Supervising social workers in schools : the value of relationships in and out of the supervision space

Abstract

This presentation explores the importance and value of supportive relationships between supervisors and supervisees in ensuring effective supervision outcomes for social workers in schools. Based on my Master's thesis on the topic of 'psychological first aid' and ongoing psychological support for social workers, the presentations also examines the impact of employer/employee relationships on social workers' professional growth in school contexts. Drawing on interviews in my Master's research, and personal experience supervising social workers in schools, I will show that social worker's experiences of their relationships with both superisors and employers are key factors in for effective professional development via supervision. Importantly, social workers' relationships with employers are highly salient, in light of the need to navigate systemic conflict with the multiple organizational structures they work across. This presentation thus examines the impact of workplace relationships upon social worker professional development and wellbeing.