Transformation of Social Work Practice Supervision in Malaysia

Transformation of Social Work Practice Supervision in Malaysia A study of social welfare officers in Malaysia Presented by: Chan Soak Fong Professional Social Work in SE: Education and Qualification 21 – 22 July 2015, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

Background • Professional social work was introduced into Malaysia after World War II with the establishment of the Department of Social Welfare in 1946. • Over decades, social problems are increasing in number, becoming more complex and multi- dimensional in nature. • Professional supervision is needed to ensure the quality and accountability of social work practitioners in order to provide quality services to the clients.

Current issues 1. Lack of professional body to monitor and regulate social work practice, education and training towards achieving professional standards 2. National Survey on Social Work Practice in Government Agencies and NGOs v Welfare workers/social work practitioners are insufficiently trained in social work v lack of CPD (DSW & MASW, 2005) 3. Lack of effective supervision in practice 4. Lack of social work education and training opportunity at certificate/ diploma level

cont. . Social work education v No standardization in social work curriculum. v The social work educators also vary from various disciplines v No formal association of schools of social work q The National Joint Consultative Committee for Social Work Education (NJCCSWE) was established in 2000 to ensure minimum standards of social work education curriculum

cont. . Formal training in social work program Students to be trained as a social worker will have to undergo a three (3/4) year degree programme (at least 100 credits) supervised field instruction between 800 – 1000 hours

The aim of the survey is to explore some of the primary issues in providing effective field supervision in the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia (DSW). to present a preliminary overview on the practice of supervision in the DSW

Methodology Northern Region Sabah Sarawak Surv July ey to O ct 20 14 Res pon 148 Southern soci dents Region al w offic elfare ers SPS S Des crip tive East stat Coast istic s Training on “Introductory Social Work Supervision in the Organization”

Results Zone Demographic Respondent (n = 148) Northern Region 31 Southern Region 36 East Coast 33 Sarawak 21 Sabah 27

Academic qualification Post-graduate 9% Certificate/ STPM/HSC 12% Diploma 14% Undergraduate 66% 75% Malaysian Higher School Certificate is a pre-university examination taken by students in Malaysia. It was formerly known as the Higher School Certificate (HSC). The HSC was the precursor to the GCE A Level in the UK

Courses Social work related • Social Work • Anthropology • Sociology • Psychology • Counseling • Social Administration • Human Development • Social Policy and Development § § § § Non social work related Political Science Administration Business Management Human Resource Management Accounting Planning Islamic Planning Public Administration Urban Planning Accountancy Mechanical Engineering Finance

Frequency of supervision Sufficient 45% Insufficient 30% 18% percentage Not sure NA nevery day once fortnightly a week once a month not on regular basis * Depending on the needs, situation and issues encountered

percentage

percentage

14% Attended supervision course or training Insufficiency of supervision course/ training 59%

98% Importance of supervision 98% Need of supervision

Issues and challenges 1. Absence of structured and systematic supervision and guidelines 2. Poor supervision (lack of qualified supervisors) 3. Lack of effort (existing staff) 4. Poor understanding on supervision 5. Attitudes and mentality (remain status quo in current situation) 6. Communication hindrance between the superior and staff 7. Lack of access and opportunities for CPD 8. Overwhelming caseloads 9. Rotation of work

Discussion and suggestion Inconsistency of supervision Lack of structured and systematic supervision/ guideline/policy Development of clear, structure and systematic supervision system/model/policy

cont. . knowledge qualification skills CPD/CPE

Policy / Act Standardization of Social Work Curriculum Collaboration among agencies

Conclusion Supervision is essential in enhancing the competency and ensuring the professional development of the frontline practitioners. Further in-depth national survey to examine the nature of supervision practice. Collaboration – practice and education