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Improving Worker Performance through Supervision
A core function of supervision is to assess worker knowledge, skills, and abilities against the mission, values, and practice standards of the agency, with the goal of strengthening worker performance. This includes assessing what additional training, coaching, and mentoring is needed to help workers set and achieve job and career goals and engaging the worker in this process. The following resources address aspects of improving worker performance, including State and local examples.
National Child Welfare Workforce Institute
Works to build the capacity of the nation's child welfare workforce and improve outcomes for children and families through activities that support the development of skilled child welfare leaders in public, private, and tribal child welfare systems. The Institute's Leadership Academy for Supervisors provides the opportunity for supervisors to participate in leadership and other professional development activities in an interactive online environment.
The Impact of Training on Worker Performance and Retention: Perceptions of Child Welfare Supervisors
Kleinpeter, Pasztor, & Telles-Rogers
Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 6, 2004
View Abstract
Examines the impact of training on the competency of child welfare workers and their plans to remain in the field. A total of 130 child welfare supervisors were surveyed to identify the most important topics for training and the role of training in enhancing caseworker practice and retention.
Managing Social Services Staff for Excellence: Five Keys to Exceptional Supervision
Summers (2010)
View Abstract
Provides tools and information to help administrators and supervisors improve the quality of care delivered by staff to agency clients. A step-by-step process for creating practices to combat negative practices is also included.
Performance Management: Linking Individual Performance to Agency Outcomes Training Curriculum
Institute for Public Sector Innovation, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine (2009)
Helps supervisors promote the use of consistent performance management, evaluation, and professional development to achieve agency outcomes. The training addresses assessment tools to analyze worker strengths and weaknesses and effective performance evaluation reviews.
The Power of Supervision in Child Welfare Services
Cearley
Child and Youth Care Forum, 33(5), 2004
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Examines factors influencing the empowerment of child welfare workers. The author correlates relationships among workers' perceptions of supervisors' help-giving behaviors, perceptions of agency support, and their perceived empowerment.
Supervision and Documentation
Sidell (2011)
In Social Work Documentation: A Guide to Strengthening Your Case Recording
View Abstract
Discusses the role of supervisors in ensuring social workers understand documentation requirements as well as the documentation of social work supervision sessions and issues specific to supervisors.
Supervising and Supporting Staff
Cornett (2011)
In Home-Based Services for High-Risk Youth: Assessment, Wraparound Planning, and Service Delivery
View Abstract
Discusses supervising home- and community-based practitioners in a manner that parallels the philosophical foundations of the service delivery process itself.
State and local examples
Developing Worker Competency
Protective Services Training Institute of Texas (2005)
View Abstract
Includes a scripted curricula and materials for teaching a course for supervisors to improve management techniques and to enhance staff retention.
The Importance of Including Supervisors When Evaluating Child Welfare Workers' Training
Mason, LaPorte, & Frankel
Professional Development: The International Journal of Continuing Social Work Education, 6, 2004
View Abstract
Identifies differences between supervisors and workers regarding the perceived effects of a professional development program provided to employees of New York City's Administration of Children's Services.
Supervising for Excellence in Oregon: Final Report
Portland State University Child Welfare Partnership (2004)
View Abstract
Discusses the activities and accomplishments of a federally funded program designed to develop an effective supervisory curriculum for training child welfare supervisors in Oregon.
Supervisor's Guide to Implementing Family Centered Practice (PDF - 819 KB)
Mississippi Division of Family and Children's Services (2005)
Assists Mississippi child welfare supervisors in implementing family-centered practices in their agencies.
Supervisors' Strategic Plan 2010—2014 (PDF - 2,222 KB)
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services & Office of Children's Services (2011)
Describes the current culture of child welfare supervision in Alaska and discusses the plan to enhance supervision skills by defining and designing successful supports and staff development strategies.