Publications from ODSW Social Work Supervsion | Page 53

Workshop 2: Challenges and Responses of Social Work Supervisors with Managerial and Clinical Roles

5) Experimentation and Evaluation

Conduct joint session (home visits/ client session)

Evaluate effectiveness of work, examining “what works”, and effectiveness
of the supervisory session

Close and review case
The unique features of the PEACE process-in-context supervisory model is the phases
across the time dimension. In addition, the theoretical influence came from David Kolb’s
(1984) Cycle of Experiential Learning and Bogo and Vayda’s (1998) Integration of Theory
and Practice Loop (ITP).
Dr Wong felt that the implications of the PEACE model is the development of a contextual
map of social work case work supervision in the local context. There is a need for
supervisors to be aware of the difference between professional and self-development
needs without engaging in personal therapy. It was also necessary for them to be mindful
of the role clarity. Social workers need to see supervision as a professional (not just
organisational) need and as such should seek professional inputs whether the organisation
provides for it or not.
Dr Wong acknowledged that this seminar had put together best practices in Singapore. As
can be seen from the various workshop presentations, there are many good practices in
Singapore although she also recognised that documentation of such practices may be
weak.
Question & Answer session
A participant asked if the PEACE process-in-context supervisory model was based largely
on observed processes or on literature research.
Dr Wong clarified that the process of building the model was influenced by sessions she
sat in as well as theories like those from Hawking & Shohet, David Kolb and Bogo & Vayda.
In addition, there was a group validation interview. Thus with co-interaction with
participants, tweaking and changing, the PEACE process-in-context supervisory model was
developed.
Another participant clarified about the use of client’s religion to work with the client.
Dr Wong recognised that the use of faith and spirituality in casework has been rather
contentious as there were different perspectives. On one end of the continuum, there is
the belief that religion should not be used as there is a need for one to be professional in
practice. Some even questioned if it was ethical to use religion in the work. On the other
end, people have argued that using the strengths perspective, fai th could be seen as a
strength and a means of coping. Dr Wong suggested that between the two extreme
points, therein lies the worker’s personal position and also the organisational views on
cultural appropriateness.
The last question came from another participant who asked which organisations uses
merged supervision or split supervision.
Dr Wong replied that while confidentiality prevents her from revealing the organisations, in
general the size of the organisation makes a difference. Multi-centre agencies tended to
be the ones who split the supervisory roles because of their larger size while youth
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