In this case, assessment means determining what each caseworker needs in the supervisory relationship to be able to do the job. Some caseworkers require more feedback than others. Likewise, some individuals need more information. Meeting these needs is the key to influencing caseworker behavior, and influencing caseworker behavior is the key to effective supervision. The assessment process also considers the reaction of individual staff to a new supervisor.
Caseworkers naturally feel vulnerable when a new supervisor enters the unit.
The predictable pattern of interaction with the previous supervisor no matter how ineffective is being replaced. Perhaps one of the most difficult role transitions is from unit peer to supervisor. Before examining the pitfalls, there are some strengths in this situation. First, as a member of the unit, the supervisor has direct knowledge of the individual caseworkers, their personalities, individual needs, and levels of skill and job satisfaction. Second, the supervisor has some idea of how the unit is viewed within the agency and community as well as its strengths and needs.