Administrative Supervision among Behavioral Health Employees
Administrative supervision is concerned with the act of supervisors evaluating and monitoring work practices as well as clinical programs set by the organization within which the supervisor operates. Clinical supervision involves a supervisor in-charge of implementing an organization’s policies and procedures while at the same time offering support and learning for the clinical staff (Miller, 2018). While administrative supervision helps the organization in making an autonomous decision, some elements and contents of the regulatory activity are still confusing or a bit fuzzy.
Administrative supervision among behavioral health workers strengthens relationships and administration as well. In the process of offering assistance and support to clinicians, the organization can meet its demands while ensuring fairness and efficiency in its operations. However, there is some difference between administrative supervision and clinical supervision. Clinical supervision, also known as educational supervision, refers to training and educating both the new and already experienced health workers (Pack, 2017). Unlike administrative control, clinical supervision requires every health social worker to participate regardless of their levels of education. According to Pack (2017), clinical supervisors educate behavioral health workers on therapeutic techniques and also direct them on how to help clients during their shifts. Moreover, there is supportive supervision. As a branch of social work supervision, supportive supervision goal is to reduce work-related stress among behavioral health workers. The intended purpose of this support is to ensure ethical standards are maintained, thus boosting staff morale and motivation.
As a behavioral, social worker, for the last 25 years, some career blinding moments have proven to be quite challenging to manage. The major problem I have experienced was the process of handling a client’s death. As soon as the death happened, team member’s attitudes changed to the point that no one seemed concerned as they continued with their different roles. Without a doubt, that situation showcased the inadequacy of the health care system in guiding colleagues towards forming a support system for one another.
References
Miller, A. (2018). What does a social worker supervisor do?
Pack, M. (2017). Defining moments in practice. Clinical supervision as a method of promoting critical reflection in fieldwork: A qualitative inquiry.