poorly run social work department - Anonymous employee New York County Defender Services Employee Review

However, my experience on the social work unit was negative in many respects. Although there was a lengthy probationary period, there was little training provided for the role of forensic social worker. Those new to the role were thrown in and expected to learn quickly from their collegues. No formal individual supervision (a hallmark of the industry) was offfered at any point. The tone on the unit was uneasy and somber. These negative aspects within the department boil down to the social work supervisor. The supervisor had no investment in her employee’s professional growth, job satisfaction, or general well being. My collegues and I relied on each other for support and guidance. The supervisor picked a couple favorites to feign interest in when it benefited her. Her behaviors as a supervisor were unprofessional in nature. Her gossiping, negative/condescending language, and manipulative tactics caused a divide between her and her unit. A social work environment should not be a competitive one. However, she made it feel that way by constructing an atmosphere of distrust, apprehension, and instability.