How does the human services worker integrate the use of mediation, or third party neutrality, when he or she also serves as an advocate for the client and is an employee of the agency?
Verrrry carefully.
Mediators need to be aware of their own biases, whether related to the client or agency, and do their best to minimize the effects of these biases. They need to allow all sides to present their arguments.
In reaching any recommendations (since they are mediators rather than arbitrators), it helps to explain the criteria used in making the decisions. Also more than one option can be presented for dealing with the problems, giving the potential assets and liabilities of each option.
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.