Strategies and dilemmas in child welfare supervision: A case study.
Item
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Title
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Strategies and dilemmas in child welfare supervision: A case study.
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Identifier
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AAI9130329
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identifier
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9130329
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Creator
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Kane, Dianne.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Mildred Mailick
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Date
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1991
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Education, Higher | Education, Administration
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Abstract
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This descriptive study of supervision in child welfare was undertaken to obtain data for use in the development of a supervisory approach designed to better meet the needs of a field of practice staffed primarily by workers without professional social work education. It sought to identify supervisory dilemmas and strategies in order to recommend modifications.;A review of the literature revealed that supervisors continue to serve as the primary professional role models of novice caseworkers. However, most of the writing in this area does not address the unique needs of this level of staff. Therefore an exploratory study was undertaken to improve our understanding of supervisory practices with this particular population of workers.;Focusing on one voluntary child welfare agency in New York City, the study utilized focus group technology and individual interviews to articulate the dilemmas and practices of front line supervisors working with novice, BA level staff. Qualitative, descriptive data were generated and, based on these, recommendations for a supervisory approach targeted to meet the needs of novice staff working within this complex and highly regulated field of practice were offered.;The data suggested that traditional models of supervision continue to be utilized to varying degrees and that their use needs to be re-examined. The study indicated that a variety of supervisory strategies and techniques are being utilized with some consistency. These included: informal, on the spot supervision, direct client intervention on the part of the supervisor and some form of group supervision. All project participants utilized the above techniques however, the purpose for which each was utilized and the time allocated to each, varied. Several continua were identified which appear to influence the mix of supervisory strategies employed.;Worker empowerment and supervisory support were identified as important elements in the successful supervision of novice, child welfare workers in this urban, voluntary agency. A collaborative model utilizing the full professional resources of the agency and especially the expertise of staff development personnel was described and recommended.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
