Implementation of Relational Clinical Social Work Supervision with Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Global Collaboration to Establish Relational Supervision for Social Workers

The Moritz Center for Societal Impact and the UT School of Social Work Office of Global Engagement are partnering with Dr. Karla Gonzalez Suitt, study principal investigator and faculty member at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) on an international research and training initiative focused on strengthening relational clinical supervision in social work. The project explores how structured, supportive supervision can enhance professional practice, encourage self-reflection and wellbeing, as well as improve the quality of care for clients and communities.

In collaboration with faculty and graduates from UC’s Master’s Program in Clinical Social Work, researchers and trainers from The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work are advancing evidence-informed supervision practices in Chile.

Study Questions

Central Research Question

What is the impact of clinical supervision on the practice outcomes of social workers providing clinical services?

Primary Objective

To understand how clinical supervision influences professional practice outcomes in clinical social work settings.

Specific Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of a clinical supervision training program for social workers and faculty affiliated with UC.

Specific Objective

To examine how trained supervisors implement the supervision model in real-world social work practice settings.

Study Design

This mixed-methods study uses an implementation science approach to examine clinical supervision training, delivery, and outcomes.

Supervisor Training

UT Austin faculty will lead a three-day, in-person training in Chile (October 2025) covering professional identity, ethics, power, culturally responsive supervision, and individual and group supervision models.

Supervision Implementation

Trained supervisors will provide 12 supervision sessions over three months to one or two practicing social workers.

Ongoing Consultation

Supervisors will participate in monthly online consultation sessions with UT Austin trainers to support reflection, skill-building, and implementation.

Evaluation

The project assesses training effectiveness, supervision quality and fidelity, supervisory relationships, and reflective professional growth.

Anticipated Findings

Professional

Stronger clinical skills and reflective practice among social workers

Reduced risk of burnout and secondary trauma

More supportive and effective supervisory environments

Social

Improved quality of care for individuals and families receiving clinical social work services

Improved peer relationships within the supervisor training cohort and improved support for supervisors throughout consultation

Healthier working conditions within social service and health organizations

Field

New empirical evidence on clinical supervision in Chile

Practical insights to inform future training programs, supervision models, and policy discussions