The Veteran Supported Education Service Treatment Manual: VetSEd

Stage of Supervisory Relationship. The supervisory relationship can be divided into three
segments: beginning, middle and end. The end segment relates to supervisees who leave
supervised experiences and transition to independent practice. Given the nature of peer
VetSEd services and the recommendation for ongoing supervision, we focus here on just
the beginning and middle supervisory segments.
During the beginning segment the primary aims are to develop the supervisory
relationship, assess the peer VetSEd provider‘s knowledge skills and abilities in the area
of supported education, and to monitor initial experiences. The supervisor‘s role in the
beginning segment can include providing direct feedback, educating the peer VetSEd
provider about policies, practices and procedures, and reviewing and signing the
supervisory contract, among others.
A primary aim during the middle segment is to foster movement of the peer VetSEd
provider from relying heavily on supervisory guidance to moving toward semiautonomous
VetSEd practice. Haynes, Corey and Moulton (2010) identify the primary
struggle of the middle phase as the supervisee wanting to move forward while the
supervisor is wanting to ―tread carefully.‖ Supervisory roles and related tasks during the
middle segment include using role-plays, discussing and reviewing potential ethical
dilemmas and creating learning opportunities for the peer VetSEd provider to critically
think and struggle with next steps in their work with Veterans. The reader is encouraged
to consult with Hayes, Corey and Moulton (2010), Ch. 5 for a thorough review of roles
and tasks associated with the phases of supervision.
Supervisory Contract
The supervision alliance and related process are facilitated by early and clear
conversations about the nature and tasks of supervision. Having a mutual understanding
about the roles, responsibilities and expectations of the VetSEd supervisor and peer
provider establishes focus, purpose and clarity in the supervision process. At the
beginning of the supervisory relationship, the VetSEd supervisor should go over the
following topics with the peer VetSEd provider:
Background and expertise of VetSEd supervisor
Nature and expectations of supervisory relationship
Importance of diversity issues and their relevance to the supervisory context and
VetSEd services more generally
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