JCPSLP Vol 14 No 1 2012

the Competency Based Occupational Standards (CBOS) are also available to provide guidance for the breadth of professional practice. Clinical guidelines and position statements provide information about scopes of practice, theoretical models, and workplace applications for specific topics and issues. 5 Ethics The current Code of Ethics was launched in 2010, reflecting the changes in professional practice, the nature and complexity of issues raised, and an increase in the lodgement of formal complaints. All ethics enquiries and complaints are handled by the Association’s

the Association. To find out more or to join, visit http://www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/member-networks-mn Special Interest Groups are made up of members and non-members and provide information to maintain and advance current skills, provide opportunities for networking, and discuss topical issues. For more information, go to http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resources/ special-interests-groups 8 Seeking Employment The Association’s website Job Board is an excellent resource for those seeking employment or wishing to

advertise vacant positions. Various of the Association’s publications also contain advertisements for other positions or overseas recruitment companies. Those wishing to work overseas

Senior Advisor Professional Issues and referred to the standing Ethics Board if required. The Board then investigates alleged breaches of the code and provides recommended actions to SPA’s National Council. The Board is active in upholding standards of professional practice and in applying principles that inform ethical decisions. The Senior Advisor Professional Issues can be

in the USA, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, and New Zealand may also be assisted through the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of

Professional Association Credentials . SPA is a signatory to an MRA with five sister associations: American Speech-Language- Hearing Association, ASHA (USA); Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists, CASLPA (Canada); Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists, RCSLT (UK); Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists, IASLT (Ireland); and New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists’ Association, NZSTA (NZ). The MRA recognises that the six member countries have substantially equivalent credentials so it is possible for certified or full members of one association to become recognised by the others. This does not ensure migration to any of the other countries or employment, but the possibility of professional recognition. Further information can be found at: http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org. au/membership/overseas-qualifications-assessment Guidance and tailored information for new graduates is also available, starting with the Graduate Information webpage. Containing useful links and FAQs, the webpage is designed to help new members of the profession make the transition from student to fully fledged speech pathologist! http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ education-and-careers/graduate-information 9 A national voice for lobbying and advocacy A key component of the Association’s vision is to be an informed and influential peak body and to advocate for the interests of those with communication and swallowing difficulties. SPA does this actively by preparing submissions, meeting with local and federal politicians, and providing comment and information as expert spokespeople on representative committees or in the media. Much of this work is driven by the Association’s Strategic Plan 2011– 2013. All of the Association’s lobbying activities can be found on the website, including current and past briefing papers, our 2010 Federal Election Platform, supporting media releases, and submissions. An important part of our lobbying work is to have strong and nationally consistent key messages, with all members informed of these and the Association’s key objectives. Members interested in lobbying at a state or federal level will be supported through the Practice, Workplace and

contacted on sapi@speechpathologyaustralia. org.au and the Code of Ethics can be found at http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/library/ Ethics/CodeofEthics.pdf 6 Professional development The Association offers a number of ways to access professional development, including: • attendance at SPA events at member rates including Branch continuing Professional Development (CPD) events, national tours, national videoconferences, Private Practice Member Network (PPMN) business seminars, and the annual national conference. A list of upcoming events, with brochures can be found at http:// online.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/iMIS_public/ Core/Events/Events.aspx • borrowing items – for members only – from the CPD Events Library. More information at http:// www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/continuing- professional-development-cpd/cpd-events-library • access to the online Autism Independent speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/resources/helping- children-with-autism-package/education-a-resources • discussion boards on a variety of topics, free for members http://forum.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ • participation in the Professional Self Regulation (PSR) program leading to certification – for further information go to http://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ membership/professional-self-regulation-psr 7 Mentoring Program, Member Networks, and Special Interest Groups SPA’s Mentoring Program helps practitioners new to some aspect of their role develop their skills, knowledge, and networks by matching them with a more experienced practitioner. For more information, visit http://www. speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/membership/mentoring- program Member Networks are designed to promote and encourage different member groups, like rural and remote, private practice, or education, to contribute to all aspects of Study Resources. These self-directed learning packages are free for members at http://www.

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JCPSLP Volume 14, Number 1 2012

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