Pre-Supervisory Appointment: A One-Day Training Experience for Prospective Supervisors

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworkers and others who wish to promote

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: This class is designed for child welfare services social workers that aspire to learn more about the role, responsibility, tasks and activities of being a child welfare services supervisor

Intended Objectives:

• Provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities associated with being a child welfare services supervisor including the multiple sub-roles in today’s operating environment
• Understand and explore the supervisor’s role in supporting outcome achievement
• Explore and assess individual strengths, abilities and level of interest in the CWS supervisory role
• Understand the implications, strengths and challenges of making the transition to supervisor
• Understand the role of supervisor as “leader” and explore the role of authority, power and influence and how these concepts are applied in CWS supervision
• Understand and value diversity in the workforce, Fairness and Equity issues in CWS and increase knowledge and sill in the area of culturally competent practice and supervision
• Understand the components of unit leadership including the basics of groups, team building and meeting management
• Understand the basics of performance based supervision
• Develop a plan that will allow participants to make an informed decision regarding applying for and/or accepting the role/responsibility of a CWS supervisor

Topics Include:

• Review of detailed information about the role and function of supervision
• Discussion of the knowledge and skills that will facilitate successful transition from worker to supervisor
• Development of follow-up plans for additional training, informational interviewing, and further research that may assist them in making an informed decision regarding becoming a CWS supervisor

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

7.3 Student is able to plan, prioritize, and effectively complete activities and tasks within required time frames.

7.4 Student is aware of organizational risk management issues and is able to prevent or resolve potentially harmful situations.

7.5 Student is able to work respectfully and effectively with clients and agency personnel in an environment characterized by human diversity.

8.1 Student understands how professional values, ethics, and standards influence decision-making and planning in public child welfare practice.

8.4 Student demonstrates a beginning understanding of the roles/responsibilities of a leader/manager to plan and develop systems that enhance staff diversity and alleviate racial and ethnic disproportionality in the child welfare service population.

8.5 Student understands how leader/managers use the collaborative process for the purpose of planning, formulating policy, and implementing services.