APS Supervisor Core

APS Supervisor Core provides a spectrum of learning experiences for the five competencies; Understanding Self as Supervisor, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Transformation, Supporting Team Building and Individual Development, Case Consultation and Critical Thinking, and Supervising for Accountability and Retention. Each competency includes carefully crafted modules as eLearnings, pre and post self-assessments, and instructor-led training workshops. Workforce development specifically tailored to the experience of APS Supervisors, allows them to feel confident in their role and use acquired skills to support staff. APS Supervisors who are newly hired or promoted, could use a refresher and/or lead staff receive tangible resources to implement immediately after completion of each module.

Developed By

APS Supervisor Core was developed as a collaborative effort between APSWI, numerous subject matter experts, NAPSA, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services, and Curriculum Advisory Committee members.

Training modules are released on a rolling basis. Each module is piloted, finalized and reviewed by the NAPSA Education Review Committee. Modules marked with an asterisk (*) are accessed through the NAPSA website.

Competency 1 – Understanding Self as Supervisor

90-min eLearning + 4-hour instructor-led training + 30-min transfer of learning activity

Introduces a trauma-informed framework for APS supervisors, from the biological to the programmatic and policy levels.

Alternative: Trauma-Informed Supervision in APS eLearning

Instructor-led training (also available as eLearning)

Covers the educational, supportive and administrative roles of APS supervision, moving from peer to supervisor, and professional boundaries.

Instructor-led training

Participants identify their own strengths and learn to apply a strengths-based supervisory approach with staff.

Competency 2 – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Transformation

3.5-hour instructor-led training + 60-min transfer of learning activity

Helps supervisors identify, reflect on and address the effects of implicit bias and structural racism on their role, staff and organization.

3-hour instructor-led training + 1-hour transfer of learning activity. Recommended after Module 2A.

Introduces cultural humility and cultural responsiveness and ways to practice them individually, with staff and across the organization.

60-min eLearning (complete first) + 90-min instructor-led booster

Explores how the public perceives elder abuse and how to reframe the conversation, using research from the National Center on Elder Abuse and the FrameWorks Institute.

Competency 3 – Supporting Team Building and Individual Development

Instructor-led training (also available as a 60-min eLearning)

Covers the role onboarding plays in helping new APS staff succeed, including setting training milestones, evaluating progress and giving feedback.

Instructor-led training

Module 3C – Onboarding New Staff Instructor-Led Training* Or  60 minute eLearning

Module 3D – Supervisor as Coach Instructor-Led Training*

Competency 4 – Case Consultation and Critical Thinking

Instructor-led training

An interactive training on the specific, foundational roles of case consultation.

Instructor-led training (alternative: Supervising Non Face-to-Face Investigations eLearning)

Equips supervisors to support staff conducting virtual and non-face-to-face APS investigations.

Instructor-led training

Tools and strategies for guiding staff through complex cases while following agency policy and strengthening quality assurance.

Competency 5 – Supervising for Accountability and Retention

Instructor-led training

Builds understanding of the metrics APS uses, how they support program goals and policies, and how supervisors can apply them.

Instructor-led training

A trauma-informed, strengths-based approach to addressing common APS staff challenges and performance issues, with small-group practice.

Format

Assessment, Curriculum, eLearning

Program

APSWI

Audience

Adult Protective Services agencies, Behavioral Health organizations, Child Welfare agencies, Public Health agencies

Topics

Coaching & Performance Support, Cultural Responsiveness, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Leadership Development, Organizational Development, Practice-Based Learning, Recruitment and Retention

Date Updated

October 2026

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