sensitive information, complex cases, and interactions with individuals who may have competing interests or high expectations. Confidentiality, ethical judgment, and the ability to make sound decisions independently are essential.
• You'll also need to become familiar with the Commission's case-management systems, internal processes, and applicable workers' compensation procedures.
• The position is telework eligible, with in-person attendance required for meetings and operational needs. Occasional work outside normal business hours and overnight travel may be necessary.

VWC Compensation Structure

Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is an independent agency which allows us to have a more competitive and unique pay structure. This position is a pay grade 9 based on a 14 grade pay structure. Our positions are not classified under DHRM's pay bands.

Telework Structure

• Our agency is currently using a hybrid model for teleworking. Our positions currently are not 100% teleworking.
• However, we do have a liberal telework policy in place and all candidates would be expected to report to our Headquarters as requested.
• Telework scheduling is at the discretion of the position’s supervisor, the Executive Director, based on the business needs of the department.
• Upon hire, candidates should expect to have all training and orientation conducted at the Headquarters Office, or as required.

Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission Overview

Led by a Senior Leadership team consisting of three Commissioners, an Executive Director, and a Chief Deputy Commissioner. Our mission is to serve injured workers, victims of crimes, employers, and related industries by providing exceptional services, resolving disputes, and faithfully executing the duties entrusted to us by the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our vision is to lead the nation as the most effective and innovative state agency. VWC demonstrate seven core values: innovation, respect, accountability, reliability, impartiality, integrity, and effectiveness.

We are a "Virginia Values Veterans" (V3) official certified state agency that supports Veterans and Members of the Reserves and/or National Guard. If you are a Veteran or Spouse of a Veteran or Active Military Member, we urge you to respond accordingly on your state application. Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage diversity within our workforce. Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission does not provide sponsorship for employment.

VWC has been recognized as a Top Workplace for the past several years in the Richmond Region and in the country. It is the recipient of the following awards:

• 2022 - 2026 Top USA Workplace
• 2021 - 2026 Top Workplace Richmond Region
• 2023 - 2025 Top Award for Mid-Sized Companies
• 2022 - 2023 Doers Award
• 2024 Manager's Award
• 2025 Leadership Award, McGill

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently certified as a General District Court Mediator through the Supreme Court of Virginia or certified as a mediator in another state and eligible to receive a waiver of the training and mentor requirements based on the applicants background and experience. The waiver is granted in the sole discretion of the Supreme Court of Virginia’s Division of Dispute Resolution Services.
• Possesses Alternative Dispute Resolution experience.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or managing employees, including assigning work, providing feedback, and addressing performance.
• Experience applying mediation or dispute-resolution principles to evaluate situations, facilitate communication, and resolve complex issues.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, analyze information, and make sound decisions involving sensitive or confidential matters.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to manage challenging interactions professionally.
• Experience coordinating multiple assignments, managing competing priorities, and ensuring timely completion of work.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications and experience working with databases or electronic case-management systems.
• Must be able to travel overnight occasionally.

Additional Considerations

• Experience in workers' compensation, insurance claims, court administration, legal services, or a related environment.
• Education, training, or professional experience in mediation, conflict resolution, dispute resolution, or a related field.
• Knowledge of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act, applicable regulations, and Commission procedures.
• Experience reviewing mediation cases, evaluating ethical considerations, or determining the appropriateness of mediation.
• Experience developing or delivering employee training and improving operational processes.

Special Instructions

You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.

Contact Information

Name: Amy Habel

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

In support of the Commonwealth’s commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.

Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.