Diversity Competent Group Work Supervision: An Application of the Supervision of Group Work Model (SGW)

Abstract

This article emphasizes the need for concrete descriptions of supervision to promote diversity-competent group work and presents an application of the supervision of group work model (SGW) to this end. The SGW, a supervision model adapted from the discrimination model, is uniquely suited for promoting diversity competence in group work, since it allows integration of awareness of self, awareness of client's worldview, and diversity-appropriate interventions with the individual, interpersonal, and group-as-a-whole dimensions of group work. Strategies to prepare for and conduct supervision, and a case analysis that highlights key issues for diversity-competent group work supervision and illustrates a potential supervision process, are presented. Implications for supervisors, group workers, and future research are also provided.

Keywords:

• diversity competence
• group co-leadership
• group leadership
• group work
• supervision

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Jane E. Atieno Okech

Jane E. Atieno Okech, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Counselor Education, Department of Integrated Professional Studies, College of Education and Social Services at the University of Vermont.

Deborah Rubel

Deborah Rubel, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of Counselor Education, College of Education at Oregon State University.