Course

The Managerial Process 2025

Time limit: 120 days
6 credits

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Full course description

Course Title

The Managerial Process

Course Description

This course is part of the Management and Supervision in Human Services professional certificate program, which is geared toward professionals who find themselves in a management or supervisory role at a social work agency or human services organization, yet have not had formal management training or leadership experience.

Module 1: Managing Staff

In Managing Staff, this module will support new managers in building a strong foundation in staff supervision and leadership within the unique context of human services. Participants explore key areas such as recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee development. With a focus on real-world application, the course introduces practical tools and strategies for navigating new responsibilities. Topics include Self-Determination Theory, staff motivation, and effective feedback. Through guided self-reflection, participants begin developing a personal management style while learning to foster engagement and autonomy. The module also addresses organizational culture, unconscious bias, and managing a diverse workforce. Participants will gain actionable skills, greater self-awareness, and the confidence to lead with purpose and empathy.

Module 2: Managing Teams

In Managing Teams, this module will support new managers in human services in building the skills to lead effective, collaborative teams. Building on concepts from Module 1, Managing Teams introduces core strategies for navigating the challenges and opportunities of team leadership in human services settings. A central feature is the DISC (Dominance, Influence, Steadiness, Conscientiousness) assessment, which helps participants understand their leadership style. Using their DISC profile, participants set individual management goals and apply them to real-world scenarios like team motivation, problem-solving, and efficiency. The module also explores process improvement tools that leverage team strengths, enhance performance, and address the impact of funders and other external stakeholders. Participants leave with a deeper understanding of their leadership approach and practical tools to guide, support, and motivate their teams toward shared goals.

Learning Objectives

  • Participants will explain the core principles of Self-Determination Theory and its relevance to staff motivation.
  • Participants will identify different types of motivators and when and how to apply them.
  • Participants will build a practical coaching framework tailored to the needs of staff in human services settings.
  • Participants will deliver clear, constructive feedback that supports employee growth and accountability.
  • Participants will evaluate several problem-solving strategies to common management challenges.
  • Participants will assess their own management style using the DISC assessment and identify ways to leverage their strengths.
  • Participants will become familiar with introductory team management tools to enhance collaboration and team performance.
  • Participants will create a personalized plan to guide their future management and team development efforts.

General Information

You must be at least 18 years old to participate in the Management and Supervision in Human Services courses. All sales are final; we are not able to offer refunds. Registrations may not be transferred to another person or to another course, workshop, or program.

Online registration is required to participate in a course. Tuition for each certificate course is $200 for Managerial Process and $180 for the other certificate courses, to be paid by debit or credit card. Registrations will be processed upon receipt of payment. Payment is due in full in order to enroll.

These courses are approved for CEUs for Social Workers in MA, CT, RI, and VT. They meet the requirements for Continuing Education Hours established by the State Board of Social Worker Licensure in ME. If your state is not listed, please check with your local state licensing board to ensure the course meets state requirements prior to registering.

Boston College Continuing Education is required to ensure attendance to award CEUs. Participants must complete the entire program(s) they register for and all available quizzes to receive CEUs; we are not able to award partial CEUs. Those who do not attend the entire program will be unable to receive CEUs.

Course Instructor


Julia MacMahon, MSW
Part-Time Faculty, Boston College School of Social Work & Independent Consultant


Julia MacMahon, MSW, is an experienced organizational leader with over 20 years in team development, program management, and strategic leadership across youth services, education, and community-focused nonprofits. She has led mission-driven teams of all sizes, built inclusive work cultures, and developed results-oriented programs. Her experience includes creating leadership development and job training initiatives at St. Stephen’s Youth Programs, and managing a 50-person team at Bottom Line. Julia specializes in coaching and developing middle managers.

She currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at Boston College, mentoring future social workers with a focus on professional identity and macro practice. As an independent consultant, she supports leadership development, organizational change, and equity efforts. Julia holds an MSW from Boston College and certifications in facilitation, nonprofit leadership, and mediation.