Supervisor

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Supervisor

    • Supervisors Credential

    The Royal Commission and State Ombudsman reports have highlighted the need for better supervision of social workers. Social workers may lack formal training and experience when transitioning into a supervisory role. Attaining the Supervisor Credential is crucial for effective supervision.

    This credential provides an opportunity to set quality standards for the profession. It recognises social workers as having an advanced level of experience and skills enabling them to provide a high standard of quality supervision.

    The Supervision Credential provides evidence of a social worker demonstrating the capabilities (skills and knowledge) expected for individual supervision.

     

    Accredited Supervisors:

    • display high-level engagement skills in building productive, effective and ethical relationships with supervisees and stakeholders.
    • work with a well-developed and clearly articulated framework underpinned by critical assessment of current and emerging theory and research.
    • demonstrate high-level reflective capabilities, professional empathy and emotional intelligence.
    • execute highly effective approaches to developing supervisees’ competence and confidence based on skilled assessment of their needs.
    • become active contributors to expanding and refining the supervision knowledge base through practice development, research and education.

    Benefits

    Enhanced Quality of Care, Guidance and Support

    Through effective supervision, you can contribute to enhancing the overall quality of care, guidance and support provided across settings. By ensuring adherence to best practices, promoting person-centered care, and addressing any gaps or challenges in service delivery, social workers play a crucial role in improving the well-being and quality of life of individuals.

    Professional Growth

    Working as a supervisor offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development. It allows social workers to refine their leadership and management skills, expand their knowledge and enhance their expertise in addressing the unique needs of their clients.

    Impactful Mentorship

    As a supervisor, social workers have the chance to provide guidance, support, and mentorship to care staff, helping them improve their skills and provide high-quality care to their clients. Social workers’ role as a mentor can have a lasting impact on the professional growth and job satisfaction of their supervisees.

    Building Strong Teams

    Supervising in social work settings allows social workers to build and nurture strong care teams. By fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment, promoting effective communication, and fostering a culture of continuous learning, they can cultivate a cohesive team that works together to provide optimal care for their clients.

    Addressing Challenges and Improving Outcomes

    Accredited Social Worker Supervisors can identify and effectively:

    • address challenges faced by their fellow social workers and their clients.
    • improve outcomes.
    • create positive changes in the social work settings.

     

    AASW members achieving credentials can use these post-nominals

    Accredited Supervisor – MAASW AS

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    Supervisors Credentials FAQs

    Our Social Work Online Training platform contains Supervisor Social Worker specific on-demand training, as well as a selection of Live training which can be accessed through our events calendar. Accredited School Social Workers are required to meet the CPD requirements annually to maintain their credential.

    Social Work Australia is the AASWs online community of practice, providing a dynamic, member-led space for peer connection, support, discussion, and learning through shared practice knowledge, experiences and resources. There is a dedicated Supervisor Social Worker group where members can share and collaborate fellow credentialed members.

    Applicants who are not currently working in direct practice can also be eligible for the Supervisor credential if they can demonstrate their understanding of the Supervisor capabilities that are fundamental to their ability to perform their role. This might apply to roles such as research, education and leadership and management roles. 

    You are required to show at least two (2) years’ full-time equivalent, post-qualification experience within the past five (5) years in a Supervisor Social Worker setting. You must only include in this section employment positions from within the last five (5) years that are relevant to Supervisors. These roles must have been held after having qualified from an accredited social work course. 

    Direct and Indirect Practice – Applicants who are not currently working in direct practice can also be eligible for the Supervisor credential if you can demonstrate that your understanding of the Supervisor capabilities is fundamental to your ability to perform your role. This might apply to roles such as research, education and leadership and management roles. 

    An invigilated case study activity is an essential component of the assessment process for all credentials. The activity requires you to provide a written response to two case studies in exam like conditions. In your response you will need to provide your assessment of the situation, and proposed intervention. Please see the Credentials Guide for more detailed information and an example of a credential assessment process.