Resource Library - Supervision

Supervision:
Quality supervision directly contributes to employee satisfaction and the desire to stay on the job. Supervisors also play a role in how staff experience the organization as a diverse and inclusive workplace. The resources in this section provide examples of how to help supervisors as they build clinical skills, offer emotional and social support, provide coaching and feedback, and promote a healthy team culture and climate. These resources can help programs support supervisors as they model a commitment to best practice and policies, such as meaningfully engaging families and diligently searching for family and kin or adhering to laws, such as the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).

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TitleContentCategoriesTypeYear
NCWWI Supervision and Performance Management Reference ListThis comprehensive reference list includes a compilation of papers, reports, peer-reviewed journal articles and other relevant resources addressing Supervision and …, 2023
How are child protection agencies navigating and addressing workforce challenges?Learn how several jurisdictions are implementing strategies to recruit and retain a strong child welfare workforce., , , , , , , , , , , , , 2023
Why Coaching is Worth Your InvestmentThis infographic describes why it is important for child welfare programs to invest in coaching to support employees and their …, , , , , 2023
Thriving Families Safer Children Equitable Compensation Taskforce ReportThe Thriving Families Safer Children (TFSC) movement includes 22 sites nationwide as well as lived expert leaders and five national …, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2023
State Roundtable Reports on Caseworker RetentionThe State Roundtable establishes workgroups to research and address statewide areas of concern for the PA Dependency System. Workgroup membership …, , , , , , 2019
HHS Could Play a Greater Role in Helping Child Welfare Agencies Recruit and Retain StaffThis report identifies (1) the challenges child welfare agencies face in recruiting and retaining child welfare workers and supervisors, (2) …, , , , , , , , , , , , 2003
Caseload and Workload ManagementLarge caseloads and excessive workloads in many jurisdictions can make it difficult for child welfare caseworkers to serve families effectively, …, , , 2022
Supporting Quality Contacts Through Supervisor-Worker CoachingExplore coaching steps and tips supervisors can use to help workers strengthen skills and meet goals. Offers one-on-one coaching techniques …,
Coaching in Child WelfareUnderstand the role of coaching in supporting workers, including coaching functions, effectiveness, models, and strategies.,
State-Tribal Partnerships: Coaching to ICWA ComplianceProvides resources for state and tribal cofacilitators to conduct a three-day in-person training designed to build collective understanding of tribal …, ,
Leadership Academy Coaching MaterialsNCWWI has found that coaching leads to higher competency gains and supports the application of leadership skills in the workplace. …, , , 2022
Coaching For Success DemonstrationExplore the use of coaching within the context of child welfare supervision and casework practice to improve staff confidence and …, , , 2018
Supporting the Virtual Workforce: Coaching RemotelyCoaching in the child welfare workforce often happens face-to-face or in context of daily work activities. With our shift to …, , , 2020
NCWWI Leadership Academy: Cross-site final evaluation report, pre-training to 6-month follow-upEvaluators from NCWWI conducted a longitudinal assessment of Leadership Academy participant experience (satisfaction, relevance, knowledge gains and application, change project, …, , , , , , , , , , 2023
Introduction to Leadership and Workforce DevelopmentThis course is a series of three modules that together provide research-based foundational knowledge, language, frameworks, and approaches to strengthen …, ,
Coaching: Working with ResistanceThis microlearning will explain the Leadership Academy’s approach to coaching and working with resistance within your work environment., , , 2021
Coaching: What’s In It For Me?This 3-minute microlearning will explain the Leadership Academy’s approach to coaching and its role in your leadership development and the …, , , 2021
NCWWI Leadership AcademyThe NCWWI Leadership Academy provides supervisors and managers with opportunities to become skilled in leading change, fostering collaborations, implementing results-oriented …, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2020
TeamFirst A Field Guide for Safe, Reliable, and Effective Child Welfare TeamsA reference book for safe, reliable and more effective teamwork. Readers will find descriptions of specific team-based strategies and tactics …, , , , , , 2019
Family Engagement PlaybookA collection of research-based actionable resources to strengthen individual competencies and organizational support for meaningful family engagement., , , , , , , , 2019
QIC-WD Workforce InterventionsThis video describes common challenges and the important role workers had in selecting a workforce intervention to test as part …, , , , , , , ,
Washington State is Using Telework to Strengthen the Child Welfare WorkforceThe Washington Department of Children, Youth and Families is implementing telework to strengthen their child welfare workforce. This video highlights …, , , , , ,
Virginia Case-Supportive TechnologyThe Virginia Department of Social Services and select local child welfare agencies implemented a case-supportive technology intervention to strengthen their …, , , , , ,
Pivoting During the PandemicThis video features workers, supervisors, and administrators discussing the challenges they faced during the Covid-19 pandemic and some of changes …, , ,
Impact of Secondary Traumatic Stress on the Child Welfare WorkforceThis video features child welfare workers and supervisors discussing how work-related secondary traumatic stress (STS) impacts them personally and professionally., , , ,
Coach Ohio: A Supportive Supervision and Resiliency InterventionThe Ohio Department of Job and Family Services partnered with select counties to implement a supportive supervision and resiliency intervention. …, , , , , , ,
The Importance of Supporting SupervisorsSupervision is an important element of the child welfare workforce. Supervisors from across the QIC-WD sites discuss what they need …, , , ,
Supervision in a Virtual WorkplaceThe QIC-WD sites, like other child welfare agencies around the country, pivoted to virtual supervision quickly due to the pandemic. …, 2022
Improving the Child Welfare Workforce Through Training: Common Questions and Evidence-Informed Answers from the QIC-WDTraining is often the first intervention child welfare agencies use to address critical workforce development issues. This QIC-Tip aims to …, , , , 2021
HumorAn overview of humor in the workplace., , , , , , 2020
Psychological SafetyAn overview of psychological safety in the workplace, its value, what contributes to it and how it can be increased., , , , , , 2020
Informal Learning BehaviorsAn overview of informal learning behaviors (self-directed, intentional activities to acquire knowledge and skill outside of formal learning environments), why …, , , , 2020
Psychological Contract BreachAn overview of a psychological contract breach, its importance, and how it can be reduced., , , , , , , , 2020
ThrivingAn overview of thriving in the workplace and what contributes to it., , 2020
Organizational JusticeAn overview of organizational justice, otherwise known as the extent to which an organization treats people fairly., , , , , , , 2020
Occupational CommitmentAn overview of occupational commitment and what contributes to it., , , , , , 2020
Emotional LaborAn overview of emotional labor, the management of feelings to create a publicly observable facial and bodily display, and what …, , , , 2021
Emotional Intelligence TrainingAn overview of emotional intelligence training and its connection to workplace outcomes., , , , 2021
Umbrella Summary: CoachingAn Umbrella summary of coaching and its value by the Quality Improvement Center for Workforce Development., , , 2021
After-Action ReviewsAn overview of After-Action Reviews (AAR), a systematic technique that turns a recent event into a learning opportunity through a …, , , , 2021
Generations in the WorkplaceAn overview of generational differences in the workplace and strategies organizations can take to address it., , , 2021
Abusive SupervisionAn overview of abusive supervision, what contributes to it, and ways to address it., , 2021
Cultural IntelligenceAn overview of cultural intelligence, the importance of it, and what contributes to it., , , , 2021
Workplace OstracismAn overview of workplace ostracism and what contributes to it., , , , 2021
Time ManagementAn overview of time management and how to improve it., , , 2021
Behavior Modeling TrainingAn overview of Behavior Modeling Training (BMT which can be used to train a variety of skills, from interpersonal skills …, , , 2021
Political SkillAn overview of the ability to effectively understand others at work, and to use such knowledge to influence others to …, , , , , 2022
Leader Member ExchangeAn overview of the quality of the dyadic relationship formed between a leader and follower, otherwise known as leader member …, , , , 2022
Transformational LeadershipAn overview of the four facets of transformational leadership: idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration., 2022
Role StressAn overview of three types of role stress: role ambiguity, role conflict, and role overload., , , , , 2022
Resiliency Resource GuideThis guide is intended for child welfare professionals implementing a workforce effort to address secondary traumatic stress (STS). This guide …, , , , 2021
Using a Culturally Responsive Leadership Framework: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThe authors developed a culturally responsive leadership framework (CRLF) to address context, distributive leadership, and cultural responsiveness. Examining these elements …, , , , , , , , , , , , , 2022
Centering Child Welfare Worker Well-beingThis infographic describes how child welfare organizations can center child welfare worker well-being to better support children and families., , , , , , , , , , , , , 2022
Holding Retention Reviews: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis product summarizes how leaders can use retention reviews to collect ideas on how to improve employees’ work experiences and …, , , , , , , 2022
How Peer Support Can Reduce Burnout and Improve Worker Well-beingThis infographic describes how peer support can reduce burnout and improve worker well-being, including how organizations can champion peer support …, , , , , , , , , , , , 2022
Learning, Leading, Changing: Engaging Emerging Leaders as a Retention StrategyHeld on May 26, 2022, this learning exchange focused on how universities and agencies engage social work students and graduates …, , , , , , , 2022
Learning & Living Leadership Tool KitThis tool kit is your opportunity to develop and practice your leadership skills so that you can positively impact children, …, , , , 2022
How do some child protection agencies approach coaching?The following jurisdictional snapshots spotlight 12 different state, county, and national models and approaches to coaching child protection agency staff., 2021
Moderating Abusive Supervision: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis document summarizes a study that explored factors related to teaming to see if they buffered the negative consequences of …, 2020
Innovations Exchange Participant Summary on Leadership and SupervisionThis document contains the feedback and recommendations from participants of the July 21, 2020, NCWWI Innovations Exchange on Leadership and …, 2020
“The stress is indescribable”: Self-reported Health Implications from Child Welfare SupervisorsThe unique nature of the frontline supervisor role places them at risk of experiencing compounded levels of stress, yet they …2019
Case Management Supervision and Coaching PackageThe Case Management Supervision and Coaching Training Package was created to increase case management supervisors’ confidence, capacity and support to …2018
Coaching Webinar SeriesA five-part webinar series to discuss and share the positive impacts of coaching in human services hosted by the Northern …2019
Do the Components of Strengths-based Supervision Enhance Child Welfare Workers’ Satisfaction with Supervision?The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree to which certain components of strengths-based supervision (SBS) predict higher …2017
Telework Application Self AssessmentsThis self-assessment from Washington State can be used by workers and supervisors to assess an individual’s readiness for telework.2020
Child Welfare Field Operations Telework Program HandbookThis handbook provides policies and procedures used by Washington State to operationalize their telework program.2020
Tips for Coaching RemotelyThis document provides several tips for how to coach someone remotely., , , 2020
Top Ten Reasons You (and Your Organization) Need Coaching More Than Ever Right NowThis document, developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, explains why choaching is an important strategy used by organizations to support their …2020
Supporting the Virtual Workforce: Supervision Participant SummaryParticipants volunteered strategies during the Supporting the Virtual Workforce: Virtual Supervision learning exchange to help make the transition to the …, 2020
Supervision During Physical Distancing: Tools and GuidanceThis document proivdes guidance for supervising duing physical distancing, including how to prepare for supervision, what to do during the …2020
Virtually Supervising Child Welfare Professionals During a PandemicDuring the pandemic crisis, supervisors must consistently engage their staff and assess caseworker needs and the needs of families served …2020
Telework in Child WelfareThis research summary explores the common elements of telework programs that agencies should be aware of, the best practices for …2020
Virtual Meetings in Child WelfareThis research summary explores the current technology that is available and robust enough to host engaging and dynamic virtual meetings …2020
Supervisor Learning Circles (Georgia)This website provides information about Georgia’s Supervisor Learning Circles which help promote the use of critical thinking skills that impact …2019
Supervising from a Trauma-Informed PerspectiveThis 8-minute video from Texas describes the impact of trauma and provides information on supervising from a trauma-informed perspective. 2017
Social Services Group Supervision Process ExampleThis document provides and example of how group supervision can be structured in a social services agency.2012
Coaching for Competence and ConfidenceCoaching is a technique that bridges the gap between research-informed training and every-day practice. This article explains the evidence and …2018
Issue Brief: What are preliminary building blocks to strengthen quality supervision?Guidance for building quality supervision within child welfare organizations. Identifies building blocks and provides state level examples.2018
Supervising for Quality Child Welfare PracticeThis bulletin presents an overview of child welfare supervision and explores the dimensions of supervision that agencies may want to …2015
CFPM Training and Coaching: Best Practices and Lessons LearnedThis document shares important best practices for training and coaching of a practice model. 2016
Peer Coach Procedure Guide (MI)The guide provides information regarding the Peer Coach role, the observation process, and how to provide feedback utilizing the MiTEAM …2013
Peer Coach Manual (Indiana)This manual provides a brief overview for the Peer Coach (PC) position within the Indiana Child Welfare Practice Model, and …2011
Coaching to Support Solution-based Casework in Child WelfareThis webinar describes solution-based casework coaching at Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Services, Children’s Administration. Presenters highlight the …, 2012
Supervisor Training Series: Module 1: The Preparatory and Beginning Phases of Child Welfare SupervisionThis training course provides supervisors the opportunity for learning interactional skills to apply in the preliminary and beginning phases of …2016
Supervisor Training Series: Module 2: Living The Mission of Child WelfareThis training course provides supervisors and managers the opportunity for learning how to define organizational mission and outcomes that are …2016
Supervisor Training Series: Module 3: The Middle/Work Phase of SupervisionThis training course provides supervisors and managers the opportunity to learn and apply Interactional Helping Skills in the Middle/Work phase …2016
Supervisor Training Series: Module 4: Managing Diversity Through the Employment ProcessThis workshop will address development of culturally proficient organizations, communication, and ongoing diversity plans, emphasizing the need for strength-based engagement …2016
Supervisor Training Series: Module 5: Endings and Transitions: Managing Staff Retention, Satisfaction and SeparationThis training course provides supervisors the opportunity to explore strategies to manage endings and transitions ethically and respectfully; examine a …2016
Supporting Supervisors in Using Critical Thinking SkillsThis training course explores the child welfare leaders’ role in supporting child welfare supervisors’ use of critical thinking skills with their …2015
Supporting Supervisors in Using Critical Thinking Skills: Support SessionThis training course is a follow up to “Supporting Supervisors in Using Critical Thinking Skills”, and assists staff in incorporating …2015
Supportive Supervision: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis is a 1-page summary of an article that describes the collaborative process used to develop a strengths-based supervision training …, 2012
Supervision: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis 1-page summary outlines the results of a small, qualitative study aimed at determining supervisory effectiveness within a state child welfare …, 2016
Supervision: The Key to Strengthening Practice in Child WelfareThis issue of Practice Notes addresses the wide-ranging tasks of supervision with a selection of articles that include: Q & …2009
Supervision: The Safety Net for Front-line Child Welfare PracticeThis report summarizes the body of research that underscores the critical role that supervisors play in supporting and sustaining the workforce; …2011
Supervisor Developmental Planning & Support ToolkitThis toolkit is a key component of “Committed to Excellence through Supervision” Iowa DHS Child Welfare Supervisor Curriculum and utilized …2009
Supervisor Training Series: Module 1: The Preparatory and Beginning Phases of Child Welfare SupervisionThis training course provides supervisors the opportunity for learning interactional skills to apply in the preliminary and beginning phases of …2016
Supervisor & Mentor Guide FY 2012 (Oklahoma)This guide explains the Oklahoma’s New Worker Development Plan concept, outlines what new staff can expect from the child welfare …2012
Alameda County Social Services Agency’s Child Welfare: On the Job Training Manual for Supervisors of New EmployeesThis guide offers supervisors a way to complement day-to-day supervision and contains (1) suggested guideline for practice assessment process; (2) …2014
Building a Model and Framework for Child Welfare SupervisionThis report presents the findings from an extensive review of the most recent literature combined with interviews of experts in …2009
Changing Supervision Lenses: Zooming in and outEffective supervisors must zoom in and out to get the full picture of any situation. Twan Stokes from Indiana Department …, 2018
Child Abuse & Neglect User Manual Series: Supervising Child Protective Services CaseworkersThis manual provides the foundation for effective supervisory practice in child protective services, describes the roles and responsibilities of the …2004
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Supervising Child Welfare ServicesThis section provides resources on many aspects of supervision, including clinical and administrative supervision, improving staff performance and retention through …2018
Common Core Curricula for Child Welfare Supervisors (California)CalSWEC’s in-service training partners deliver the Common Core for Supervisors statewide. New supervisors are required to complete six modules within …2019
Developmental Evaluation Findings from an Online Leadership Program for Child Welfare SupervisorsThis study evaluates a distance learning program designed to build leadership skills for supervisors in public, private, and tribal child …2014
Improving Supervision by Collaboration, Transparency & Accountability: The Impact of Missouri’s Supervision Advisory CommitteeThis webinar showcases the activities of the Missouri Department of Social Services’ Children’s Division, and presents the action steps and …, 2012
Improving Supervision by Collaboration, Transparency & Accountability: The Impact of Missouri’s Supervision Advisory Committee (1-page Summary)This document summarizes a NCWWI webinar that highlights action steps and strategies taken to organize, develop and sustain the Supervision …, 2014
Indiana Supervisor Core TrainingThis training prepares new supervisors to practice continuous clinical supervision in order to: develop and implement effective leadership that integrates …2017
Leadership Development Online: Design and Implementation of a Program for Child Welfare SupervisorsThis article describes the Leadership Academy for Supervisors (LAS), a national program to develop leadership skills for the implementation of …2014
Mind the Gap #8: Prioritizing Supervision – Comprehensive Supervisory Development in IndianaThe webinar highlights a comprehensive approach to strengthening supervisory practice throughout Indiana’s Department of Child Services (DCS) and focuses on …, 2016
Performance Management in Child Welfare (5 minutes)The quality of supervision, clear performance expectations and a coherent, consistent performance management system are key factors in promoting commitment …, 2017
Responding to the Child Welfare Workforce Crisis Here and Now: A Constructivist Approach to Understanding SupervisionThis paper describes the process and results of constructivist inquiry designed to answer the guiding research questions: (1) what about …2012
Staff Retention in Child and Family Services Workbook 2: The Practice of Retention-Focused SupervisionThis workbook in the series provides research information and supervisory competencies for retaining effective staff, including self-assessment and planning tools. …2007
Staff Retention in Child and Family Services Workbook 3: Working with DifferencesThis workbook in the series provides understanding, methods and tools for tailoring supervision to the diverse characteristics, learning and behavioral …2007
Staff Retention in Child and Family Services Workbook 4: Communication SkillsThis workbook in the series provides specific information, tools and activities to adapt communication skills to the supervisory relationship., 2007
Staff Retention in Child and Family Services Workbook 5: The First Six MonthsThis workbook in the series provides a structure, methods and tools for orienting, supporting and training new staff during their …2007
Strength-Based Solution-Focused Supervision Support SessionThis support session helps supervisors apply what they learned during the Strength-Based Solution-Focused Supervision training. Materials include a facilitator’s guide and …2015
Strength-Based, Solution-Focused SupervisionThis training course provides child welfare supervisors with a theoretical framework and useful strategies for incorporating strength-based, solution-focused concepts and …2015
Striving for Excellence in Supervision (North Carolina)This issue of Practice Notes highlights supervisory practices that can develop staff and improve their satisfaction and performance; and shows …2010
Supervision Meta-analysis: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThis resource provides a meta-analysis of research articles regarding the impact of supervision on worker outcomes., 2009
Child Welfare Supervision: Coaching ConversationsThis presentation explores the elements of creating a learning culture, integrating coaching into supervisory practice, and identifying strategies for successful …2016
Coaching in SupervisionThis resource provides handouts that explore the elements of creating a learning culture, integrating coaching into supervisory practice, and identifying …, 2016
Coaching StrategiesCoaching is a critical strategy in transfer of learning and implementation of change. This one hour module offers supervisors the opportunity …, 2014
Supervisor Training: Coaching for Successful Practice Training Manual (Indiana)This training manual builds on the coaching, mentoring, and modelling tools learned in Supervisor Core to emphasize strategies that build …2011
CFPM Training and Coaching: Best Practices and Lessons LearnedThis document shares important best practices for training and coaching of a practice mode2016
Supervisor and Mentor Guide FY 2012 (Oklahoma)This guide explains the Oklahoma’s New Worker Development Plan concept, outlines what new staff can expect from the child welfare …2012
Coaching in Child WelfareThis issue brief supports child welfare administrators, managers, and supervisors in understanding the potential role of coaching and considerations for …2017
Best Practices: MentoringThis tool assists agencies in creating a case for mentoring by outlining critical steps in developing and implementing a formal …2019
Coaching: A Global Study of Successful PracticesThis study explores the use of coaching in order to determine its popularity, its association with higher performance, the correlation …2018
Mentoring Program Manual (Connecticut)This manual provides an overview Connecticut Department of Children and Families’ Mentoring Program, including roles and responsibilities, training materials and …2008
Improving Employee Performance through Coaching (North Carolina)This issue of Practice Notes describes the importance of child welfare supervisors, managers, and directors use of coaching to enhance …2008
Coaching VideosThis site provides three videos from The Coaching Toolkit for Child Welfare Practice DVD and one from The CLEAR Coaching …2017
Coaching in the Field of Child Welfare ToolkitThis toolkit guides the development and implementation of formal, professional coaching within the child welfare context; presents many examples and …2014
Mentoring Child Welfare Staff: NCWWI 1-page SummaryThe paper summarizes the article “Initiating and Sustaining a Mentoring Program for Child Welfare Staff,” which describes an evaluation of …, 2013
Basics of Coaching: A Brief Review of Recent LiteratureThis literature review describes the definition and benefits of coaching, when coaching is an effective tool, the role of the …2010
NRC-OI Supervisor Training Project 2011: Information on Mentoring & Coaching Programs for Child Welfare SupervisorsThis document provides information on what states have been doing to train and support child welfare supervisors, along with available …2012
Child Welfare Information Gateway: Peer SupervisionThis webpage provides resources that describe recent efforts to provide new child welfare workers with peer support, supervision, or mentoring …2008
UC-Davis: Coaching in the Field of Child WelfareThis website for coaching in the field of child welfare provides access to information on how to learn and utilize …2014