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Frequently Asked Questions
1.Why is an NQP mentoring scheme being launched now?
The NQP mentoring scheme coincides with a number of significant events happening
in the field of speech and language therapy in Singapore at this time.
The number of newly-graduated speech and language therapists (SLTs) is set to increase
at an unprecedented rate. With the new MSc (Speech and Language Pathology) program
at NUS, an estimated 60 locally-trained NQPs will be entering the workforce in the
next 5 years. Combined with NQPs returning from overseas studies, approximately
110 NQPs will join the workforce by 2013, doubling the current number of SLTs in
Singapore. It is critical that new graduates receive the necessary support to provide
a solid foundation to their working experience.
In 2008, the Ministry of Health announced plans to regulate allied health professionals
in Singapore, including SLTs. In future, it is likely that NQPs would initially
be given a one-year provisional registration, which can be converted to full registration
when the new graduate achieves a set of competency criteria. While talks on licensing
progress, SHAS decided to set in place the one-year mentoring scheme to help NQPs
develop the competencies for independent practice.
Thirdly, as Singapore gears up to be the biomedical hub of Asia, high quality supervision
and mentoring will motivate NQPs to stay in a field that is increasingly recognised
for its contribution to improving quality of life across the lifespan, building
fundamental literacy and communication skills in our young, and advocacy for persons
with different communication needs.
2.Are NQPs fully qualified to practice as speech and
language therapists?
Yes, NQPs are graduates of recognized Speech and Language Pathology degree programs.
NQPs have entry-level clinical skills to practice as SLTs, primarily for managing
non-complex cases. Nevertheless, it would be unrealistic to expect an entry-level
therapist to have had clinical experience in all clinical areas, nor to be competent
to manage complex cases, without access to supervision, guidance and support from
more experienced clinicians.
3.In what areas will the one-year mentoring scheme help
NQPs?
The one-year mentoring scheme will pair an experienced SLT with an NQP. Through
regular contact (both onsite and off-site), mentors will provide guidance to NQPs
in order to develop their clinical skills for more complex cases. Mentors will also
help NQPs develop general work-skills for working with clients and caregivers, and
administrative skills for caseload management.
4.What are the time and financial commitments involved
in the one-year NQP mentoring scheme?
Time commitment
SHAS recommends the following number and format of on-site mentoring sessions:
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Time Qualified
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Amount of Supervision
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1st - 2nd month
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2 sessions a week, total 8 hours/week
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3rd - 4th month
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1 session a week, total 4 hours/week
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5th - 9th month
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1 session fortnightly, total 4 hours/fortnight
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10th - 12th month
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1 session monthly, total 4 hours/month
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Total contact time between NQPs and mentors is estimated to be a minimum of 148
hours (37 sessions) in the entire year (or about 3 hours a week, which is minimal
compared to supervision received by NQPs working with senior SLTs on-site full-time.)
The supervision schedule may be adjusted depending on the mentor and NQP’s schedule,
as long as the minimum number of hours is met during the year.
Financial commitment
Mentors would be paid at a standard hourly rate, which is monitored
by SHAS and compares to the fees of clinical services in the restructured hospitals.
The cost of on-site mentoring sessions would range from $250 to $400 per session.
(Based on current market prices – April 2009) Hence, based on the above format,
total cost would range from $9,250 - $14,800 per year. Employers pay mentors directly
for supervision provided. SHAS will not charge any fee or earn commission from this
scheme.Cost of off-site contact would be charged at a similar rate and would depend
on the number of contact hours between the mentor and NQP. The terms of the contracts
between mentors and employers should be negotiated directly between the 2 parties
in advance.
5.How did SHAS decide on the recommended duration of
the program?
This was based on established mentorship models for new SLTs in other countries.
For example, in the UK, NQPs are required to work under supervision for at least
1 year and up to 2 years before becoming eligible for full membership of the UK
professional association of SLTs (Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists).
In the USA, NQPs complete 9 months of supervised practicum before taking an exam
and being qualified to work independently.
6.Is the duration of the NQP mentoring scheme fixed for
one year?
No, the duration may vary depending on the NQP’s needs and mentor’s recommendations.
It is expected that most NQPs would require at least 9 months in the mentoring scheme
in order to achieve the required competencies and skills for independent clinical
practice. The duration of mentoring may also be extended up to 2 years if necessary.
7.Can an employer interview and select the desired mentor?
Yes, it is recommended that the employer selects a senior SLT with relevant experience
and who has provided mentoring in the past. References from previous organisations
the mentor has worked with will be valuable. If the employer is not able to find
a suitable mentor, please do not hesitate to contact SHAS for assistance.
8.What forms of evaluation will be conducted by mentors
of the NQPs’ competency?
The “Transitional Competency Framework for NQPs” will be used for this purpose.
Mentors must ensure that NQPs are familiar with this assessment framework within
the first few meetings. An initial evaluation should be done after the first 6 months
of clinical practice, and a second evaluation after 12 months. It should always
be carried out with the NQP to ensure understanding of individual areas of strengths
and weaknesses.
Additionally, NQPs will receive ongoing feedback and guidance from their mentors.
At the end of 12 months, the Transitional Competency Framework must be signed by
the mentor and submitted by the NQP, to SHAS in order for the NQP to transition
to Ordinary Membership of SHAS.
9.My organization has existing performance evaluation
criteria for employees. How will this affect the Transitional Competency Framework?
Mentors will work with employers to identify commonalities and, where possible,
merge appraisal criteria, in the organisation’s existing performance appraisal forms
and the Transitional Competency Framework. Where necessary, mentors will also ensure
that the competencies in the Framework are adapted to suit the organisation’s particular
needs.
Employers will be kept informed of their NQP’s progress during the year. They will
receive copies of the written evaluations completed by the mentors (described above
in Item 8), indicating the NQP’s competency to work independently in the areas required
in that post.
10.What support will SHAS provide to NQPs, mentors
and employers during the one-year NQP mentoring scheme?
Mentors will receive training in CBOS (Competency Based Occupational Standards,
Speech Pathology Australia) and COMPASS (COMpetency ASSessmentTM in Speech Pathology)
(Modules 1-3) provided by the MSc (Speech and Language Pathology) at NUS. A ‘Mentors
Network’ organised by SHAS will provide a further platform fortraining and discussion
of issues faced by mentors.
SHAS will organize a 6-monthly feedback-cum-networking session for NQPs to discuss
any issues arising during their first year of work.
SHAS will also email employers after 6 months to gather feedback on the progress
of the scheme for their NQPs. Employers may contact SHAS with any concerns or queries
about the scheme via email to secretary@shas.org.sg
at any time.
11.My organisation has a tight training budget, and
we are planning to employ an NQP as our sole SLT this year. What are the benefits
of enrolling the NQP in SHAS’ proposed one-year mentoring scheme?
SHAS strongly recommends NQPs working in organisations without senior SLT colleagues
(i.e. SLTs with at least 5 years’ experience) to participate in the mentoring scheme.
The mentoring scheme would serve as a training program, providing professional guidance
to the NQP to manage a range of cases of varying clinical complexity, and developing
the NQP’s interpersonal client-management skills and general administrative skills.
If funding is limited, mentoring in some of the non-clinical skills may be taken
over by non-clinical staff within the same organisation.
The mentoring scheme helps to ensure the quality of clinical services provided to
the organisation’s clients by the NQP. Additionally, the mentor can advise the NQP
on the development and setting up of new services. For managers, the mentor would
be able to provide input on clinical competencies so that appraisals for the NQP
will be thorough and constructive.
12.Can an experienced SLT do group mentoring for NQPs
and less experienced SLTs on site?
Mentoring in groups should be kept to not more than 3 NQPs in a group. This is to
ensure that all NQPs participate effectively in the program.
Mentors can also support SLTs with less experience on site who themselves may provide
for some aspects of the mentoring programme for the NQPs. This is a possible way
to reduce the costs of engaging an external mentor. The evaluation at 6 and 12 months
should still be signed off by the experienced SLT in the end.
13.What will happen if an NQP doesn’t get involved
in the mentoring programme?
NQPs who are not in a mentoring programme will not be able to apply for Ordinary
Membership with SHAS. When regulation of SLTs under the Ministry of Health takes
effect, this may mean that they will not be granted full registration.
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