Christina Newhill
School of Social Work
University of Pittsburgh
2326 Cathedral of Learning
Pittsburgh PA 15260
U.S.A.
Phone: 412-624-6330
Email: newhill@pitt.edu

Purpose: Professional social work supervisors are key players in the provision of mental health services in both the private and public arenas.  Previous studies suggest that direct service practitioners are at significant risk for experiencing client-related violence and greatly concerned about safety (Beaver, 1999; Newhill, 1996).  Little is known, however, about the experiences and perceptions of social work supervisors about workplace safety in mental health services.  To address this gap, this investigation surveyed a national random sample of National Association of Social Workers members in 2002, representing the first known national effort to survey social work supervisors in mental health regarding client violence.  The study was funded by the National Institute of Health / National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Methods: An anonymous survey was sent to 600 randomly selected social work supervisors drawn from the national NASW 2002 membership roster.  A response rate of 30 percent (N=181) usable questionnaires was obtained.  Respondents were surveyed regarding their experiences with client violence, the adequacy of their agency safety policies, and the perceived risk of client violence to those whom they supervised.

Results: Over the previous year, 24% reported having had at least one supervisee physically assaulted by a client.  Over their career, 52% reported having had a supervisee physically assaulted by a client, 34% reported that a supervisee suffered a serious psychological injury, and 26% reported that a supervisee suffered a serious physical injury.  In addition, 58% of the respondents believe that their supervisees are exposed to moderate to high levels of client violence in their agency.  Moreover, almost a third believes their agency's existing safety policies are inadequate.

Implications for Practice: Given the reported prevalence of client violence, social work supervisors and administrators must address effective service delivery within the context of supporting workers' safety.  Suggestions for how agencies can address these concerns will be discussed.