16 The Coaching Toolkit for Child Welfare Practice
Informal coaching occurs outside of a formal model, typically
between a supervisor and staff members. This type of coaching is
often serendipitous, happening spontaneously.
Internal coach is a dedicated staff member who provides formal
coaching for other staff.
Learner is the person who receives coaching. This person can be a
social worker, supervisor, manager, or director.
Model comprises examples or standards for how to structure the
overall coaching process (a model is not a set of instructions).
Practice, also known as coaching intervention, can be specific to
social worker skills, such as forensic interviewing; or it can relate
to supervision or leadership strategies, such as group supervision
or general leadership.
Skill/skill set is needed to accomplish a specified task or perform a
given function well.
Strategy is a plan, method, or series of steps for achieving a goal.
Technique encompasses procedures or methods coaches may
employ to achieve coaching goals.