When we are all so busy, how important is professional supervision?
Full case loads, scheduling in clients, keeping notes, meetings and so on, mean that often supervision is moved and rescheduled, and can even be forgotten about.
However if we can take a moment to reflect on our practice through supervision, it can help:
- build our capacity to achieve positive outcomes;
- us respond effectively to complex and changing practice environments;
- as an effective tool in protection against vicarious trauma.
What is Supervision?
The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) define supervision as a forum for reflection and learning, an interactive dialogue which shapes a process of review, reflection, critique and replenishment for professional practitioners.
Active participation in professional supervision is a core practice standard for social workers, as outlined in the Practice Standards (AASW, 2013).
Professional supervision helps enhance the professional skills and competence of social work practitioners; and allows them to engage in ongoing professional learning. It also assists in retaining social workers in organizations and the profession in general!
The quality of the supervisory relationship however, is fundamental to the supervision experience
Recommended Frequency of Supervision
The recommended minimum frequency of supervision for new social work graduates with 2 years’ or less experience is 60 minutes fortnightly.
For social workers entering a new field of practice, or re-entering the workforce, it can be 60 minutes fortnightly; while for social work practitioners with 2 or more years’ experience, it can be 60 minutes monthly.
Practice Approach to Supervision
If you are looking for professional supervision as a social work practitioner, I have a Masters degree in Social Work as well as over 20 years’ experience working in federal and state government, the private sector, and not for profits. I currently provide supervision to a range of clients from various workplaces within Australia, by face to face and teleconference mediums.
My approach to supervision is built on a dyad of trust and respect for the practitioner. I believe that by creating a safe and supportive environment, allows you as a practitioner to take a breath and find the space for reflection, on both your practice and your clients. I use a range of creative and innovative approaches to supervision, to help guide the process and facilitate the opportunity for critical self-reflection and professional growth.
I am available to provide one on one or group supervision sessions of 1 hour; for appointments or further details and availability, please get in touch using the contact details below.
Author: Maree Stevens, BAdVocEd; GCert Sp Ed; M SocWk; M HumServ; GDipCouns; GCert MentalHlthPrac.
Maree Stevens is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with an impressive array of academic credentials. She has several years’ experience in social work in government, private and not for profit organisations as well as in providing professional supervision.
Maree is currently not taking bookings. Our team can assist you with placing you with another clinician. Please call Vision Psychology on (07) 3088 5422.