Student Mediator (Paid, Part-Time Placement for Undergraduate Students)

Division of Regional Affairs
Rochester Regional Office
Student Mediator
Reference No. ROC_PUGS_2024_2

Application Deadline is April 19, 2024*
Paid Placement for Undergraduate Students

The Rochester Regional Office is seeking undergraduate students to serve as student mediators for pay. The office
prosecutes businesses and individuals engaged in fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or illegal trade practices. In addition
to litigating, the office mediates thousands of complaints each year from individual consumers. The students will
mediate individual complaints filed by consumers against businesses, answer inquiries from the public on a variety of
topics, and support investigations into larger patterns of fraud or illegality.

Mediation is an informal process where the OAG acts as a neutral third party and attempts to assist consumers and
businesses in resolving disputes on a voluntary basis. A large percentage of these complaints are resolved satisfactorily
through this process. The student will be assigned a docket of complaint files covering a broad range of consumer issues
including retail sales, mail order transactions, credit transactions, telemarketing, warranty problems, home repair, and
automobiles.

The students will learn interviewing techniques and develop analytical skills. While each complaint is reviewed by an
employee, the student typically exercises significant discretion and independent judgment. Professional staff and
attorneys are always available to answer questions. The position affords the student an unusual degree of responsibility
and requires the student to display excellent judgment.

Student mediators also answer phone inquiries from the public. When the call is related to a consumer matter, the
student will assist the caller in filing a complaint and explaining our mediation program. We also receive calls on a range
of topics that are not appropriate for our mediation program. In those instances, the students will help those callers find
the best assistance possible elsewhere. Extensive and ongoing phone training is provided, and students receive support
and coaching from permanent staff. Students develop excellent communication skills, including effectively and
productively handling conversations with dissatisfied callers.

Applicants must be articulate, analytical, creative, and organized. No specific experience is required.

Placement Details

• This placement requires in-office work. On their scheduled workdays, the selected students must be available

to report to the Rochester Regional Office located at 144 Exchange Blvd in Rochester, New York.

• To be eligible for a paid placement, applicants must be able to demonstrate they are full-time students in

good academic standing as defined by their schools. Applications from students who will be starting college or
university during the 2024 fall semester will not be considered.

• Applicants must be available to work 15 hours per week during regular business hours for at least the summer

term (May-August). Students who are available to continue working during the fall semester are strongly
preferred. Please be advised that reappointment for additional semesters/terms is possible but neither
automatic nor guaranteed.

• The selected candidate will be hired as a student assistant and paid the hourly rate of $15.45.
• Applications will be accepted online until April 19, 2024, and this position will be filled on a rolling basis.*
  

• U.S. citizenship and New York State residency are not required, but applicants must be eligible to be employed in

the U.S.

• Applicants are encouraged to learn more about the OAG prior to submitting their applications by visiting the

Divisions and Bureaus and Media sections of the OAG website.

Candidates from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
The OAG is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to workplace diversity.

How to Apply
The following section provides detailed information about the application process and application requirements.
Please review the complete list of instructions prior to preparing and submitting your application materials online.

• Applications for this placement must be submitted online.

ROC_PUGS_2024_2

• The following four (4) documents are required for your application:

1. Cover Letter

• You may address your letter to the Legal Recruitment Unit.
• Indicate why you are interested in a placement with the OAG and what makes you a strong

candidate.
2. Resume

• Ensure your resume is complete and current prior to submitting your application.

3. List of three (3) references.

• Submit only professional (i.e., supervisor or professor) references.
• For each reference, indicate the nature and duration of your relationship.
• Include contact information and email addresses for each reference.
• Please note that your references will not be contacted until after you interview for the

placement.
4. Writing Sample

• Select a sample from an assignment you prepared for school that demonstrates your ability to

analyze and organize information into an effective document.

• We recommend submitting a sample that is 3-5 pages in length.
• Failure to submit a complete application will delay the consideration of your candidacy.

• Please submit your application at least three (3) weeks prior to any deadlines that could impact your candidacy

and note this in your cover letter.

If you have questions about a placement with the OAG, the application process or need assistance with submitting your
application, please contact Legal Recruitment via email at recruitment@ag.ny.gov.