This concise text is written specifically to help students and practitioners hone their techniques and develop their skills when it comes to writing in a clear, accessible and, above all, rigorous manner. There are sections on good essay writing and how to construct an argument, referencing and plagiarism, and reflective and critical writing. More than just another study skills book, Effective Writing Skills for Social Work is focused on real, day-to-day practice issues and the complex academic demands faced by social work students.

This accessible book aims to help social workers write clearly, accurately and objectively in all contexts, so that they can communicate effectively with multiple audiences. The book gives social workers practical guidance and advice on how to write unambiguously, efficiently and analytically, demonstrating how important writing skills are to the professional identity of social workers. Topics covered include: •Techniques for planning and organising your writing •A refresher on grammar rules to enable you to write with clarity •Viewing critical writing as part of the process of decision making and thinking •Guidance on using professional anti-oppressive language and vocabulary appropriate to different audiences •Advice on all communication types, including emails, letters, case notes, reports, funding applications, text messages and social media •Information on the legal frameworks you need to be aware of when recording events, conversations and recommendations Each chapter contains exercises and examples of good analytical writing, to help writers to develop their own competence. Case studies drawn from real scenarios relate the skills being discussed directly to practice. This book is an indispensable manual for all social work students, newly qualified social workers and experienced professionals who want a practical guide to improving their writing. Communication, including writing skills, is an essential aspect of effective social work practice. Taking a practical and reflective approach, this text covers the foundations of professional writing in social work. Writing matters, and this text serves as a useful resource to engage in and master effective writing skills for social work students all the way to seasoned social work practitioners. Barbra Teater, Professor of Social Work, College of Staten Island, City University of New York, USA This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice. They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development. Louise Frith is a Student Learning Advisor at the University of Kent, UK, specialising in writing skills and writing for academic purposes. She teaches across disciplines, including working with students on the BA and MA social work programmes. Ruben Martin is Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Kent, UK and a freelance Practice Educator and Consultant. He has also authored Teamworking Skills for Social Workers, in this Social Work Skills in Practice series.

Based on original research, this book offers students an insight into the nature and challenges of writing in social work practice, enabling them to improve their writing skills. It explores the ways in which both students and qualified social workers can be more effective in their writing through an awareness of the purpose, context and audience. It makes explicit the connections and differences between learning to write in university and communicating through writing in practice and explores the impact that new technologies have on academic and professional writing. Drawing on both research and examples from practice, Effective writing for social work is a valuable tool for students, educators, practitioners and managers to critically examine ways in which writing could better support best practice in social work.

Social work degree students must be confident in working with groups of service users as well as other professionals. This revised new edition introduces the practicalities of planning, establishing, facilitating and evaluating social work projects including small helping groups as well as interprofessional working parties. The authors examine the best methods in setting up a group, the issues around power and anti-oppressive practice, and how to cope with unexpected or unhelpful outcomes. This second edition features new material on sociodrama and psychodrama action methods, with more examples from actual groupwork projects.

The first year of practice can be a particularly daunting and challenging time for newly-qualified social workers (NQSWs). This fully revised and updated book directly addresses the crucial transition period between finishing off the social work degree and managing the first years of practice. It offers down to earth, practical guidance on applying for your first post and managing your work load in the first few years. From useful sections on the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), supervision, dealing with conflict, court skills, report writing, and team work to what professionalism actually looks like in practice, this book will throw a life belt to not only NQSWs entering the workplace but for students on qualifying programmes who wish to develop their skills beyond graduation.

At a time when the credibility of social work is again being questioned, this book offers a critical approach to the debate concerning the reliability and validity of the evidence, research and knowledge that underpins professional social work practice. It critiques the notion of ′evidence′ and argues that ′knowledge′ is a much broader, more appropriate concept to consider. There is analysis of the different components and sources of this knowledge and an exploration of the often discordant interface between practice and knowledge. Finally, it supports the view that knowledge can be actively developed and tested by a range of people.

Accessible and hands on guidebook for social work students on how to navigate through their placement. Packed with case studies and activities.

As a social worker, you are required to communicate in writing for a wide range of purposes and audiences. This text guides you through all you need to know to develop your social work writing skills: Essential elements of written communication Writing skills in daily practice Macro-practice writing skills: obtaining resources and creating change Influencing your professional context Now with two new chapters on writing for local mass media and writing for social media. Hot tips for effective writing, reflective exercises & further reading are included in every chapter to help you cement your skills and become a confident and effective written communicator.

This practical guide will help students navigate through all core areas of their course by providing them with a comprehensive introduction to contemporary social work. Written by subject experts, including best-selling Transforming Social Work Practice authors, this essential guide will introduce students to key theory and approaches, helping them to develop and build the skills and knowledge that they will need for practice.

This fully-revised new edition looks at how students can make the most from their time studying on the social work degree. Focusing on each of the three years of study, the author skilfully unpicks the critical thinking, reflection and study skills essential for the completion of the degree. There are sections on autonomous learning, writing academically, communication skills and developing critical analysis and argument. This second edition has more information on how students learn, what makes for excellence in social work research, and how students can successfully integrate their skills with their practice.