Constructing a Profession of Social Work: The Role of Social Work Supervision
Constructing a Profession of Social Work: The Role of Social Work Supervision

Summary/Abstract: The growth of social work education and practice opportunities in family and community-based care models has occurred rapidly in the countries of the former Soviet Bloc since the early 1990’s. Although the occupation of social work seems well-established, the professionalization of social work has lagged behind. One hypothesis is that the professionalization of social work necessitates the establishment of a career track that provides incentives and promotion opportunities. Establishing an official position within the professional hierarchy for social work supervisor is needed. This paper explores the functions of social work supervision, its status and application to the post-Communist context, and opportunities to further construct the profession in the transition countries. Linking social work practice and education through field education can serve as one mechanism for more fully establishing the professional supervisory position and establishing a beginning career track within the profession.

• Details
• Contents