MEDIATION IN THE STRUCTURE OF SUPERVISORY ACTIVITY OF A SOCIAL WORKER

Abstract

Introduction. The relevance of the study is conditioned by the need to update supervisory approaches in social work and the necessity to implement effective mechanisms of professional support for specialists. Purpose and objectives of the article. The purpose of the study is to theoretically substantiate the possibilities of integrating a mediation approach into the supervisory activity of a social worker and to determine the directions of its practical application. Scientific novelty: scientific approaches to understanding supervision in social work have been analyzed; the structural components of a social worker’s supervisory activity have been identified; the essence and principles of mediation as a socio-professional technology have been revealed; a theoretical substantiation of the integration of mediation into the structural components of a social worker’s supervisory activity has been carried out. Results. Supervision is positioned as a process of interpersonal interaction, the main task of which is to promote the professional development of a social worker. The structural components of a social worker’s supervisory activity are defined as organizational- legal, functional, procedural, and communicative-reflective. Mediation in social work is considered a specific procedure for conflict resolution aimed at achieving mutually acceptable solutions through constructive dialogue between the parties to a conflict. The mediation process is based on such principles as voluntary participation of the parties, neutrality and impartiality of the mediator, ensuring confidentiality, and consideration of the interests of all parties. The integration of mediation into supervisory practice ensures not only conflict resolution and professional support but also enhances the overall level of competence and readiness of social workers to perform effectively in complex social conditions. The application of mediation techniques in the supervisory process, such as active listening, paraphrasing, facilitation of dialogue, visualization, etc., is considered effective.