Effective social work supervision in the management of social care services : any benefits?

Abstract

This main purpose of this study is to explore the possible advantages that effective social work supervision might bring to social care services. Therefore, this study aims to define effective social work supervision, look at the supervisory relationship and whether this plays a role in establishing effective social work supervision, identify the functions of supervision, and explore whether effective social work supervision yields any benefits. The study adopts two perspectives – effective social work supervision through the eyes of social work practitioners, and the managers’ views of effective social work supervision. Data was collected using two forms of qualitative data collection tools – eight semi-structured individual interviews with practising social workers to explore the type of supervision being provided to them at their place of work, and if they believe that this is helpful to them. Additionally, the researcher also held a focus group with managers to obtain their view about social work supervision and whether they can identify any potential benefits. The general findings of this study identify that the social work profession poses various challenges to the practising social worker. Therefore, it is imperative that the social worker is adequately supported. All participants in this study indicated that effective social work supervision reaps various benefits, and most of the participants looked at how effective social work supervision can support the practising social worker. Emphasis was made on obtaining emotional and practical support through social work supervision. A number of participants also looked at the education function of social work supervision, whereby the supervisor passes on knowledge and helps that social worker obtain more skills. Other participants also mentioned how effective social work supervision ensures that the clients are provided with a good quality service, and that social work supervision can benefit the organisation and the social work profession at large. This suggests that effective social work supervision does indeed lead to a number of benefits. The conclusions reached from this study include the fact that when social workers feel supported through effective social work supervision, they are better able to support their clients. Moreover, the relationship established between the supervisor and supervisee is then mirrored between the worker and the client. Additionally, when social workers are provided with effective supervision, they tend to remain engaged for a longer period of time within the organisation, and in the social work profession. Therefore, effective social work supervision does reap various benefits and it is imperative for organisations to ensure that workers are provided with the necessary supervision in order to maximise the benefits obtained through effective social work supervision.