Vol. 13, No. 2
March 2008

Understanding and Using Data: An Essential Supervisory Skill

We work in a system where, at the national, state, and local levels, the emphasis is increasingly on accountability and outcomes. Every day, legislators, advocates, agency administrators—and yes, supervisors—rely on data to help them set priorities and guide interventions.

Like it or not, knowing how to find, understand, and use the data you need is an essential skill every supervisor must have.

Fortunately, North Carolina offers a course to help supervisors sharpen this skill: Cornerstone IV: Supervisors Working with Others, Working with Outcomes. During this course supervisors learn how to gather, analyze, and use agency data to measure progress in achieving successful outcomes for families. It also helps supervisors identify what has been successful and what adaptations are needed to improve their approach.

This course is designed for all social work supervisors, program managers, and directors (including but not limited to Child Welfare, Work First, Adult Services, Medicaid, etc.). Small county supervisor teams of 20 or less are encouraged to partner with neighboring county supervisory teams in requesting and scheduling this training.

For more information about this course please contact Chris Howell (919/962-6419, chowell@email.unc.edu).