101815: Workplace Abuse: Roles of the Supervisor and the Supervisee

About the Course:

The management of workplace abuse in supervision and the subsequent remedial roles of the supervisor and the supervisee are complicated by the limited published literature in this field. This paper draws together health, education, psychology, and employment literature with the author’s experience to present key issues relevant to this area. These viewpoints address ethical dilemmas concerning confidentiality, accountability, and emotional trauma, and are formulated into a process of care for clinical supervisors. This model encourages the supervisee to work towards resolving workplace issues while maintaining competency to practice. The efficacy of this model is demonstrated by means of a case example. Further research is recommended to understand and categorize workplace trauma, the result of workplace abuse, and appropriate responses for associated professionals.

Publication Date:

Spring 2009, Vol. 6, No. 1

Author

Ann Christie, Dip(OT), NZROT

About the Author:

Frances Rutherford Lecture Award 1998 Senior Occupational Therapist Specializing in Child Adolescent Mental Health Auckland District Health Board, New Zealand achristie@adhb.govt.nz

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, and social workers who seek knowledge about roles of supervisor and supervisee in cases of workplace abuse. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Outline limitations of the current legislative and organizational ability to identify and deal with workplace abuse.

2. Identify ethical dilemmas supervisors face in WPB cases.

3. Define the roles of the supervisor and supervisee in cases of workplace abuse.