Supervision of supervisory practice: From idea to practice

Abstract

Little is known about how social work supervisors can be equipped and supported. A qualitative evaluation of a supervision of supervisory practice (SOSp) training programme with nine supervisors with 2 years of experience was done. Benefits for the supervisors were the application of knowledge and skills that improved the supervisory practice, and the opportunity to receive feedback. However, lack of time was a major obstacle for quality supervision. Supervisees reported experiencing a more collaborative supervision and an increase in confidence and perception of competence in case management. This exploratory study highlights the importance of developing competencies in the education and support functions of supervision.

Un modelo práctico de supervisión de Trabajo Social de apoyo en Portugal: entre la seguridad de las personas mayores y el autocuidado personal

“…This social work practice demonstrated that supervision is fundamental for and in professional development and professional quality (Choi, 2017;Newcomb, 2022;Tsui, 2005), given it emphasizes the management of emotions, especially in complex situations such as (illness, death, suffering) as well as work overload (more hours of work, more tasks related to public health rules, etc.) (Beddoe et al, 2022;Wong et al, 2022).…”

“…The supervisor is frequently a Social Work professional with a lot of experience in pedagogical supervision and support. It is one of the main requirements for the development of supervisory processes, i.e., supervisors in addition to having case management skills, they must have pedagogical training and supervision support (Wong et al, 2022).…”

“…In fact, Wong et al, (2022) highlighted the same views by stating that a supervisory process benefits professional by enhancing the application of knowledge and skills that improve supervisory practice and the opportunity to receive feedback. It was also discovered that, a more collaborative supervision boosts professionals' confidence and competence in case management (ibid.).…”

“…It was also discovered that, a more collaborative supervision boosts professionals' confidence and competence in case management (ibid.). Relatedly, in Wong et al (2022) exploratory study, the importance of developing competencies in the education and support functions of supervision are captured and emphasized.…”

Supervision Effects on Negative Affect and Psychological Distress: Evidence from Social Workers in China

“…Social work supervision also involves administrative, educative, and supportive functions, each working in tandem to ensure that social workers are supported in their work, delivering professional, quality services, and that clients are being protected from harm [36][37][38]. Research on social work supervision has shown that supervision not only improves the quality of services that social workers provide to clients [39][40][41][42][43][44], but that supervision also reduces work stress and increases job satisfaction amongst supervised social workers [45][46][47][48]. Mor Barak et al performed a meta-analysis of 27 social work supervision studies.…”