Southeast Kentucky Behavioral Health Offers LCSW Supervision.
In the state of Kentucky, Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are responsible for providing clinical supervision to social workers pursuing licensure at the certified social worker (CSW) level. This supervisory role is essential in ensuring the development of competent, ethical, and effective social workers. Kentucky has specific guidelines and regulations in place governing LCSW clinical supervision, outlined by the Kentucky Board of Social Work.
Guidelines for Clinical Supervision
Kentucky’s clinical supervision guidelines ensure that the quality of supervision supports the professional and ethical development of social workers. Key elements include:
- Frequency of Supervision: Supervision must occur at least four times a month for one hour each session or two hours every two weeks. These sessions must be face-to-face, whether in-person or through secure video conferencing.
- Content of Supervision: Clinical supervision should address areas such as case consultation, ethics, legal issues, cultural competency, and professional development. The focus is on improving clinical skills, promoting ethical decision-making, and preparing the supervisee for independent practice as an LCSW.
- Documentation: LCSWs providing supervision are required to keep detailed records of each supervision session, documenting the content discussed, any feedback given, and the progress of the supervisee. These records must be retained for a minimum of six years following the completion of the supervision period.
- Supervision Duration: The supervisee must complete a minimum of two years (24 months) of supervised practice under the guidance of an LCSW, accumulating a total of 150 hours of supervision. During this time, the supervisee should also complete 3,000 hours of clinical work experience.
Ethical and Legal Responsibilities
LCSW supervisors in Kentucky have a critical ethical and legal responsibility to ensure that their supervisees are developing the skills necessary for competent clinical practice. They are accountable for the actions of their supervisees and must adhere to the Code of Ethics established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and the regulations set forth by the Kentucky Board of Social Work.
Supervisors are expected to:
- Model ethical behavior: LCSWs must exemplify the ethical standards and legal responsibilities expected in social work practice.
- Provide appropriate feedback: Supervisors should offer constructive feedback that encourages growth while also addressing areas that require improvement.
- Ensure the well-being of clients: Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that the supervisee’s clinical work upholds the highest standards of client care and confidentiality.
References and Regulations
The regulations and guidelines governing LCSW clinical supervision in Kentucky can be found in the Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR), specifically under 201 KAR 23:070, which outlines the requirements for supervision and licensure for social workers. The Kentucky Board of Social Work also provides detailed guidance and resources to ensure supervisors and supervisees understand their obligations.
For more information, you can refer to:
- Kentucky Board of Social Work – http://bsw.ky.gov
- 201 KAR 23:070 – Requirements for clinical social work supervision and licensure
- NASW Code of Ethics – Ethical guidelines for clinical social work practice
By adhering to these regulations, LCSWs in Kentucky help foster the next generation of skilled social workers, ensuring the continued provision of quality mental health services across the state.