SASKATCHEWAN LIFE SKILLS ASSOCIATION

1. MENTORING CIRCLES

Mentoring circles have been set up in SLSA’s four regional zones. We are inviting volunteers who meet the criteria to participate in the pilot project beginning in the spring of 1997. Two Mentors from each zone will meet regularly with Interns from their area to work through the Accreditation portfolios. The format of these meetings will be decided upon by all the participants. Co-Mentors may supervise a maximum of five Interns as part of a regional zone mentoring circle.

When a candidate asks to begin the accreditation process, a list of Mentors including their addresses and short autobiographies will be sent to them.

In the event of a disagreement between the Mentors and Interns, members of the Accreditation Committee will be available to hear appeals and can be invited to intervene in the problem-solving process.

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2. RECORD KEEPING

A candidate becomes an Intern when SLSA has been notified that Mentors have agreed to participate. An accreditation file for the Intern will then be opened to keep a record of status. This will include a copy of the application for Internship, the names of the Mentors, the recommendations of the Mentors, and any other relevant information. The Intern and Mentors will also have copies of the application or other suitable confirmation from the SLSA Accreditation Co-ordinator.

The Intern will maintain his/her own portfolio throughout the process, and it will be forwarded to SLSA upon completion for permanent documentation. It is recommended that the Intern keep a personal copy for future reference.

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3. CONFLICTS OF INTEREST

It is recommended that Mentors avoid supervising those Interns who are relatives or intimates, who have a working relationship, who have taken formal training from them in the past or who may present any other conflict of interest. SLSA can be requested to help clarify possible conflicts of interest situations prior to the start of mentoring. SLSA will consider exceptions to this principle when no other options are available.

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4. MENTOR'S ACTIVITIES

A) INITIAL ASSESSMENT: The initial assessment will involve: reviewing the initial application; checking the resume and letters of reference; facilitating an initial interview to determine suitability and explore Intern's competencies and goal for development; observing the Intern's work.

B) DEVELOPING AND MONITORING THE TRAINING PLAN: The Co-Mentors and Intern will develop a plan for the Intern to learn, practise and demonstrate those competencies which have yet to be observed. This may involve observation and feedback sessions in the field by the Mentor or a Field Observer who has agreed to provide feedback to the Intern and Mentors. The Mentor will also take responsibility for the completion of the competencies checklist in the portfolio (workbook) kept by the Intern.

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5. EVIDENCE OF COMPETENCE

Since competencies are observable behaviours, they will be demonstrated to an observer. An Intern can arrange to be observed by their Mentor(s) or by a Field Observer who will agree to report their observations. A Field Observer can be from the Intern’s workplace or may be a teacher or trainer involved with the Intern. The Intern is also encouraged to make use of videotapes from which a Mentor may observe competencies. It is important to stress that a Mentor’s role is only partly that of evaluator; more importantly they provide feedback and support.

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6. COMPLETING THE PROCESS

When the Intern and Mentors agree that the Intern has demonstrated all the competencies, the Co-Mentors will inform SLSA in writing and recommend that the Intern be recognized by the Association with an Award of Accreditation.

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7. APPEAL PROCEDURE

In the event of a disagreement between the Interns and the Co-Mentors regarding the evaluation of one or more competencies, the Accreditation Committee will be available to assist with mediation and problem solving.

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8. COMPENSATION

No fees will be charged by the Mentors. However, the Mentors are not to incur any personal expenses. Any costs for meals, travel, telephone, accommodation, etc. will be covered by the Interns. Reimbursement for expenses will be negotiated between Co- Mentors and Interns.

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9. ACCREDITATION COMMITTEE

During the pilot project, the Accreditation Committee will oversee and monitor the process. A representative from the SLSA Executive will be included. Meetings of Mentors will be arranged periodically for training, information sharing and problem solving. As more participants become involved, SLSA may establish a Council of Mentors similar to other provinces.

The Accreditation Committee will be responsible for:
setting and revising guidelines based on feedback from participants;
orientation and support for new Mentors;
hearing cases of appeal;
marketing the accreditation process.