RSC for Amador DSS

 

Reflective Supervision/Consultation (RSC) is an innovative model of professional development used to support workers in high-stress positions working with vulnerable and/or trauma-exposed positions. 

As an employee of Amador County Department of Social Services, you can access this resource through an external consultant from the Alyssa Najera team. Individual and group RSC sessions are confidential. Click here to learn more on RSC, or watch the video above to hear from members of one of our partner agencies Solano Child Welfare Team. 

FY24-25 RSC Group Schedules

Click to View FY24-25 Amador RSC Groups

 

RSC Group

RSC groups are small groups (max 8 participants) available for the following classifications:

  • Social Workers/Support Staff
  • Supervisors

They are confidential and require you to join from a private space. Topics that may arise in group discussion include case consults, secondary traumatic stress, burnout, interpersonal conflicts, achievements, communication tools, navigating trauma responses, boundary setting, educational resources, and emotion regulation tools.

How often does RSC Group occur?

All RSC Group cohorts run from September to April/May. All groups are voluntary, 2 hours in length, and occur once monthly, except for the Probationary Group.  All new APS and CPS staff are required to participate in the 2-hr, once monthly Probationary Group. For all other groups, sign-ups occur over the summer. 

Who can sign up for RSC Group?

The RSC groups are available to all CPS and APS social workers, supervisors, and support Ssaff. 

Is RSC group in-person or virtual?

Your facilitator is present via video. If you are in the office, a conference or group room is usually reserved for your group time, providing you and your peers with a confidential space to join. If you are working remotely, you may join via the video conference link. 

Do I need approval from my supervisor to participate?

Approval is not needed. Because RSC is protected time, we encourage you to maintain open communication with your supervisor and/or team for any coverage needs or contingency planning during the times you are unavailable. 

How do I sign up for RSC Group?

RSC Group cohorts run September – April/May. Sign-ups occur over every summer and are run by Program Manager Mikey Habbestad. 

***To protect the rapport building and group dynamic that begins at the first session, late add-ins are not allowed.

RSC Group Expectations

  • Confidentiality: Groups are confidential. Some exceptions will be discussed at the first session.
  • Consistent Attendance: Consistency is essential to the group process and safety. Signing up is a commitment to attending at least 8 out of 12 sessions. Inconsistent attendance may result in being asked to leave the group.
  • First Session: You must attend the first session to remain in the group. If you are unable to attend, please let the facilitator know, and she will contact you individually to follow up.
  • Working in Office: If you are in the office, please join your peers in one of the open conference rooms. The facilitator will be present via video, allowing participants to meet in person. At least one participant will need to bring a laptop. Additional details regarding conference room reservations will follow.
  • Working Remote: If you are joining remotely, please ensure you are in a private and confidential space. Avoid joining from a public space such as a cubicle, coffee shop, or open breakroom. Not only will this protect the confidentiality of the space, but it will also create a protected environment for you to engage and participate in the conversation openly.
  • Participatory Experience: RSC Group is an organic conversation focused on navigating the experiences and emotions resulting from your work. Please be prepared to be present for yourself and your peers, multitasking is discouraged.

 

On Demand RSC (individual RSC)

What is On Demand RSC?

 

In addition to small group settings, individual RSC is also available to Amador CPS/APS staff through On Demand RSCOn Demand RSC is available during the workday and at no cost to you. It is a reflective and confidential space between you and an outside Reflective Consultant that allows you to slow down and navigate the thoughts, feelings, and interactions experienced within your professional role.

 

 

How do I Request an On Demand RSC?

Follow the link to complete a Request to ScheduleReflective Supervision/ Consultation (RSC)Our team will contact you within 2 business days with available appointments. You may also email your Reflective Consultant directly to request a 1:1. 

Source: Alyssa Najera Consulting. 2022. Strategies to Promote Reflective Practice in Child Welfare, Lesson Participating in On Demand RSC [digital course]. Available from courses.alyssanajera.com

Resources Mentioned in Video 

Schedule On Demand RSC

Download On Demand RSC Flyer

DownloadPreparing for your RSC Session

When should I schedule an On Demand RSC?

An individual RSC session can be used in between group sessions or as a standalone resource. It is available as situations arise or to help address topics that may be inappropriate or uncomfortable to discuss in your small group. Topics that may lead you to schedule may include the following:

 

  • trauma responses
  • navigating biases
  • feeling distracted by a case, family, or child
  • work stress/stress management
  • grief
  • conflict with peer/supervisor
  • navigating burnout
  • adjusting to a new role or promotion