RSC for Calaveras Child Welfare and Adult Services
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 Calaveras County Child Welfare, you can access this resource with an external consultant from the Alyssa Najera team. Individual and group RSC sessions are confidential. Click here to learn more on RSC. A video featuring the Calaveras team coming soon.
RSC Group
RSC groups are small groups (max 8 participants) available for the following classifications:
- Support Staff
- Social Workers
- 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 January – October and break for the winter. All groups are voluntary, 2 hours in length, and occur once monthly, except for the Probationary Group. All new child welfare employees are required to participate in the 90-min, 2x monthly Probationary Group. For all other groups, sign-ups occur during the winter season.
Who can sign up for RSC Group?
The RSC groups are available to all child and adult protective services staff. All new CPS social workers are placed in a once monthly group during the probationary period (one year). All non-probationary CPS/APS social workers have the opportunity to sign up for group every winter. Group cohorts run from winter through late fall.
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?
This year’s cohort is ending in October 2024. Sign-ups for the next cohort (runs winter-late fall) will occur in January 2025.
***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.
Onboarding RSC
RSC for New CPS Social Workers
As a new CPS Social Worker, you will meet individually, once monthly with a consultant from our team to support you during your onboarding and throughout your probationary year.
In addition to meeting 1:1, CPS Social Workers will also participate in a monthly group with peers who are in their first year of working in Child Welfare. This group occurs the 2nd Mondays of every month @ 1:00 – 2:30 PM with Kalindi Malcom, LMFT.
On Demand RSC (individual RSC)
What is On Demand RSC?
In addition to small group settings, individual RSC is also available to Calaveras Child Welfare staff through On Demand RSC. On 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 Schedule Reflective 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
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