Jean James, LCSW-C, Staff Social Worker, BSWE
Supervision is the backbone of assuring the public receives competent and professional Social Work service. Please see the November 2024 issue regarding mandatory supervision of licensees.
Board staff recognize that the regulations around supervision can be somewhat "confusing." Here are some answers to questions we frequently encounter.
Question: As a newly licensed Social Worker, what are my responsibilities regarding supervision?
Answer: Supervisees have the opportunity for mentorship through the Supervisory relationship. Here are some highlights of the regulations surrounding that relationship:
- Supervision must be conducted with a Board Approved Supervisor and a contract for supervision must be completed prior to supervision beginning.
- Supervisees must be prepared for supervision and bring in relevant case material for discussion.
- Supervisees must maintain documentation of the supervisory sessions for at least 5 years including the dates, duration, and focus of the sessions
https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/10.42.08.08.aspx
Question: As a Board Approved Supervisor, what are my responsibilities to the Social Workers I am supervising?
Answer: Supervisors are so important to the growth and development of the supervisee. The mentorship they provide varies but the following regulations provide guidance of what is critical to the supervisory relationship. Please review all the regulations with the link provided below. However, here are some highlights to guide you:
- A contract for supervision must be completed prior to supervision beginning.
- Supervisors must determine the supervisee’s skill level and ensure that a supervisee is practicing within their scope of practice.
- Supervisors must maintain documentation for at least 5 years outlining the date, duration and focus of supervision. A written evaluation of the supervisee’s progress should be completed every six months.
- Since all social workers are accountable to these regulations, it is highly recommended that supervisors ensure that a supervisee is knowledgeable about Health Occupations Article, Title 19, Annotated Code of Maryland, and COMAR 10.42.01—10.42.09.
- When applicable, Supervision Verification Forms document the supervisory practice and must be completed by the supervisor not the supervisee. The Board recommends that there is a discussion about the form ensuring that there is mutual understanding.
- When the time comes for clinical supervision to end, make sure that a reasonable period of time is given to the supervisee and employer to avoid or minimize any harmful effect on the supervisee's clients or patients.
Lastly, remember, all Board Approved Supervisors that wish to maintain their status must complete 3 Supervision CEUs (category I or II) each renewal cycle.
https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/10.42.08.07.aspx
Question: How do I know if a supervisor is Board Approved?
Answer: https://mdbnc.health.maryland.gov/bsweVerification/supervisionZip.aspx
Question: How often should we meet for supervision? And when does supervision end?
Answer: Supervisees must receive a minimum of 3 hours of face-to-face supervision per month or 1 hour of face-to-face supervision for every 40 hours worked. Regular clinical supervision must continue until the Social Worker is licensed as an LCSW-C or has achieved Independent Status as an LBSW or LMSW.
Question: What is the Contract Form that should be used?
Answer: https://health.maryland.gov/bswe/Documents/Supervision/contractualAgree.pdf
