Supervision of Group Workers
Course Code: 1VOL1220
University Level: One (20 Credits)
Prerequisites: None
Delivery Method: Distance learning, paper and/or online
Start Date: Not currently available
Course Duration: 1 Term
Course Fees: 20 credits - see the finance page for more information.
Further Study: Optional part of the degree in Voluntary Sector Studies
Course Description
This course is designed to equip those who plan to become group work supervisors and those who are already supervising group work, to effectively support, develop and monitor the practice of group workers within the voluntary and related sectors.
Working within a group context has become an increasingly popular medium within the Voluntary Sector. Group work is being utilised in a diverse range of environments such as self help/support groups, team-building, group work with children, group counselling and supervision of the practice of volunteers and paid staff. Developing the specific practical competence in supervising group work, group processes and dynamics is a key feature of this course. As group work is a complex medium, ethical, legal and moral dilemmas are discussed with a view to ensuring safe and ethical practice and supporting group workers to manage complex issues.
This course begins by focussing on best practice in the art of facilitating groups within the Voluntary Sector. It is designed to ensure that group leaders and supervisors of groups have a sound theoretical understanding of group facilitation, advanced facilitation skills, group work theories and managing complex issues in group life. The course then provides students with information on a range of approaches to providing support and supervision in the Voluntary Sector followed by in-depth study on models of individual and group supervision. The course considers in detail the essential skills and strategies associated with the effective supervision of group workers. Students have the opportunity to consider support and supervision systems in their organisational context with regard to the needs of service users, individual workers, teams and the overall organisation and to consider the most appropriate mode(s) of support and supervision in the specific context in which they practice.
New to study?
Consider our introductory course, The Certificate in Interpersonal Skills for Volunteers