Three Important Reasons to Have a Supervision Contract

Supervision can be an incredible vehicle for professional growth within the Social Work profession. For those seeking supervision it can help to refine skills and elevate clinical practice. For those providing Supervision it can keep clinical skills sharp and can be a meaningful way to give back to the profession. However, supervision is not without risk, especially for Supervisors who may become also be held accountable for the actions of their supervisees. It is for this, and several other reasons, that Supervision Contracts are so vital to the supervision process. A Supervision contract is defined as “a written document which sets out the content of the discussions that will take place, and to establish how the supervisor/supervisee will work together (Social Care Institute for Excellence, 2017).” This article presents three important reasons why Supervision Contracts are so important.

Mitigate Risk for Supervisors

As mentioned earlier, supervision (both inside and outside the workplace) comes with inherent risk.  According to the NASW Best Practices in Social Work Supervision, Supervisors should utilize Supervision Contracts so that roles and responsibilities between themselves, a supervisee, and if providing outside agency supervision, the supervisee’s agency are clear (2013). Contracts of this nature should include evaluation responsibilities, issues of confidentiality, and review of supervisees written reports. Lastly, Supervisors providing supervision to employees of another agency should carry liability insurance at all times as supervisors can be held responsible for their supervisees actions. It is important to know that while Supervision Contracts cannot absolve Supervisors of responsibility in the event of litigation, they can be useful tools when determining extent of responsibility and damages.

What to do in the Event of Disagreement

When providing paid supervision for Social Workers outside the workplace supervision can be terminated at any time by a supervisee. This is unlike providing supervision in the workplace, where supervisees cannot terminate their supervisor. An example of a situation in which a paid supervisor could be dismissed by a supervisee would be if a disagreement were to arise (NASW, 2013). If this were to happen, a Supervision Contract should outline for both parties what can be done to resolve and/or mitigate such conflicts. For example, when I create Supervision Contracts with Supervisees I let them know that if we were to be unable to resolve a conflict during a supervision session and not only seek to terminate supervision, but also desire further action, they can contact the state board, and that I myself can do so as well should I have significant concerns. Of course, this goes without saying that both professionals should do their best to discuss the issue and resolve it as quickly as possible between themselves.

Establish Boundaries

Because Supervisory relationships have inherent power differences, clarity regarding boundaries should be established as early as possible. The NASW  Best Practices in Social Work Supervision states that Supervisors “should not supervise family members, current or former partners, close friends, or any person with whom the supervisor has had a therapeutic or familial relationship (2013)”. Additionally, while providing supportive listening is outlined in many Supervisory Theories (please see our prior Blog Series regarding Supervision Theory) the NASW also clearly states that Supervisors should not engage in therapeutic relationships with supervisees. To be safe, in my Supervisory work I have found it best to maintain the same ethical boundaries with supervisees as I would any other client.

Before concluding this article there are several final points to know regarding Supervision Contracts: Remember that a Supervision Contract is not simply piece of paper for each party to sign. A Supervision Contract is meant to be a collaborative document that the Supervisor and Supervisee create together. I usually create this document with a new supervisees during the initial supervision session after which I keep a copy for myself and provide them with a copy. Additionally, a Supervision contract should be individualized to the needs of each supervisee and should clearly outline their goals. Lastly, a Supervision Contracts should be a living document that is reviewed frequently and updated as necessary. This will ensure that the supervisory relationship is positive and productive for everyone involved.  

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Resources

National Association of Social Workers, Best Practices in Social Work Supervision (2013) https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=GBrLbl4BuwI%3D&portalid=0. Retrieved 7/31/2018.

Social Care Institute for Excellence. (January, 2017) The Foundations of Effective Supervision Practice: The Supervision Contract. https://www.scie.org.uk/publications/guides/guide50/foundationsofeffectivesupervision/supervisionagreement.asp. Retrieved 8/9/2018.