Mentoring Program
Welcome to the AASW Mentoring Program
Run annually the from March to September the AASW Mentoring Program facilitates a formally structured program that pairs a member mentor with a member mentee,
and enables member social workers to participate in a program that seeks to resolve, develop, or advance a member’s interests.
The program provides a forum for social workers at all stages of their careers or professional journey to develop an on-going mentee / mentor relationship with another social worker facilitated by regular meetings and discussion of matters relating to professional or personal challenges, in a supportive framework. The program’s purpose is not to facilitate a participant to find work through their partnership but instead foster knowledge sharing, insights and learnings which can co-facilitate each other’s objectives for joining the program.
What is mentoring?
Mentoring is a relationship in which an experienced individual (mentor) provides guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual (mentee). This guidance can encompass various aspects of personal and professional development. Mentoring is a dynamic relationship in which the mentor shares their expertise, insights, and life experiences to help the mentee develop professionally, personally, or academically.
Why have a mentor?
Mentoring is not limited to just the early stages of one’s career. It can be valuable at all levels of professional development, including senior positions. It’s not just about getting started; it’s about continuous improvement and adaptability in the ever-evolving world of work. Whether you’re just starting out or in a senior leadership role, there’s always something to learn and gain from a mentor.
Difference between Mentoring and Supervision
While both mentoring and clinical supervision involve guidance and support from experienced professionals, they serve different purposes and are applied in different professional contexts. Mentoring is broader and more versatile, while clinical supervision is more specific and focuses on ensuring the quality of clinical practice.
| Supervision | Mentoring |
|---|---|
| Usually, a requirement in the workplace or for professional accreditation | Voluntary |
| Usually for duration of employment or accreditation | Temporary |
| Inherent power imbalance. Supervisor is usually of a higher classification and evaluates performance | Equality |
| Focus on education, support, and accountability | Focus on growth and development of the mentee |
| Can be linked to performance assessments | Not evaluative |
| Examine and critically reflect upon personal and professional values and the implications for practice | Broader discussions at a theoretical, career and practical level |
| Current role focus | Long term broader focus |
| Often based on availability and often no choice of supervisor | Relationship based on needs, experience, and choice |
| Relationship focused on strengthening professional identity and practice | Relationship is collaborative and confirming |
| Formal relationship | Less formalised |
What is the AASW mentoring program
The program provides a forum for social workers at all stages of their careers or professional journey to develop an on-going mentee / mentor relationship with another social worker facilitated by regular meetings and discussion of matters relating to professional or personal challenges, in a supportive framework.
The program’s purpose is not to facilitate a participant to find work through their partnership but instead foster knowledge sharing, insights and learnings which can co-facilitate each other’s objectives for joining the program.
What the mentoring program is NOT
- Free supervision. Mentoring is not supervision and should not be seen as a substitute.
- Coaching to obtain AASW credentials. Your mentor may share their journey to obtaining their credential, but they are not to coach or support you in applying for a credential. A credential application should contain your own work and knowledge.
- A job finding or industrial relations service.
- A mentor can provide invaluable support and guidance across a range of topics including mental health, they are not your therapist.
Am I eligible to provide mentoring (mentor)?
- You need to be a financial member of the AASW and maintain your membership throughout the program.
- Minimum of five (5) years practising social work
- The program runs for 6 months, March – September, with the expectation that you meet with your mentee at least monthly.
- Excellent communication skills
- Have a desire to contribute to the future of the social work profession and be willing to share your knowledge and expertise with your mentee.
- If you are a person that loves what you do, enthusiastic about sharing your passion, regularly set and meet professional and personal goals, you would make excellent a mentor.
Am I eligible to receive mentoring (mentee)?
- You need to be a financial member of the AASW and maintain your membership throughout the program.
- The program runs for 6 months, March – September, with the expectation that you meet with your mentor at least monthly.
- Mentoring is mentee (the person receiving mentoring) led, you need to be organised and proactive.
- It is expected that if you apply and are accepted to the program you will commit to completing and respect the time of your mentor.
- You need to be willing to learn and grow but also to share your knowledge with mentors in return.
- You need to have an open mind and behave respectfully towards your mentor.
Informal mentoring relationships
Are you already in an informal mentoring relationship? If so, let us know and you can apply to formalise it through the AASW Mentoring Program. We can support you with guidance and resources. Both parties have to be members of the AASW for us to provide this service. Just another great reason to join AASW!
Remember, AASW membership includes professional indemnity and public liability insurance. Mentoring is a social work activity and you would be covered under our policy if you join.
The AASW Community Hub: Mentoring Group
We have set up a special Mentoring Group in the AASW Community Hub. It operates very similarly to a Facebook Group. Network with your fellow mentoring program participants and reflect on the program. You will need to log into the website to access the Hub.
CPD
Did you know that participating in the Mentoring Program counts towards your CPD?
If you are a mentee, you can claim hours to Category 1. The AASW CPD Policy recommends a minimum of 10 hours in this category. You should note that mentoring is not clinical supervision. You can find a social worker offering professional supervision on our Find a Supervisor portal. [link to portal]
If you are a mentor, you can claim hours to Category 3. The AASW CPD Policy recommends a minimum of five hours in this category.
