The benefits of supervising overseas-qualified therapists

The Occupational Therapy Council of Australia (OTC) is an independent not-for-profit organisation that aims to ensure standards of education, training and assessment of occupational therapists are maintained and developed so the public is assured of safe and proper practice. The OTC has been appointed by the Occupational Therapy Board of Australia (OTBA) to be the independent organisation to assess the qualifications and

Jan Erven, Director OTC and Chair OTC OQAC

skills of overseas-qualified occupational therapists wishing to practise in Australia.

As part of the assessment process to gain registration in Australia, an overseasqualified occupational therapist must undertake a period of supervised practice with a registered occupational therapist who has held general registration in Australia for a minimum of two years and also has a minimum of two years’ practice experience in Australia. We hope more occupational therapists will take up this opportunity to enhance their supervisory skills, learn more about how occupational therapy is practised in different countries, learn different cultural activities and gain CPD points for their annual registration. If you want to find out more, visit the assessment section of the OTC website: otcouncil.com.au

Below is feedback from supervisors who have found this process to be a rewarding experience for both parties:

All of the occupational therapists I have supervised have all had experience in their own countries prior to making the move to live and work in Australia. We have worked through the supervision process together, and they have all brought enquiring minds and buckets of enthusiasm and stories from their previous occupational therapy skill sets. As in any invested teaching environment, it’s not just about what I have given but also what I have received from each of them along the way. It would definitely have been a lot more stressful if it wasn’t for the support of Julia, who answers my countless emails to the OTC. Julia is so calm and unflappable. The most significant takeaway she gave me was when I understood that the OTC are just as keen for these occupational therapists to be registered in Australia as the occupational therapists themselves. Phew! There is no need to fear a report coming back with a big red cross on it and a “Get on the next plane home”. But instead plenty of gentle guidance, support and clarification. Just as you would expect from occupational therapists! I’ve left the most important question for the end. “Would you do it again?” I’m just about to!

I’ve just submitted the final documents as a supervisor for my sixth overseas-trained occupational therapist. It was definitely not a road I had ever intended to go down, but it has been an engaging journey. When I agreed the first time, I remember thinking: “I’ve been an occupational therapist for over 20 years and have worked overseas. How hard can it be?” And now that I have been asked to reflect back, there are different questions. “Was it confusing at times?” Yes. “Does it take a significant investment of time?” Yes. “Was it stressful?” Occasionally. “Was it worthwhile?” Definitely! “Was it fun?” Yep! I had a great experience as a supervisor, as I really enjoyed teaching and mentoring different clinicians and felt a great sense of pride in supporting clinicians to successfully complete their stage two supervised practice. As a supervisor, I always felt supported by the council regarding the supervision period and if, and when, I had any questions or needed to clarify information. I also felt that the whole supervision process was set up clearly and in detail from the beginning, allowing both myself and my supervisee to set up clear goals and expectations. In addition, I further developed my own skills in providing clinical supervision and providing feedback as part of the supervision period. I would encourage anyone to take part in this great opportunity of being a supervisor.