The OS/HHS Career Mentoring Program is designed to encourage career growth in a rapidly changing work environment by providing a formal method to establish one-on-one relationships. It's an ongoing effort to meet the changing recruitment and retention needs of HHS and is unique in that it allows for cross-Departmental mentoring. Part of this commitment involves providing employees with the tools, training, and support systems they need to develop their full potential.

The OS/HHS Career Mentoring Program will allow mentees to identify and solicit mentors who are experienced, trusted, and knowledgeable individuals. These mentors will help less experienced employees to make the most of opportunities as they become available and to identify career strategies. Mentors will be given the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise as their mentees plan and realize career goals, acquire a better understanding of the HHS mission, and develop their potential for a rewarding career within HHS and the Federal Government.

• Be willing to commit to a year-long program.
• Find their own mentors, with the help of the OS Coordinator if necessary.
• Attend training sessions to learn skills for being an effective mentee (1½ days, plus a ½ day kickoff).
• Meet with his/her mentor a minimum of twice per month, either face-to-face; phone call; e-mail consultation; lunch; etc.
• Keep supervisor apprised of participation via regular contact and complete supervisor acknowledgement form.
• Create a career development plan with the assistance of his/her mentor.
• Attend quarterly workshop sessions conducted by HHS when possible.
• Submit quarterly updates, along with the mentor, on the progress of the mentoring relationship, including a brief summary of meeting, the goals that have been established, and a brief status report on what has been done to accomplish those goals.

• Be willing to commit to a year-long program.
• Attend training sessions to learn skills for being an effective mentor (1½ days, plus a ½ day kickoff).
• Work with mentee to create a career development plan.
• Keep supervisor apprised of participation via regular contact and the supervisor acknowledgement form.
• Assist mentee in preparing quarterly updates.
• Attend quarterly workshop sessions conducted by HHS where possible.

Mentors and mentees should meet twice a month (mentees are actively involved in selecting mentors to work with). Together they establish a career development plan for the mentee that will help the mentee meet his/her goals and objectives through useful work experiences, personal contacts, and exposure to a variety of agency activities. Finally, participation in the program will allow mentees to gain broader perspectives about government in general and more specifically HHS values, programs, and mission.

You must obtain your supervisor's approval to be a mentee or a mentor. Please complete the supervisor agreement form, mentor/mentee agreement, and a career development plan by May 26, 2005 if you are interested in participating. Forms may be submitted to Antonette Fleming, Office of the Secretary Executive Office, HHH Building, Room 749D, 200 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20201.