Speak Out December 2018

SPOTLIGHT ON PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT

Clinical supervision has broad benefits to the speech pathologist being supervised, their employer, their clients, and their profession. However, to optimise the supervision process for all involved it is important to plan, monitor and evaluate supervision. Together with other resources to support the supervision process, there is a set of definitions and templates which will assist with planning, monitoring and evaluating your supervision processes on the Speech Pathology Australia website via Members > Clinical Supervision. For any queries related to supervision contact psa@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au (Tuesday only) Supervision: Some elements you might be missing that can save you time

PLAN Planning should involve completion of a mentoring agreement or contract which will outline form and frequency of planned supervision, supervision goals, responsibilities, and other details which will guide and support the success of the process. A supervision agreement or contact is necessary whether supervision is provided internally or externally to clarify expectations and guide the process. MONITOR Equally important are monitoring and documenting the supervision process and maintaining these records in the same way case notes are maintained. These notes provide a record of what was discussed and agreed upon for future reference if needed. Planning forms and supervision records can be completed during the supervision session and can result in saving time, confusion, and stress resulting from misunderstanding or miscommunication if expectations, actions and discussions are not documented, even if only in point form. EVALUATE Finally, as with any process, it is important to evaluate the supervision process at regular times to ensure it is achieving its desired aims and is operating as effectively as possible for all involved, including: supervisee, supervisor, line manager and organisation.

Meredith Prain Professional Support Advisor

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December 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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