Five Supervision Reminders Every New Social Worker Deserves

Written from the summit of Haleakalā, just after sunrise

This morning, I stood at the summit of Haleakalā watching the sun rise above the clouds. It was freezing, quiet, and absolutely stunning. And before the sun even crested the horizon, we heard the voices of people offering a traditional Hawaiian sunrise chant, greeting the sun as it returned.

I’m a visitor here. And standing in that moment, held in something sacred, something grounded and much older and wiser than me, was a gift. The awe and wonder of it all settled in quickly.

As the light started to stretch across the crater, I found myself thinking about the parts of life that make us stop and really pay attention. The moments that shape us. The spaces where we are still becoming.

I might be on vacation, but I’m never far from this work.

Social work always shows up for me in expansive spaces.

And this morning, it brought a few reminders I want every new social worker to carry.

1. You don’t have to prove your worth by burning out.

You don’t have to earn your place by staying late, over-functioning, or carrying what your agency should be holding. Burning out doesn’t mean you care. It means something is off.

2. Supervision is a right. Not a bonus.

You deserve space to reflect, ask questions, and grow, not just crank out documentation. If your job isn’t giving you the supervision you need, that’s not on you. Find support that actually sees you.

3. You’re allowed to ask hard questions.

About power, systems, harm, and ethics. Especially ethics. Asking questions isn’t disloyal or unprofessional. It’s actually a sign that you care. And it’s how the field gets better.

4. Ethical doesn’t mean emotionless.

Boundaries matter, but so do care, warmth, and being a real human. You don’t have to be cold to be ethical. You don’t have to disappear to be clinical.

5. You are part of the work and your humanity matters.

You don’t have to become a blank slate to be a good social worker. Your identity, your values, your lived experience are not distractions. They’re part of what makes you good at this.

Wherever you are in your early career - figuring things out, stretching, second-guessing, holding a lot - you’re not alone. You’re allowed to want more than survival. You’re allowed to want good supervision, real mentorship, and work that feels like it honors your values.

And if you’re not getting it? That doesn’t mean you’re asking for too much. It means the field still has some growing up to do. 

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Looking for the kind of supervision that actually supports you?
At the Center for Ethical Social Work Practice, we offer ongoing virtual group supervision for Colorado and Montana-based pre-licensed social workers.

If you’re looking for a space that’s steady, values-rooted, and reflective, not just check-the-box compliance, we’d love to have you.

Group packages are enrolling now!
Learn more and save your spot → https://www.coloradosocialworkers.com/groupsupervision

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Photo by Bethany Raab, LCSW, ACS