Heidi HUI

Definition of supervisionSupervision is an interpersonal

interaction between supervisor and supervisee.

At least two persons

Social work supervision is essential in determining the quality of service, ensuring the professional development and job satisfaction of

frontline social workers (Harkness, 1995; Harkness and Hensley, 1991; Harkness and Poertner, 1989; Kadushin and Harkness, 2002; Munson, 2002; Shulman, 1993)

Functions of supervisionSupervision has administrative,

educational and supportive function ( Shulman, 1995)

Functions of supervision1. . Educational Function: core component of the professional

supervision of social workersInculcation of professional values,

provision of knowledge, and training in practical skills

Encourage the self-introspection, enhance self awareness and sensitivity.

Functions of supervision2. Administrative function: setting of service objectives and

priorities, clarification of roles, planning and assignment of work, review and evaluation of work, and accountability and responsibility for the supervisee’s work

Functions of supervision3. Supportive FunctionTo deal with job-related issues/

personal issuesTo develop the attitudes and feelings

conducive to effective job performance in the agency and professional identification

Major modes of supervisionIndividual supervisionGroup supervisionLive supervision

Individual supervisionIndividual supervision- one to one

supervision, more intensive and personal sharing.

The Social Workers Registration Board has required at least half of supervision hours is in individual format

Group supervisionGroup supervision- learning not only

from the supervisor, but also from your field mate ( colleague).

It is necessary particularly when there is joint assignments (co-work with groups, projects).

Live supervisionThe field supervisor may attend the

group sessions or interviews in person.Client’s consent needs to be solicited

beforehandUsually, the supervisor would not

intervene unless some urgent issues need to be handled.

such as: child safety issue (physical punishment)

Effectiveness of SupervisionMajor Factors:1. the relationship between

supervisor and supervisee2.The contract3. Format/ mode of supervision4. Preparation work

ContractClear and concrete learning contract should

be set up in the beginning of placementThe contract includes: professional

development (values, skills and knowledge); personal development (such as: work under various demands at one time; punctuality; fear of speaking in public; suitability of working in the field)

A sample of learning contractA. Personal aspectI would like to practise the punctuality and mature

working attitude. Actually, I think I am not punctual for the lessons in Hong Kong University. I believe that I am not mature enough in working with clients as I am sometimes emotional and subjective.

Means to achieve goals:To reduce the gatherings with friends and sleep

early at the night before work To have Personal reflection after each counseling

session to minimize my subjective and judgmental reaction to clients.

A sample of learning contractB. Professional Aspect:• To know the role of social workers in

IFSC setting, the service delivery models of IFSC and the related policies.

• To master basic interviewing skills and put basic casework process into practice

• To apply the CBT, Behavioral Intervention and family systems perspective theoretical frameworks

A sample of learning contractMeans to achieve goals:By doing at least 5 cases in this

placement with different age groups.By reading related articles and

references By discussing with supervisor and

sharing with colleagues and field-mate

Before the supervision1. submitting the agenda of

supervision2. submitting the paper work3. Reserve the room for supervision

At least one day before supervision (or at the agreed time and date with your supervisor)

Sample of agenda1. Report the progress of work2. Discussion on the cases A & D

and the group session 3. Sharing on the team work with

field partner or my relationship with agency staff

Sample of agenda4. Difficulties in working

unmotivated clients such as: ex-offenders

5. Family affairs ( the illness of a parent)

6. Date of next supervision

In the Supervision1. Be frank and open to share your

concerns and difficulties (if any)2. Preparing the questions for

discussion3. Taking notes if necessary

Obstacles1. Fear of facing or disclosing one’s

weaknesses ( supervisor has the role of assessor and will assess your performance)

No one is perfect even your supervisor. No interview is perfect and there is always the room for improvement. You are a student and making mistakes sometimes is unavoidable.

Obstacles2. Negative perception on the

supervisor (demanding, not supportive but only task-oriented)

Don’t jump into conclusion--- do try before making the judgment

Obstacles3. Not to compare one’s supervisor

with other supervisors

Different settings have different demands and supervisors have different styles. Every one is unique.

Obstacles4. Poor time and work management- no Preparation:

Fail to submit the recordings and paper work

Fail to review one’s work (such as: listening to the taped sessions)

At least to submit some rather than nothing

After the supervisionTo transfer what have been learnt into

the practiceTo avoid of committing the same

mistakesTo plan the follow up actions so as monitoring the work progress and

delivering the better quality of services provided;

to clarify misconceptions and regulate one’s emotion with emotional support

ConclusionTry to maximize the use of

supervision.It is a good platform to learn, to

communicate, to reflect one’s values, attitudes towards people and surroundings (policies) as well as to examine one’s commitment in the social work profession.

References1.Social Workers Registration Board (2005).

Guidelines on Social Work Supervision (Retrieved from http://www.swrb.org.hk/text-eng/supervision_e.asp on 4/5/2012)

2. Tsui, M.S. (2004). Supervision Models in Social Work: From Nature to Culture. Asian Journal of Counselling, 2004, Vol. 11 Nos. 1 & 2, 7-55.

3.Tsui, M. S. (2005). Functions of social work supervision in Hong Kong. International Social Work 2005 48: 485. CA: Sage