Course Summary

Practice Level: Intermediate

Clinical supervision in substance use counseling is the bridge that connects the learning of new skills to the implementation of those new skills in actual clinical practice. It supports both new and experienced clinicians and is a critical element of competent practice. It supports evidence-based practice (EBP) delivery, helps clinicians develop and sustain professionalism, and ensures ethical standards of care are imparted, met, and maintained. The role and skills of a supervisor are distinct from those of a counselor or administrator. The clinical supervisor in substance use counseling offers support in the roles of teacher, coach, mentor, evaluator, administrator, while supporting their supervisees as they work to address the needs of clients.

This learning material offers supervisors working in the substance use field guidance on working effectively with their staff and supervisees to improve worker skills and client outcomes. The supervision process is outlined with guidance for each phase. Learners will engage with models of supervision and supervision techniques which facilitate supervisees’ professional socialization and skills development. This includes discussions of diversity and social location/power in the supervisory relationship and conflict resolution skills. This learning material also presents multiple vignettes that illustrate key concepts and important working concepts in the supervision process to aid learners in applying the material to their current and future work experience.

 

Course Format

This course contains downloadable online lessons (PDF) and a practice test. When you’re ready, purchase the course by clicking the “Add To Cart” or “Enroll” button. This will let you take the test, complete the course evaluation and receive your certificate for CE credits.

Learning Objectives

  1. Identify models and essential components of clinical supervision. 
  2. Explain the role of developmental stages for supervisors and supervisees 
  3. Describe ways to engage with diversity when providing supervision. 
  4. Recognize ethical and legal considerations of clinical supervision. 
  5. Describe how the supervisory process establishes and monitors performance expectations. 
  6. Distinguish clinical supervision from administrative supervision and from therapy. 
  7. Describe considerations in implementing a clinical supervision program. 

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Central Principles of Clinical Supervision
  • Guidelines for New Supervisors
  • Models of Clinical Supervision
    • Competency-Based Models
    • Treatment-Based Models
    • Developmental Approaches
    • Integrated Models
    • Considerations When Selecting a Supervision Model
  • Developmental Stages of Counselors
  • Developmental Stages of Supervisors
  • Cultural and Contextual Factors
  • Ethical and Legal Issues
    • Direct and Vicarious Liability
    • Confidentiality           
    • Informed Consent
    • Dual Relationships
    • Professional Codes of Ethics
    • Ethical Decision Making
  • Performance Contracting and Monitoring
    • Individual Development Plan
    • Evaluation
  • Practical Issues in Clinical Supervision
    • Distinguishing Between Therapy and Supervision
    • Balancing Clinical and Administrative Functions and Roles
    • Finding the Time for Clinical Supervision
    • Documenting Supervisory Work
    • Structuring the Initial Supervision Session
    • Technology in Clinical Supervision
  • Administrative Supervision
    • Documentation for Administrative Purposes
    • Technology in Clinical Supervision
  • Adult Learning and Supervision
  • Program Evaluation and Research Benefits
  • Implementing a Clinical Supervision Program
  • Vignettes
    • Vignette 1 – Defining and Building the Supervisory Alliance
    • Vignette 2 – Addressing Ethical Standards
    • Vignette 3 – Implementing an Evidence-Based Practice
    • Vignette 4 – Maintaining Focus on Job Performance
    • Vignette 5 – Making a Case for Clinical Supervision to Administrators
  •  Summary
  •  Tools and Resources for Clinical Supervision in Practice

Author

Jessie Timmons, LCSW

Jessie Timmons, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist and teacher of social work, including the practice and teaching of clinical supervision. Jessie is experienced at providing supervision to graduate students, early career professionals, and seasoned colleagues. She has been an adjunct and full-time instructor at Temple University’s School of Social Work and served for 10 years, including one term as President on the board of the Pennsylvania Society for Clinical Social Work (PSCSW). Her teaching and professional development have focused on ethical and competent clinical social work practice, as well as teaching both basic and more advanced concepts and practices of clinical supervision for mental health professionals.

Accreditation Approval Statements

CE4Less.com is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CE4Less.com maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

This course has been approved by CE4Less.com, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #91345, CE4Less.com is responsible for all aspects of the programing.

NBCC

CE4Less.com has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6991. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE4Less.com is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Level Education Group, LLC is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0835.

We are committed to providing our learners with unbiased information. CE4Less never accepts commercial support and our authors have no significant financial or other conflicts of interest pertaining to the material.