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.
| 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 |
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.
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 16 January | Applications for Mentors Open |
| 10 February | Mentor Applications Close |
| 10 February | Applications for mentees Open (Cycle 3 waitlist) |
| 20 February | IF REQUIRED - Applications for mentees open to general membership |
| 28 February | Mentee Applications Close |
| 1-14 March | Pairing / matching review |
| 14-28 March | Communication of results to all applicants |
| 4 April | Online information session for all mentors and mentees |
| 7-10 April | Easter |
| 11 April | Formal Program commences |
| 30 June | Mid-program review and survey |
| 12 September | Post program review and survey |
| 10 October | Online conclusion event for all mentors and mentees |
| 13 October | Formal 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.
