Culturally Safe Supervision - Principles for Supporting First Nations Staff

Capability Levels: Emerging, Evolving

As social workers and supervisors it is integral to maintain reflexive practice approaches in our supervision work, supervision plays a vital role in social work to ensure staff feel supported, opportunity to reflect, learn and grow and to debrief in our complex work environment. Supervision has been widely researched, with various tools available to social work supervisors and supervisees. However, there are a very limited number of culturally appropriate supervision frameworks and tools developed for First Nations social workers. Access to supervisors who understand the complex intersections Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff navigate daily in their roles is integral to maintaining and growing First Nations social work workforce.

Reflecting on the principles of culturally safe supervision for First Nations social workers will empower social worker supervisors to consider their own supervisory styles, the role of their organisation in supervision and the importance of developing a safe supervision space for First Nations staff. This knowledge is essential for improving the experiences of First Nations social workers in supervision and the workplace.

Who should attend?

This webinar is tailored for non-identified social workers who are supervisors or have an interest in becoming supervisors. Attendees may already supervise First Nations staff or have no experience in supervising First Nations staff but are seeking additional learning to explore their current or emerging approach to culturally safe supervision. Additionally, social work managers and policymakers who are involved in designing supervision protocols or training programs will find this seminar highly beneficial.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this program, participants will be able to:

• Identify key principles that can support supervisors to understand culturally capable supervision for First Nations Staff
• Evaluate their current supervision practice and independently reflect on their role as supervisors and creating culturally safe and inclusive workplaces for First Nations staff including potential advocacy points within their respective organisations.
• Apply practical strategies and reflective opportunities to begin integrating these principles into their supervision practice

Event Structure:

Introduction (5 min)

Learning Session 1: Themes across poor experiences of supervision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social workers and staff (20 minutes)

Learning Activity 1: Interactive group discussions

Learning Session 2: Positive Supervision Experiences (20 min)

Learning Activity 2: Knowledge sharing

Learning Session 3: Supervisor Identity (20 min)

Learning Activity 3: Discussion

Other Considerations (10 min)

Discuss the role of language and the significance of Reconciliation Action Plans.

Q&A and Conclusion

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

AASW Credentials: Mental Health, Clinical