Supervision in Social Work

This paper reviews the status of the social work labor force engaged in supervision as a primary or secondary function based on 1995 data drawn from the full membership of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Changing patterns are illustrated through comparisons to 1988 and 1991 NASW data. The demographics, areas of practice, auspice of practice, and career development patterns of this sub-set of social workers are explored. Significant trends include the decrease in the proportion of NASW members holding supervisory positions and the dearth of supervisors in the for-profit sector. These labor force trends are then discussed within the context of actual and potential changes in the purposes and practice of social work supervision, particularly in a managed care environment, and the implications of such changes for the profession.