Supervision for Social Work Licensure: 12 Considerations
by Brian Carnahan
Our Board receives many questions regarding supervision, and many of those questions come after the accrual of supervised hours. These questions come from supervisors and supervisees alike. It is important to have clear expectations and an understanding of requirements prior to the supervisor/supervisee relationship. Supervision is critical to gaining independent social work licensure. However, that supervision must be “earned” according to a specific set of requirements that usually cover the number of hours, who can supervise, and the length of time during which supervision must occur.
Below are some suggestions, for social work supervisees and supervisors, to help ensure the supervision undertaken can be used to advance the career of a licensee seeking an independent license.
1. Know the requirements of supervision for licensure purposes.
Too often, both the supervisee and the supervisor are unaware of current licensure supervision standards. For example, understand the difference between training supervision and work/clinical supervision. Training supervision requires helping the supervisee to develop professional skills and identity, while work or clinical supervision is usually defined as supervision that ensures the assigned work is completed appropriately. Stay up to date on requirements, particularly if you supervise sporadically.
2. Verify the supervisor’s qualifications.
Do not wait until the supervised experience is completed to discover the supervisor was not qualified. In Ohio, Licensed Social Workers have assumed someone is a designated supervisor only to find out when they completed their experience that the supposed supervisor was not currently qualified. Similar mistakes have been made when a supervisee assumes it is okay for another mental health professional to provide training supervision. Check the jurisdiction’s laws and rules regarding this type of supervision. In Ohio, for example, only Licensed Independent Social Workers with a supervisor endorsement may provide training supervision to Licensed Social Workers.
3. Know the registration requirements of the supervisor and supervisee.
Once a qualified supervisor is identified, does he or she have to register with the board as the licensee’s supervisor? Does the supervisee have to register with the board to indicate that supervision is occurring?
4. Understand how supervision is to be documented.
This includes the type of logs to keep and what is included, as well as who should maintain the log. In Ohio, it is the responsibility of the supervisee. Regardless of the requirements, supervisees should maintain a log to ensure they are aware of their supervision progress.
5. Have a plan.
This means having a clear understanding of what the supervisee wants to achieve and where the supervisee needs to grow professionally as a social worker. What is the knowledge, skill, and value base the supervisee is working on and applying with clients? What are ethical dilemmas the supervisee is facing?
6. Consider a written agreement.
Consider entering into a written agreement regarding the planned supervision, even if one is not required by the jurisdiction in which supervision is occurring.
7. Ask what fees are charged for supervision.
Are there limits on the fees? For supervisees, consider what you should be paying. Is comparable free or lower cost supervision available? Is there a difference in the fee if it is group supervision? Is group supervision permitted by the board? Who can be part of a group? Can it be a mix of mental health professionals, or is it limited to social workers?
8. Understand the laws about distance supervision.
Is phone or video supervision allowed? Again, do not assume. The rules for therapy may be different from those for supervision.
9. Submit forms on time.
This not only aids in processing applications, but it may be a requirement of the law to submit based on a set schedule. For example, in Ohio, a supervisor must submit a supervision evaluation within 30 days of its request by the supervisee. Is there a time limit from the date the supervision occurred to when the forms are submitted?
10. Supervisors: Be honest in your evaluation.
This applies to what is shared with the supervisee, as well as what is submitted to the licensure board. No one is well-served if a supervisee has additional professional development challenges to overcome but is still recommended for independent licensure. Supervisors, if you have concerns about the supervisee, let the supervisee know right away. Do not wait until the end of the supervision hours timeline.
11. Watch the calendar.
The dates of supervision matter. In Ohio, supervision toward independent licensure cannot begin until the dependent license is issued, and then, supervision must occur for a minimum of 24 months.
12. Document.
Document, document, document.
Considering the steps above, and with some due diligence and attention to detail, supervision can be a positive aspect of career development as one works toward independent licensure.
Brian Carnahan is Executive Director of the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, & Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Brian can be reached via e-mail at brian.carnahan@cswb.ohio.gov.