Mentoring Program

Welcome to the AASW Mentoring Program for 2023

Run annually the from April to October 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.

Applications for 2023 have closed.

We will shortly publish an Expression of Interest form for those who are keen to be notified to apply for the program in 2024.

 

When will I find out if I've been accepted into the program?

All mentees and mentors will be advised of the outcomes of their applications by 21 March via email.

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.

SupervisionMentoring
Usually, a requirement in the workplace or for professional accreditationVoluntary
Usually for duration of employment or accreditationTemporary
Inherent power imbalance. Supervisor is usually of a higher classification and evaluates performanceEquality
Focus on education, support, and accountabilityFocus on growth and development of the mentee
Can be linked to performance assessmentsNot evaluative
Examine and critically reflect upon personal and professional values and the implications for practiceBroader discussions at a theoretical, career and practical level
Current role focusLong term broader focus
Often based on availability and often no choice of supervisorRelationship based on needs, experience, and choice
Relationship focused on strengthening professional identity and practiceRelationship is collaborative and confirming
Formal relationshipLess formalised

The process

The application process will be conducted in separate stages:

  • Mentors: 16 January – 10 February (Mentors from Cycle 1 & 2, waitlisted mentors and general membership)
  • Mentees: 10 February – 28 February (waitlisted mentees)
  • General membership mentees (if capacity permits)

 

Please note, for ALL participants, the application form for Cycle 3 is different from Cycle 2, so if you are interested in the program in 2023, you need to apply again this year.

First, are you eligible to participate?

Eligibility (Mentor)
  • Financial member of the AASW
  • Minimum of five (5) years practising social work
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Desire to contribute to the future of the social work profession
  • Retired or life members are especially encouraged to apply.

 

Eligibility (Mentee)

Any financial member of the AASW (any category), including but not limited to:

  • Internationally qualified social workers who are new to the Australian social work profession
  • Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work (Qualifying) students
  • Recently graduated from Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work (Qualifying).

Mentoring handbook

Further information can be found in the Mentoring Program handbook.

DateAction
16 JanuaryApplications for Mentors Open
10 FebruaryMentor Applications Close
10 FebruaryApplications for mentees Open (Cycle 3 waitlist)
20 FebruaryIF REQUIRED - Applications for mentees open to general membership
28 FebruaryMentee Applications Close
1-14 MarchPairing / matching review
14-28 MarchCommunication of results to all applicants
4 AprilOnline information session for all mentors and mentees
7-10 AprilEaster
11 AprilFormal Program commences
30 JuneMid-program review and survey
12 SeptemberPost program review and survey
10 OctoberOnline conclusion event for all mentors and mentees
13 OctoberFormal Program concludes

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.