What is an appropriate expectation for a supervisor during supervisory sessions?

The expectation for a supervisor during supervisory sessions is to assist in developing skills for work tasks. This reflects the primary role of a supervisor, which is to guide, mentor, and support employees in enhancing their competencies and ensuring they are effective in their roles. In a recovery support context, this also means helping staff understand best practices, navigate challenges, and gain confidence in their abilities to provide support to clients.

A supervisor’s responsibility is not to micromanage every detail of an employee’s tasks, as this can hinder independence and initiative. Instead, the focus should be on facilitating growth and skill development. Casual conversation, while important in building rapport, should not be the primary purpose of supervisory sessions. Lastly, a supervisor is not a personal therapist; their role is centered around professional development and maintaining an effective work environment rather than offering personal therapy or mental health counseling.