Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
School
Social Work
Advisor
Elizabeth Walker
Abstract
Abstract
Supervision in social work is a long-held tradition chiefly regarding completing required supervisory hours for clinical licensing by state licensing boards. Social work supervision is a process wherein supervisors provide oversight to new social workers through supporting, managing, developing, and evaluating their work. The purpose of this qualitative study was to gain an understanding of how supervision is conducted and how social work supervisors view their position as gatekeepers to the profession. Using an interpretivism framework, in the context of the vital nature of supervision, symbolic interactionism was used to look at the reactions of social work supervisors and their current supervisory methods. Research questions were created to draw out specific tools and techniques to better assist the supervisor. Action research methodology through purposive convenience sampling and snowball sampling was used. Seven social work supervisors met using video-conferencing technology. Focus group members responded to discussion questions in an 80-minute online discourse. Data were transcribed, coded, categorized by theme, and analyzed to assess similarities, differences, new ideas, and suggestions for social work supervisors as gatekeepers. Results indicated there is a need for active and empathic listening of supervisees and positive clinical modeling. These findings may be used to support supervisors as they oversee new social workers.
Recommended Citation
Call, Camielle, "Social Work Supervisors as Gatekeepers" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 8866.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/8866
