Some social workers are able to get clinical supervision at their jobs no charge. Many people act as through this should be free and if it is not available at their place of employment go without and delay getting their clinical license. There are some advantages to paying someone outside the agency however.
One of the advantages is that you actually get the time with your supervisor. I've had excellent supervisors who say things like "I am available whenever", but whenever never comes, or you have to ask for it. Another pitfall of supervision with your employer, is that the content of supervision is not discussing cases. It is more about all how you could do better with your paperwork, or agency policy changes, or software updates... The clinical supervision can be eclipsed by job supervision.
Another advantage is that if your are paying someone who is outside your agency, you can speak more freely about topics which could be touchy. Some of these things include: office politics or difficult relationships with coworkers, ethical issues where an agency supervisor could get defensive, and agency policies which may not be in the best interests of clients. Trying to effect change in your agency can be touchy, and bouncing your ideas around with a person who is not involved can helpful.
It is also nice to choose who you want for clinical supervision. Location and scheduling will limit your choices, but you spend a lot of time at this and having someone who is competent, and who you respect, is preferable.
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