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How should professionals and para-professionals address the
issues of the recovery czars* in their workplace? For clarity,
let's look at the characteristics of this category of
para-professional as encountered in alcohol and drug
counselling. From my view, these individuals usually seem
demanding and controlling, they are always bragging about
self-perceived superior qualities and abilities, they treat
Master's level professionals with condescension, they have a
first-hand knowledge of A.A./N.A. which they value more than
real counseling skills, and they get defensive when expected
to account for their work.
Since there are
agencies that employ a number of para-professionals, what
can be done once a recovery czar slips through the hiring
process and actually lands a job at your workplace? If you
have a responsible supervisor, much of the solution rests in
the skill and style of your supervisor. If the supervisor is
over-burdened or lacking awareness, then the staff is left to
cope in ways which are inevitable. Staff might resort to
forming alliances with their like-minded peers for support,
while also causing class-like divisions within the team.
In terms of
structure and hierarchy, it is the supervisor who has the
challenge and the authority to implement a solution.
Perhaps only two solutions are possible. First, in extreme
cases there may be no other choice but to terminate the
employment of an unskilled or uncooperative employee. It is
an unpleasant reality, but supervisors need to have the
internal fortitude to rid the workplace of anyone who cannot
provide services. Those of us in the helping professions have
to learn common business sense. It is ultimately our patients
who will suffer if we do not learn how to hire and fire
counsellors.
Second, in
cases in which the recovery czar has potential, the supervisor
should endeavor to provide training and to nurture the growth
of such an individual. If successful, this will be a win-win
situation for everyone. The supervisor, the team, the
patient: everybody wins.
What is really
going on behind the recovery czar's mask of self-inflation?
Essentially, this is probably an issue of confused personal
and professional identity. This type of employee lacks the
confidence and stature of Master's level employees. If
recovery czars feel uncomfortable among their Master's level
co-workers, but feel at home in the rooms of A.A./N.A., then it
follows that they will emphasize Twelve Step work and extend
their personal identity into the workplace.
Acquisition of
a sense of professionalism may be the prerequisite to gaining
knowledge about human behavior and developing counselling
skills. These para-professionals need guidance in the areas
of confidentiality, interpersonal boundaries, the use of the
professional self in creating a therapeutic relationship, and
the use of time in the counselling session. These
concepts--trust, boundaries, relationship, self, time--were
probably damaged during their years of active alcoholism or
addiction. Having a healthy possession of these concepts could
facilitate their work, and could expand and strengthen their
identity.
It is almost
as though continued rehabilitation must be incorporated into
their professional training. Some people in recovery will
always be attracted to careers in counselling. Many are
naturally talented and academically viable. Others are
unpolished gems that would sparkle if given the right care.
Still others are probably unsuited. It takes an objective and
caring supervisor to discern where potential lies and to give
it shape and form.
We all have
our shortcomings. We are lucky if we have an understanding
supervisor. Sometimes we just need someone to give us a
chance. Some recovery czars can transform into recovery
experts. If you can help this transformation take place,
you will also bring your own career to greater maturity.
[*NOTE: This
three-part essay is a rough idea in progress, not a finished
product, and is based on personal observation which is
entirely subject to error. The term czar is used in its
informal sense to mean one in authority, as per The
American Heritage Dictionary, 1981 edition. This term is
used to distinguish esoteric para-professionals from the
general para-professional workforce. I have great respect for
para-professionals. Part of my training as a social work
student was received from recovering para-professionals who
generously shared their knowledge and experience with me. I
have also had the pleasure of working alongside recovering
colleagues whose dedication and knowledge was invaluable.]
(Written 06/02/03 - Revised 12/01/03)
Until we meet
again....... .......stay sane.
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