Get Your Ducks in a Row
If you're interested in providing Supervision the first thing you should do is check with your state licensing board as well as your state NASW branch to make sure you are meeting any requirements necessary to provide Social Work supervision.
Additionally, I found it helpful to sign up for professional liability insurance (especially if you are providing supervision outside of a work environment). This will protect you in the event that something you advise a client to do in a professional atmosphere does not work out as expected. It's important to know that as a supervisor you could also be held liable in the event of some unforeseen catastrophe with one of your supervisees.
Lastly, you may want to research incorporating your supervision business as a Limited Liability Corporation (LLC) in your state. This can provide you with further protection in the event that something goes wrong. However, there are income stipulations to having an LLC and also rules about the type of account you can deposit money from your business into. So, if you would like more information about LLC's it's best to talk with a lawyer.
Business Basics
It's important to decide what you are going to call your business. I recommend something with a good ring, but also something that pertains to the work you will be doing. Once you decide on your business name the next thing you need to do is develop a website and blog at the minimum. These days, without a website a business simply does not exist. I would recommend adding an option like PayPal to your webpage so that clients can pay you directly from that point which avoids any confusion later on about how they should pay.
Another important piece is marketing. If your state NASW board or licensing entity has a list of qualified supervisors make sure your name is on it! I have been able to connect with several new clients this year by having my name on such lists. Also, be armed with business cards to give your supervisees. In this business, referral is key.
Lastly, develop flyers and other tools to get your information out to the appropriate agencies. Agencies like hospitals, child welfare, and counseling companies are all great places to get the word out about your availability to provide Supervision to Social Workers in need.
Take it Seriously
No business thrives well on neglect. You must be active with your marketing, professional presence, and time. Getting a solid client base takes time so don't expect things to take off immediately. Also, be realistic about your business goals. How many clients do you want? How many can you serve, and serve well? If you make the commitment to provide a Social Worker with supervision, honor that commitment like you would your work with any other client. Additionally, be sure to keep your own education and certification up to date. Supervision is a form of education, and education is never truly over.
Documentation and Book Keeping
In the world of Social Workers it is often said, "If you didn't document it, it didn't happen." This remains true for supervision. Decide for yourself how you will document the sessions you have with your clients, this includes capturing your earnings. If your state Social Work board ever wishes to verify the hours you provided to a client it is best for BOTH you and your client to have accurate records of this.
Any earnings you make will need to be claimed on your yearly taxes, so be sure to keep accurate records of what comes in, and what goes out of your business regarding money. I would be remiss not to mention a small bit about the pricing of your services. The price for your services should be fair to both you and your clients (I have already written extensively on this topic, so please see my earlier posts). It may take some time to calibrate the amount to charge that is both appropriate to the market in your area, and that you also feel makes your time well spent, but I suggest spending some time considering
this piece of your business before getting too far down the road.
Closing Thoughts
Like any business, you must be passionate about the work you are doing and the service you are providing. Supervision is not simply about making money, it's about furthering the career of other Social Workers and thus, the profession. If you are just starting your Supervision business I hope you find these thoughts helpful.
If you already have a Supervision business I'd love to hear from you! What advice do you have for those just starting their Supervision business? Leave us some thoughts below!
If you're a Social Worker in the state of Ohio, and you are looking for someone to help you reach your Supervision goals please feel free to reach out! I'd love to help you! https://sites.google.com/view/be-supervised/home
If you are a Social Worker elsewhere in the United States and you are in need of supervision please contact your local NASW or state licensing board for help finding a qualified supervisor.
*Follow my Social Work Supervision blog at http://besupervised.blogspot.com/ for more articles related to supervision.
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