The Role of the Supervisor in Counselor Professional Development

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Rehabilitation Administration

Volume

42

Issue

1

Publisher

Elliott & Fitzpatrick, Inc.

Publication Date

11-1-2021

First Page

53

Last Page

69

Abstract

With the reduction of training resources and changes in hiring practices due to legislation impacting the professional development of Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselors, the responsibility for counselor training and professional development is increasingly left to the front-line supervisor. The professional development of counselors is considered a life-long process. Formal professional development processes begin when the counselor finishes an academic training program and enters professional practice. A lack of professional development opportunities in practice settings can result in a lack of ongoing counselor skill development and may trigger incongruence between Vocational Self-Concept and professional identity. Incongruity between Vocational Self-Concept and professional identity can lead to workplace dissatisfaction, burnout, and turnover. Conversely, purposeful and planned professional development opportunities help practitioners to continually enhance their skills and negotiate role incongruity and satisfy the professional development needs of the counselor. Counselors that have continual skill development and a balanced personal and professional identity are better suited to serve the needs of the agency and corresponding clientele. This article will discuss the role of the supervisor in the professional development of the counselor and discuss strategies for providing instruction and support in that process.

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