Supervision in this field is not only a requirement but it is a lifeline. This work involves trauma, accountability, system pressures, human complexity, balancing therapeutic relationships with external expectations, navigating ethical gray areas, and make weighty decisions. You shouldn't do this alone.
This section offers practical guidance and ideas for supervision sessions.
Supervision
In Community Forensic
Social Work
STOP!
Before you begin supervision it is important to select a supervisor. Some agencies have individuals on staff to provide supervision, and that's great.
Sometimes, though, you will have to seek outside supervision. Make sure to interview prospective supervisors and ensure they have the knowledge and experience working in the forensic setting.
What to Bring to Supervision
Uncertainty
As a new social worker you might feel pressure to sound confident and appear 100% competent. No one has mastered it all from the start, and even those who have been in the field for years are still learning. Supervision is where you bring this uncertainty. Use this time to think aloud and openly with your supervisor.
You might find yourself thinking:
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What is the best decision
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I think I missed something
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Am I too involved are my emotions impacting my judgement
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I need another set of eyes on this case
You do not need to have all the answers all the time. Use supervision to turn uncertainty to think critically and creatively solve problems.
Emotional Impact
This field will expose you to trauma, violence, instability, addiction, loss, and system harm. It is not light work, and it is important to recognize the emotional weight of the job.
You are human and have emotions. Use supervision as an opportunity to explore the emotions you are experiencing.
It is not uncommon to feel:
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Anger
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Sadness
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Numbness
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Confusions
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Hopeless
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Exhaustion
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Cynicism
Unaddressed emotions can lead to
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Burnout
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Impact decisions
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Impact empathy
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Affect how you show up for your clients
Openness to Self-Reflection
Similar to the broader practice of social work, social workers in this field should practice reflective self-awareness.
Take the time to think about:
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Your personal values
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Where your biases appear
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Emotional reactions guiding your decision-making
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Leaning more towards accountability and less with empathy
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Do you hold any assumptions about the client
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