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PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM
The purpose of the program is to provide a link between a mentor who is a senior member of the profession with a graduating social work student, a recent graduate, a social worker re-entering the profession or one new to the area. The program is open to all no matter what area of concentration or special interest in the field of social work.
The mentee is assigned to an individual mentor upon receipt of the application. Additional services offered are support groups and an annual licensing workshop provided by members of the Clinical Society. It is expected that a mentee will want ongoing contact with the mentor as someone to turn to with professional questions. Some mentees seem to want only one meeting. Contact may be by phone but some personal contact is encouraged.
CALLING FOR MENTORS AND MENTEES
The GWSCSW Mentor Program
(men*tor: a wise and trusted counselor and teacher)
In Greek mythology, Mentor was Odysseus’s trusted guide. And whether sailing the
high seas in search of adventure or merely wishing to have some direction in
one’s career as a clinical social worker, a mentee can gain much in a mutually
respectful mentor/mentee relationship…and, indeed, so can the mentor.
GWSCSW is reenergizing its Mentor Program. Recent MSW graduates and social
workers resuming practice, new to the Washington Metro area or contemplating
changing an area of clinical focus after years of practice, may be appropriate
mentees.
The Mentor Committee is currently also recruiting
those interested in becoming mentors: more experienced clinical social workers
willing to help someone consider his/her goals and act as a sounding board,
providing guidance and advice.
What are some common issues a new or returning social worker would like
assistance with as a mentee within the program?
- job search strategies,
- advice on how to handle tough situations with co-workers or boss in a new job,
- information about licensure
- group support alongside other new or transitioning social workers, and
- assistance with strategies for starting a private psychotherapy practice,
- continuing development of a professional self.
(Note: The role of the mentor is not to provide psychotherapy or supervision to the mentee. If these are your needs, the Referral Panel is the appropriate resource.)
Benefits of the program from one previous mentee
were cited, “GWSCSW’s mentoring program gave me the opportunity to connect with
someone informally as much or as little as it was meaningful. It helped me get
acquainted with starting a private practice when I was new to the area. It gave
me a local person to call and ask questions.”
Mentees. The following are some guidelines for successfully making the most of
your mentoring experience and establishing a mentoring/mentee relationship as a
mentee (Wolter, 2004).
- Acknowledge that you would like some help.
- Be clear about your unique challenge (What do you desire from the experience?)
- Talk to your mentor to ensure s/he is expert in the area you are seeking help.
- Make an appointment convenient to your mentor (invite your mentor to lunch or coffee)
- Clearly state your goals, your main challenge, and what steps you have taken to attain them.
- Ask questions that can be answered in a few minutes:
- What are three action items I can take to resolve this issue?
- What mistakes can I avoid given your experience?
- Brainstorm and share ideas and strategies that have worked
- Are there any pertinent articles or books on the topic they can recommend?
- Show appreciation for your mentor (i.e. send a thank you note or email; keep them informed as to how their guidance was helpful).
Mentors.
How does one know if he/she is an effective mentor? When a mentor presents an issue, problem or question this forms the basis of what the he or she intends to explore or resolve professionally (Green, 1997). The main indicator of success is a positive and productive experience for the mentee. Whether it takes only one meeting or phone call (or even emails) the initial visit can present the groundwork for the tasks, obstacles and success indicators for the mentee/mentor relationship.
Mentors bring their clinical experience including insight, decision-making skills, and knowledge of professional activities and behaviors. Being experienced as a part of the Metro-Washington D.C. clinical social work culture offers advantages, including a “big picture” perspective oftentimes not evident to novices to the profession or this area. Nonetheless, mentors must determine their competence and the relevance of their experience as it relates to the individual case interests and goals of their prospective mentee.
It may be that newcomers’ needs are best served by a short group experience. Mentee support groups will be formed to supplement individual mentoring opportunities.
If you are interested in participating in the program as either a mentor or a mentee, contact the Mentor Chair Sheila Rowny at 301-365-5823 or email srowny@aol.com.
The applications are in PDF format. PDF files will open in a new browser window. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Viewer installed, you can download a FREE copy of it in order to view/print these files. Click on the "Get Acrobat Reader" button to get your copy today.
