Speak Out Digital Edition June 2016

Professional Support

Spot light on Professional Support

Getting the most out of partnerships

An important part of the Speech Pathology Australia Mentoring Program is ongoing support and evaluation of the program and individual partnerships.

One of the ways this is achieved is through phone contact with mentees and mentors in the program two months into their partnership. This is a great way for us to find out key issues arising for mentees and mentors and to provide support at this early stage of the partnership. The majority of mentees and mentors report high levels of satisfaction with their partnerships and few report any issues with the partnership. Two key issues for mentees and mentors to be mindful of are: 1. Is mentoring being used as a substitute for clinical supervision? If the mentor is spending more than two hours per month (one hour per month is recommended) and/or discussions are predominantly focusing on developing clinical competence. If this is the case it is advised that options to establish regular clinical supervision for the mentee are explored. 2. Are there systems in place to ensure the partnership is ongoing for at least six to 12 months? If it has been agreed that mentees will contact mentors “as needed” there is more opportunity for partnerships to lose momentum and focus. Setting goals and scheduling contact at regular intervals, for example monthly, helps to ensure time is set aside for reflective practice for both the mentee and mentor, helps maintain focus

on goals and ensures each person gets the most out of the partnership. For any information about the Speech Pathology Australia Mentoring Program go to: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/members/ mentoring For information about supervision go to: www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/members/ supervision For all enquiries regarding mentoring, supervision or other professional support options contact Meredith Prain psa@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au Meredith Prain Professional Support Advisor

Go to the members webpage now

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June 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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