In the service of child protection organisations, where services are focused on the protection of children within the preservation of families, social workers are exposed to the adverse conditions of children and families forming part of their caseload. Social workers must remain objective and make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of children and families, while they themselves might be traumatised by the circumstances of these children and families. Various studies have been done about occupational stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and the role of supervision in this regard. Less is however known about support as a function of supervision for social workers employed by child protection organisations and the social workers’ experience(s) of this support. The aim of this study was to investigate and to descripe, by means of a descriptive qualitative design, social workers employed by child protection organizations' experience of support as function of supervision. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used a purposeful non-probability sampling. Ten social workers from seven child protection organisations within the specific field of child protection were selected according to their willingness to participate. Unstructured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews, with one question to initiate the interview, were conducted with social workers to investigate their experience of the support as function of supervision. During interviews with the individual social workers the researcher made use of observations and field notes as tools for data collection tools. A focus group with eight social workers was also utilised to verify initial findings and to allow for any additional data that would emerge. The first theme deals with participants’ view of support as a function of supervision, which includes receiving guidance and emotional support. Theme two is about participants’ experience of support as a function of supervision in terms of task-oriented as well as emotional support. The third theme that came up was alternative sources of emotional support, including colleagues, external counselors, family members and selfcare. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories and discussed according to relevant quotations from interviews and literature reviews. Conclusions and recommendations were made according to these results. One of the most important recommendations arising from the findings of the study, is that the support function of supervision should be used more effectively. Social workers and supervisors must develop a greater awareness of the importance to discuss emotions and the dangers of suppressing emotions. Social workers that receive the opportunity to reflect on their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, appreciation and experience job satisfaction and motivation, which leads to an increase in service quality. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

In the service of child protection organisations, where services are focused on the protection of children within the preservation of families, social workers are exposed to the adverse conditions of children and families forming part of their caseload. Social workers must remain objective and make thoughtful decisions in the best interest of children and families, while they themselves might be traumatised by the circumstances of these children and families. Various studies have been done about occupational stress, secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and the role of supervision in this regard. Less is however known about support as a function of supervision for social workers employed by child protection organisations and the social workers’ experience(s) of this support. The aim of this study was to investigate and to descripe, by means of a descriptive qualitative design, social workers employed by child protection organizations' experience of support as function of supervision. For the purpose of this study, the researcher used a purposeful non-probability sampling. Ten social workers from seven child protection organisations within the specific field of child protection were selected according to their willingness to participate. Unstructured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews, with one question to initiate the interview, were conducted with social workers to investigate their experience of the support as function of supervision. During interviews with the individual social workers the researcher made use of observations and field notes as tools for data collection tools. A focus group with eight social workers was also utilised to verify initial findings and to allow for any additional data that would emerge. The first theme deals with participants’ view of support as a function of supervision, which includes receiving guidance and emotional support. Theme two is about participants’ experience of support as a function of supervision in terms of task-oriented as well as emotional support. The third theme that came up was alternative sources of emotional support, including colleagues, external counselors, family members and selfcare. These themes were divided into sub-themes and categories and discussed according to relevant quotations from interviews and literature reviews. Conclusions and recommendations were made according to these results. One of the most important recommendations arising from the findings of the study, is that the support function of supervision should be used more effectively. Social workers and supervisors must develop a greater awareness of the importance to discuss emotions and the dangers of suppressing emotions. Social workers that receive the opportunity to reflect on their emotions, develop a sense of self-worth, appreciation and experience job satisfaction and motivation, which leads to an increase in service quality. / MSW, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Supervision is an important aspect in the practice of social work. It enhances the service delivery of social workers to clients. Supervision also gives direction to functional workers. A supervisory position in any welfare organization is a managerial position and supervisors are thus managers. It is therefore important to understand the experiences of social work supervisors as first-line managers in a welfare organization. In light of the above, the goal of this study was to explore the experiences of social work supervisors as first-line managers in a welfare organization during and after transition from supervisee to supervisor. The research question arising from the goal of the study was: “What are the experiences of social work supervisors as first-line managers in a welfare organization during and after transition from supervisee to supervisor?” A qualitative, explorative study was conducted, with the following objectives: <ul> <li> To conceptualize social work supervision theoretically, based on available literature.</li> <li> To explore empirically the experiences of social work supervisors as first-line managers, during and after role transition from supervisee to supervisor.</li> <li> To make recommendations regarding the situation of social work supervisors, in order to improve their service rendering.</li> </ul> Nine social work supervisors from the North-Rand Region Service Offices and Institutions of the Department of Social Development formed the sample for the study. After the conclusion of a literature study and pilot study, data collection was based on semistructured interviews with selected supervisors. The main conclusions drawn from the research findings were that social work supervisors go through some difficult experiences when they move from the position of social worker to that of a supervisor. This requires support from their superiors which, according to the study, is currently lacking. The study indicated a need for the generation of more in-depth literature on social work supervision in general. The study was concluded by relevant recommendations to the Department of Social Development in the Gauteng Province. Copyright / Dissertation (MSD)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Social Work and Criminology / unrestricted

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of the research was to determine the extent to which health issues, and particularly work stress, are managed at a welfare organization. The group investigated consisted of 49 registered social workers employed at nine welfare organizations in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research process was directed by quantitative research, the research information being obtained through a literature study and structured questionnaire. A number of health issues were identified in the workplace. Based on the empirical investigation it was concluded that health management does not enjoy a high priority at welfare organisations. The health issues that have the most impact on the respondents' work ability are work stress and burnout. It is recommended that organisations compile a holistic policy for health management. There is a need for implementation of employee assistance and wellness programmes for health management. Such programmes promote the productivity and general wellbeing of social workers. / Die doel van die navorsingstudie was om te bepaal tot watter mate gesondheidskwessies, in die besonder werkstres, by 'n welsynsorganisasie bestuur word. Die ondersoekgroep het bestaan uit 49 geregistreerde maatskaplike werkers werksaam by nege welsynsorganisasies in die Nelson Mandela Metropool. Die navorsingsproses is deur kwantitatiewe navorsing gerig en die navorsingsinligting is met behulp van 'n literatuurstudie en gestruktureerde vraelys bekom. Daar word tans 'n aantal gesondheidskwessies in die werkplek geidentifiseer. Na aanleiding van die empiriese ondersoek is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesondheidbestuur nie 'n hoe prioriteit geniet by welsynsorgnisasies nie. Die gesondheidskwessies wat die mees beduidende impak op die respondente se werkvermoe het, is werkstres en uitbranding. Daar word aanbeveel dat organisasies 'n holistiese beleid ten opsigte van gesondheidsbestuur opstel. Daar is 'n behoefie aan die implementering van werknemerhulp- en werknemerwelstandprogramme vir gesondheidsbestuur omdat sulke programme die produktiwiteit en algemene welstand van maatskaplike werkers kan bevorder. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of the research was to determine the extent to which health issues, and particularly work stress, are managed at a welfare organization. The group investigated consisted of 49 registered social workers employed at nine welfare organizations in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The research process was directed by quantitative research, the research information being obtained through a literature study and structured questionnaire. A number of health issues were identified in the workplace. Based on the empirical investigation it was concluded that health management does not enjoy a high priority at welfare organisations. The health issues that have the most impact on the respondents' work ability are work stress and burnout. It is recommended that organisations compile a holistic policy for health management. There is a need for implementation of employee assistance and wellness programmes for health management. Such programmes promote the productivity and general wellbeing of social workers. / Die doel van die navorsingstudie was om te bepaal tot watter mate gesondheidskwessies, in die besonder werkstres, by 'n welsynsorganisasie bestuur word. Die ondersoekgroep het bestaan uit 49 geregistreerde maatskaplike werkers werksaam by nege welsynsorganisasies in die Nelson Mandela Metropool. Die navorsingsproses is deur kwantitatiewe navorsing gerig en die navorsingsinligting is met behulp van 'n literatuurstudie en gestruktureerde vraelys bekom. Daar word tans 'n aantal gesondheidskwessies in die werkplek geidentifiseer. Na aanleiding van die empiriese ondersoek is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat gesondheidbestuur nie 'n hoe prioriteit geniet by welsynsorgnisasies nie. Die gesondheidskwessies wat die mees beduidende impak op die respondente se werkvermoe het, is werkstres en uitbranding. Daar word aanbeveel dat organisasies 'n holistiese beleid ten opsigte van gesondheidsbestuur opstel. Daar is 'n behoefie aan die implementering van werknemerhulp- en werknemerwelstandprogramme vir gesondheidsbestuur omdat sulke programme die produktiwiteit en algemene welstand van maatskaplike werkers kan bevorder. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of this research study is to determine how Police Social Workers experience the supportive function in supervision, and how they can be empowered through the strenghts perspective. The respondents were fifteen (15) Police Social Workers in the Western Cape. The findings of the empirical study proved that Police Social Workers also experience the profession to be stressful in nature. The respondents do have inherent strenghts, that can be utilised optimally during supervision, to enhance service delivery to their different client systems. It is recommended that all SAPS social workers be exposed to supervision / consultation, as a stress management mechanism. SAPS supervisors must be empowered, eg. Inservice training, to develop an effective supervion programme. / Die doel van die navorsing is om vas te stel hoe Polisie Maatskaplike Werkers die ondersteuningsfunksie in supervisie ervaar, en hoe hulle bemagtig kan word deur die sterkteperspektief. Die respondente was vyftien (15) maatskaplike werkers indiens van die SAPD in die Wes Kaap. Die empiriese studie het getoon dat Polisie Maatskaplike Werkers ook die professie as stresvol ervaar. Die respondente beskik almal oor inherente sterkpunte en vaardighede, wat optimaal benut kan word tydens supervisie om sodoende 'n effektiewe diens aan hul onderskeie klientsisteme te lewer. Daar word aanbeveel dat alle SAPD maatskaplike werkers aan supervisie / konsultasie blootgestel word, en dat supervisie / konsultasie as 'n streshanteringsmeganisme benut moet word. SAPD supervisors moet ook bemagtig word, deur byvoorbeeld indiensopleiding, om 'n effektiewe supervisie program te ontwikel. / Social work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of this research study is to determine how Police Social Workers experience the supportive function in supervision, and how they can be empowered through the strenghts perspective. The respondents were fifteen (15) Police Social Workers in the Western Cape. The findings of the empirical study proved that Police Social Workers also experience the profession to be stressful in nature. The respondents do have inherent strenghts, that can be utilised optimally during supervision, to enhance service delivery to their different client systems. It is recommended that all SAPS social workers be exposed to supervision / consultation, as a stress management mechanism. SAPS supervisors must be empowered, eg. Inservice training, to develop an effective supervion programme. / Die doel van die navorsing is om vas te stel hoe Polisie Maatskaplike Werkers die ondersteuningsfunksie in supervisie ervaar, en hoe hulle bemagtig kan word deur die sterkteperspektief. Die respondente was vyftien (15) maatskaplike werkers indiens van die SAPD in die Wes Kaap. Die empiriese studie het getoon dat Polisie Maatskaplike Werkers ook die professie as stresvol ervaar. Die respondente beskik almal oor inherente sterkpunte en vaardighede, wat optimaal benut kan word tydens supervisie om sodoende 'n effektiewe diens aan hul onderskeie klientsisteme te lewer. Daar word aanbeveel dat alle SAPD maatskaplike werkers aan supervisie / konsultasie blootgestel word, en dat supervisie / konsultasie as 'n streshanteringsmeganisme benut moet word. SAPD supervisors moet ook bemagtig word, deur byvoorbeeld indiensopleiding, om 'n effektiewe supervisie program te ontwikel. / Social work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Text in Afrikaans / The purpose of this research study is to determine the extent to which employee assistance programmes can be utilised by welfare agencies to ensure that work-related and personal problems do not negatively influence the productivity of social workers. The group of respondents consisted of ten social work supervisors from ten different welfare agencies, which included civil sevice organisations, specialist organisations and family welfare organisations. The conclusion that was reached based on the findings of the empirical study is that social workers have a need for services that will prevent, relieve or eliminate their work-related and personal problems, in order to improve the productivity and general functioning of social workers. It is recommended that welfare agencies in accordence with their unique nature and functioning and the specific needs of the social workers, utilise employee assistance programmes so as to ensure optimal productivity of social workers / Die doel van die navorsingstudie is om te bepaal tot watter mate werknemerhulpprogramme deur welsynsinstansies aangewend kan word ten einde te verseker dat werkverwante en persoonlike probleme nie die produktiwiteit van maatskaplike werkers negatief beinvloed nie. Die ondersoekgroep het bestaan uit tien maatskaplikewerksupervisors van tien verskillende welsynsinstansies, te wete staatsdiensorganisasies, spesialiteitsorganisasies en gesinsorgorganisasies. Na aanleiding van die empiriese ondersoek is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat maatskaplike werkers 'n behoefte aan dienste het wat hul werkverwante en persoonlike probleme voorkom, verlig of uit die weg ruim ten einde produktiwiteit en algemene funksionering van maatskaplike werkers te bevorder. Daar word aanbeveel dat welsynsinstansies, na gelang van hul unieke aard en funksionering en die spesifieke behoeftes van die maatskaplike werker, werknemerhulpprogramme sal aanwend ten einde optimale produktiwiteit van maatskaplike werkers te verseker. / Social Work / M.Diac. (Social Work)

Text in Afrikaans / OPSOMMING `n Verkennende en beskrywende studie is onderneem om wetenskaplike gefundeerde riglyne ten opsigte van die benutting van onderrigtegnieke vir praktykopleiers beskikbaar te stel vir maatskaplikewerksupervisie aan voorgraadse studente. Om supervisie effektief te kan aanwend, moet praktykopleiers van onderrigtegnieke kennis dra en dit kan aanwend. Die literatuurstudie fokus op die onderrigfunksie van supervisie en `n klassifikasie en beskrywing van onderrigtegnieke wat binne die supervisieproses aangewend kan word. Al twee-en-twintig supervisors/praktykopleiers wat betrokke is by gesinsorgorganisa- sies in die Metropool- en Bolandstreek, Wes-Kaap is betrek. `n Gestruktureerde vraelys is as data-insamelingsmetode benut. Die bevindinge en resultate toon aan dat voortgesette opleiding deur middel van informele opleidingstrategieë van praktykopleiers noodsaaklik is, om hul kennis ten opsigte van die onderrigfunksie van supervisie uit te brei asook die benutting van onderrigtegnieke aan te moedig. Verdere navorsing kan fokus op die benutting van onderrigtegnieke uit die Gestalt- of ander benaderings tydens supervisie. SUMMARY An exploratory and descriptive study was undertaken to provide scientifically based guidelines regarding educational techniques used by practical trainers when providing social work supervision to undergraduate students. To apply supervision effectively, practical trainers must have knowledge of educational techniques and be able to apply these. The literature study focuses on the educational function of supervision and provides a classification and description of educational techniques that can be applied within the supervision process. The sample included twenty-two supervisors/practical trainers at family welfare organisations in the Metropolitan and Boland regions, Western Cape. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data. The findings and results show that continuing education through informal training strategies by practical trainers is essential to expand their knowledge of the educational function of supervision and to encourage the use of educational techniques. Further research should focus on educational techniques from the Gestalt approach or other approaches. / Social work / M.Diac.

Text in Afrikaans / OPSOMMING `n Verkennende en beskrywende studie is onderneem om wetenskaplike gefundeerde riglyne ten opsigte van die benutting van onderrigtegnieke vir praktykopleiers beskikbaar te stel vir maatskaplikewerksupervisie aan voorgraadse studente. Om supervisie effektief te kan aanwend, moet praktykopleiers van onderrigtegnieke kennis dra en dit kan aanwend. Die literatuurstudie fokus op die onderrigfunksie van supervisie en `n klassifikasie en beskrywing van onderrigtegnieke wat binne die supervisieproses aangewend kan word. Al twee-en-twintig supervisors/praktykopleiers wat betrokke is by gesinsorgorganisa- sies in die Metropool- en Bolandstreek, Wes-Kaap is betrek. `n Gestruktureerde vraelys is as data-insamelingsmetode benut. Die bevindinge en resultate toon aan dat voortgesette opleiding deur middel van informele opleidingstrategieë van praktykopleiers noodsaaklik is, om hul kennis ten opsigte van die onderrigfunksie van supervisie uit te brei asook die benutting van onderrigtegnieke aan te moedig. Verdere navorsing kan fokus op die benutting van onderrigtegnieke uit die Gestalt- of ander benaderings tydens supervisie. SUMMARY An exploratory and descriptive study was undertaken to provide scientifically based guidelines regarding educational techniques used by practical trainers when providing social work supervision to undergraduate students. To apply supervision effectively, practical trainers must have knowledge of educational techniques and be able to apply these. The literature study focuses on the educational function of supervision and provides a classification and description of educational techniques that can be applied within the supervision process. The sample included twenty-two supervisors/practical trainers at family welfare organisations in the Metropolitan and Boland regions, Western Cape. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data. The findings and results show that continuing education through informal training strategies by practical trainers is essential to expand their knowledge of the educational function of supervision and to encourage the use of educational techniques. Further research should focus on educational techniques from the Gestalt approach or other approaches. / Social work / M.Diac.