ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

The ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for social work practice at an advanced level.

Advanced Topics

Organizational Leadership and Supervision

Becoming a Leader in Social Work

Advanced generalists often move into roles where they supervise teams, manage programs, and shape organizational culture. Leadership is about inspiring others, fostering professional growth, and ensuring high-quality client care.

Supervision Skills

  • Coaching and Mentoring: Guide staff through challenges and help them reach their potential.
  • Conflict Resolution: Address and resolve team disagreements with empathy and fairness.
  • Performance Evaluation: Use clear criteria to support improvement and recognize achievements.

Leading Change

Advanced practitioners advocate for innovation, policy updates, and better service delivery—often leading organizational change initiatives.

Real-World Impact

Effective leaders build resilient, motivated teams that deliver excellent services and support positive outcomes for communities.

Examples

  • A supervisor implements reflective supervision practices to support staff well-being.

  • A program manager leads a successful transition to trauma-informed care across multiple service sites.

In a Nutshell

Leadership and supervision are key to advancing the social work profession and ensuring effective practice.

Key Terms

Reflective Supervision
A collaborative process focusing on the worker’s experience to improve practice.
Organizational Culture
The shared values and practices within an organization.