A descriptive study explored the current state of supervision of experienced social workers in agencies. Demographic information as well as answers pertaining to the quantity, format, content, and assessment of supervision were received from 198 respondents. A significant amount of individual, on-going supervision by social workers continues to be provided in agencies. The positive assessment of supervision included its ability to provide a supportive relationship, increase clinical skills, help meet job requirements, add to professional development, and enhance personal growth. Experienced practitioners continue to want clinical supervision, value autonomy in obtaining it but often feel that social work supervision lacks consistent expertise. Implications for the profession are discussed. A group of process-oriented clinicians with a strong interest in supervision began meeting in the early 1980's to discuss agency-based supervision of master's level social workers. The focus of interest quickly became the supervision of experienced clinicians since little attention had been given to this area. Both the amount of supervision that is provided in current agency practice and the attitude of experienced clinicians toward supervision at this level concerned the group. A survey was conducted by the study group to examine the "state of the art."
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Greenspan et al. (1992) studied this question.