Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work, 2nd edn by
Writing assessments and reports is a core part of a social worker's role. Yet Ofsted, courts and research all identify a lack of analytical rigour in social work reports. Many are overlong, descriptive reports where what is needs is the application of professional judgement, a clear analysis and the ability to pull out causal relationships. Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work is a guide to the principles of good writing and methodically shows you: how to analyse how to structure the process of writing an assessment (researching, chronologising, informed data-gathering, putting it all together), and how to get this done under time constraints. Written in an accessible way and packed with examples and case studies, this book is both practically-minded and constantly returning to first principles: reminding you what it is you are trying to achieve and teaching you how to write reports that can be read by families and judges alike. You will learn how to write high quality, useful and timely assessments without becoming mechanistic or managerial. It aims to kill the myth of a trade-off between efficiency and quality of work.
Surviving Your Social Work Placement, 2nd edn by
Placements are a key part of social work training. They can be one of the most challenging things you do. But for many students they are also the most rewarding and invigorating aspect of learning. They are your chance to put academic learning into practice and actually 'do' some social work. They are also an opportunity to link up with other practitioners and learn from their wealth of experience. From the beginning of your first placement to the end of your final one, this book will: ¦ answer many of your questions and concerns ¦ provide practical tips, exercises and advice to build your confidence and enable you to take control of your learning ¦ support you in developing professionally, including dealing with difficult situations should these arise ¦ help to improve your critical thinking skills and your skill in practising reflectively. Surviving Your Social Work Placement is written in a straightforward, down-to-earth style, by authors with extensive experience of social work education and practice. It draws directly on the advice of past and present social work students. This is a book you will return to again and again as a rich source of ideas and guidance at any stage of your social work training.
Reflective Practice for Social Workers: A Handbook for Developing Professional Confidence by
Reflective practice is at the heart of becoming a competent and confident social work professional. This book demystifies the reflective process and provides a straight forward knowledge base to enhance professional development. Whether you are a qualifying social work student, a practitioner with supervisory responsibilities, or are engaged in professional post qualifying education and training, this book will help you to understand and evidence your development as a reflective practitioner, and guide the assessment of others' ability to reflect. Topics covered include: How to develop a professional identity and an understanding of professional culture A summary of key theoretical explanations of the concepts of 'reflection' and 'reflective practice' The significance of Emotional Intelligence for social work practice and how the reflective process can enhance interpersonal and intrapersonal competence How to overcome common obstacles to reflective practice, including low motivation and lack of confidence in your reflective abilities How to write reflectively in order to evidence development of reflective practice to others How to create a learning environment that enables growth and development through reflection and provides accurate assessment outcomes Written in a straightforward and engaging way, with reflective activities and resources throughout, this key resource will develop your knowledge, understanding and application of reflective practice. "This is a well-written text that provides much-needed clarity around a central process within professional social work. Students, practitioners and managers will learn lots about how to use reflection effectively. Linda Bruce writes with authority and a deep understanding - she has done an excellent job." Steven Hothersall, Head of Social Work Education, Edgehill University, UK "This is an extremely important area of practice in the current complex world of social work practice and social care. It takes students and practitioners through the relevant knowledge and theory base and appropriate tools for reflection. I thoroughly recommend it." Joyce Lishman
'Supervision within Placement: Achieving Best Practice' in Innovations in Practice Learning, pp. 29-44 by
As a social work practice educator and trainer, it is useful to seek advice from more experienced colleagues who could help you find ways to overcome difficulties you may encounter in supporting individual students. This book is a handy companion for those times when a colleague is not readily available. The editor, Sue Taplin, chose these contributors for their practice wisdom and because she knew that, from their own experience, they had developed innovative practice that you can adapt to find your own solutions to the problems that you face. The contributors can be said to be experts by experience in their chosen field, some are practitioners, some are academics, but all have faced difficulties in the real world of practice learning and have been generous enough to offer to contribute a chapter to this edited textbook.
'The IDEAS Model' in Relationship-Based Social Work with Adults, pp. 47-55 by
There has been a resurgent interest in relationship-based practice and the Care Act 2014 recognises the significance of effective working relationships with service users and carers to ensure a person-centred approach and effective participation and co-production. The Care Act advocates a strengths-based, whole family approach to assessment, care and support planning. Relationship, putting the person at the centre of the process, lies at the heart of this approach. This book is a practice-based exploration of relationship-based practice for social work with adults that looks at underpinning theory, legislation and policy drivers, value perspectives and skills in practice. The first part of the book introduces relationship-based practice and theoretical concepts, such as psycho-social and psycho-dynamically informed approaches to practice which highlight the complexities of relationships, at conscious and unconscious levels, both from the service user/carer perspective and the professional's perspective, where reflection and use of self are key; it critically explores the legislation and policy context. A conceptual model called IDEAS is introduced which provides a framework for the second part of the book, by breaking down the discussion into relevant practice issues. Here theory, skills and values are applied through case examples to illustrate the efficacy of relationship-based practice across a range of practice settings in social work with adult service users and carers.
Social Work and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans People by
This important textbook makes a timely contribution to international agendas in social work with lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) people. It examines how practitioners and student social workers can provide appropriate care across the lifespan (including work with children and families and older people) and considers key challenges in social work practice, for example asylum, mental health, and substance misuse. Drawing on practice scenarios, the book takes an enquiry-based learning approach to facilitate critical reflection. Its distinctive approach includes: * use of the concepts of the Professional Capabilities Framework for social work * key theoretical perspectives including human rights * structuring of the text around the framework of the UK National Occupational Standards for Social Work * student-friendly features including key questions and exercises * a complete glossary of key terms and concepts * examination of the UK policy and legislative context It is informed by international research in social work with LGBT people The book is essential reading for students on qualifying social work programmes and practitioners in statutory, voluntary and independent sectors.
Social Work Theories in Context, 2nd edn by
This innovative text explores current social work theories and perspectives in a systematic way, using an integrated and flexible framework to link context, theory, and practice approaches. Its international breadth and supportive pedagogical features have ensured the book's value to students of social work all over the world.
The Compleat Social Worker by
The role of the social worker is to be found lying interestingly between society and the individuals they work with. As a result, social workers often feel pulled between the demands and challenges that each presents. The Compleat Social Worker explores the many debates the profession enjoys, including those between nature and nurture, care and control, thought and feeling, art and science, facts and values. In examining these ideas and the discussions they sponsor it celebrates social work's rich heritage of scientific thought and human relationships. It is out of these many divisions and disagreements and their resolution that the idea of the well-rounded, compleat social worker emerges. For those wishing to explore and enjoy, argue and acknowledge what it is to be a good social worker, this elegant book will prompt lively interest and debate.
Understanding Emotions in Social Work, Theory, Practice and Reflection by 
Supervision in Social Work, 5th edn by
First published in 1976, Supervision in Social Work has become an essential text for social work educators and students, detailing the state of the field and the place, function, and challenges of supervision in social work practice. This fifth edition takes into account the sizable number of articles and books published on supervision since 2002. Changes in public health and social welfare policy have intensified concern about the social work supervision of licensed practitioners. Tax and spending limitations at all levels of government, combined with the unfolding effects of welfare reform and managed health care, have increasingly emphasized the need for the efficient and accountable administration of health and social services in the private and public sectors. This edition confronts issues raised by these developments, including budgetary allocation and staff management, the problems of worker burnout and safety, the changing demographics and growing diversity of the supervising workforce, evidence-based and licensure supervision, and performance appraisal.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work, 5th edn by
Good communication skills are at the heart of effective social work practice. This Third Edition enables students to develop a flexible and responsive approach to communicating with the most vulnerable people in society. Building on the success of the previous book, Juliet Koprowska looks in detail at all approaches to communication, paying particular attention to young people, adults and families. The emphasis of this book is not on any particular ′right way′ to communicate, but more the ability of the student to be pro-active and aware in different situations.
Share: A New Model for Social Work by 
Theory and Practice: A Straightforward Guide for Social Work Students by
This is the third edition of this popular straightforward guide for social work students. Written by two experienced practice educators, the book is designed to address the anxieties that many social work students have about social work theory and the way it relates to practice. The guide provides a straightforward explanation of the major theories used in social work practice. Prompts for reflection about how each theory relates to practice are provided at the end of each chapter. This edition is fully linked to the revised international definition of social work, HCPC standards and the Professional Capabilities Framework. This new edition retains the content of previous editions bringing it up to date. A new section is included on theories around contexts and organisations. A new chapter on wellbeing theories is also included in this edition - responding to the implementation of the wellbeing principle.
Assessment in Social Work, 4th edn by
Assessment is a crucial social work task. Yet there is so much to consider that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. This core text book gives you structured, practical guidance on how to approach this vital professional skill. In a clear and accessible style, the authors provide both the theory behind assessment as well as helpful practice examples. Whether on a qualifying course or returning to study, this fully revised edition of a tried-and-tested text gives social work students and practitioners a coherent and reliable guide to best practice. At the heart of this authoritative book is a set of theoretical maps to guide social workers' thinking and decision-making when undertaking assessment.
Putting Professional Leadership into Practice in Social Work by
The ability to demonstrate professional leadership is a core requirement for social work students and social workers operating at all levels. This comprehensive textbook is ideal for any student on a social work course, from undergraduate to postgraduate study, and will go onto serve as a useful reference for more experienced social work professionals. this book engages in the essential discussion of what professional leadership means in the context of contemporary social work and why this is considered to be important for the future of the profession. Each chapter contains illustrative case studies, a range of interactive activities, a summary of key point and suggestions for further reading that enable students and qualified social workers to understand the knowledge, skills and attributes required in practicing professional leadership in real life contexts.
Transformative Learning for Social Work by
Learning and self-development is a continuous process for social workers, and practitioners must keep abreast of new knowledge, guidance and legislation in order to keep growing professionally. In this innovative text, an expert group of authors from a range of academia and practice settings highlights the importance of traditional approaches to learning, such as reflective practice and motivation, and introduces more contemporary methods such as coaching, service user participation and developing digital competence. Strongly practical in its approach, the book enables the reader to engage with the content in bite-size pieces, encouraging them to learn in whatever way works best for them. Features include: * Over 40 reflective tools, exercises and templates that can be used by learners and educators independently or in groups, in the classroom or the workplace * A wealth of case material to illustrate key points * An inspiring collection of first-hand narratives from social workers learning and developing in the field. This is an invaluable resource for educators and a must-read sourcebook for learners - be they students, newly qualified social workers or practitioners wishing to attend to their own professional development.
The Professional Social Worker by
In this ground-breaking text book, bestselling author Neil Thompson turns his attention to the question of 'What does it mean to be truly professional in the field of social work?' Notions of professionalism in social work have changed over time. Early traditional ideas showed themselves to be elitist and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of social work, and have been followed by a period of uncertainty as to whether or not social workers are professionals at all. Now, with a move towards a new form of professionalism beginning to take shape, this book presents a cogent argument for reaffirming this vital aspect of social work. Informed by extensive experience and expertise, Thompson examines the role of the modern-day social worker in four parts: as problem solver, thinker, manager and professional. Whether a student new to the complexities of this demanding, rewarding field taking a social work practice or placement module, or a qualified practitioner seeking a source of guidance, this book will help meet the challenge of developing a professionalism that is consistent with the values of contemporary social work.
Working with Aggression and Resistance in Social Work by
Social workers have roles that require them to engage with clients and families who may be ′reluctant clients′, ambivalent or resistant towards those seeking to help and protect. This includes safeguarding roles in relation to children and vulnerable adults, and work to engage with marginalised groups such as young offenders and those with mental health and substance misuse problems. The text addresses issues in relation to the main client groups, and specific chapters take an overview of issues such as understanding and defusing aggressive behavior and keeping yourself safe from assault.
Anti-Oppressive Social Work Practice by
Grounded in principles and values of fairness and equality, anti-oppressive practice (AOP) lies at the heart of social work and social work education. This book will equip you with the tools and knowledge to address the concepts of diversity, oppression, power and powerless, and practice in ethically appropriate ways for contemporary social work practice.
Working with Involuntary Clients, 3rd edn by
Many social workers are employed in positions where they deal with involuntary clients. These positions are demanding, and require a specific set of skills. The new edition of this successful book provides an accessible and practical guide for managing difficult and sensitive relationships and communicating with reluctant clients. The author directly links theory to real-life by adopting a jargon-free and accessible guide to working in partnership with involuntary clients. Written in a lively and engaging style, the book is relevant across the curriculum and richly illustrated with case examples drawn from a variety of service-user groups, such as work with people with addictions, young people who refuse to go to school and mental health patients who refuse treatment, as well as examples from criminal justice and child protection. The author's integrated and systematic approach promotes prosocial values; emphasizes clarifying roles; and deals with issues of authority and goal-setting. Fully revised and updated throughout to reflect contemporary research and practice, the book includes increased emphasis on risk assessment, cognitive behavioural approaches, including manualised intervention programs, and reflective practice. The result is an invaluable practical guide for social work and social care students and professionals to working with both clients and their families.
Critical Analysis Skills for Social Workers by
Analysis is a critical skill for social workers, yet it is a skill that many practitioners find very difficult. This book will help social workers to improve their analysis skills by offering a very basic, step-by-step model to develop an analytical mindset. It shows how analysis can be woven into the whole process of social work engagement, resulting in better decision making, more efficient ways of working and, ultimately, better outcomes for social work service users. The chapters include: Tools for developing a critical mindset Extended case studies Practice dilemmas Research summaries Exercises Reflection points Topics covered include: What analysis is, and why it is such an important skill in practice The skills that underpin critical analysis, e.g. time management, planning, critical understanding, logical thinking, research-mindedness, creativity, communication, reflection and hypothesising The role of emotion and intuition in critical analysis Models to aid critical analysis The importance of supervision, and the idea that good analysis does not happen when social workers try to do it on their own Written for all social workers, regardless of their area of practice, this invaluable resource will be used by students at the outset of their training, and while on placement. It is also a 'must-have' purchase for practitioners involved in continuing professional development, supervision and training. "Successive reports into social work training, as well as their practice after qualification, identify gaps in professionals' capacity for critical analysis. This excellent book contains thought-provoking examples, each derived from an authentic practice-base and theoretically driven models. Here we have a compelling text which social workers at all stages of their careers should view as essential reading." David Shemmings, Visiting Professor of Child Protection Research at Royal Holloway, University of London, UK "A timely and appropriate post-Munro book for social workers at all levels of experience. The chapter on emotion, intuition and critical analysis is a particularly welcome addition to the subject. A really useful book." Dr Jane Reeves, Director of Studies, M.A. Child Protection, Co-Director Centre for Child Protection, University of Kent, UK "This is a quite splendid book. Sane, fresh, accessible, reader-friendly and a pleasure to read. Taking the meaning skills of critical analysis as the spine of good practice, Wilkins and Boahen have given us a book that succeeds in engaging readers equally at different levels - and one different from anything else on the market." Professor Ian Shaw, University of York, UK
