The eighth edition of this classic textbook confronts students with the two central issues of the social work profession: How can social workers help people deal with personal misfortune? and What can social workers do to help bring about a just society? Answers to these questions come from the book's four main sections. Part One offers perspectives about social work and the kinds of things social workers do. Part Two describes the major policies and programmes social workers use to help people. Part Four discusses helping methods -- the ways clients are connected to social resources -- employed by social workers. Part Five provides case studies that show these helping processes in action. The Field of Social Work s an excellent text for an introductory course in social work. It provides the student with a general introduction to the principles of social work, and proceeds to applications of specific social work methods, providing case studies that illustrate the applications of these methods. Changes that have been made in the Eighth Edition include } new chapters dealing with case management and social work with families } contemporary case studies such as an example of social work in an industrial setting } current methods of social work practice and the latest techniques for applying these methods } innovative ways of working with minorities } new material reflecting the growing interest in working with self-help groups

A contemporary look at social work practice and the many career possibilities with detailed coverage of important new and emerging trends As the practice of social work continues to diversify, students need a clear picture of the current state of the field and an up-to-date source of information and guidance on emerging career opportunities. Social Work Fields of Practice provides both. Written by a team of experts in their respective specialties, this book features a comprehensive overview of contemporary social work practice, discussing historical trends and demographics, professional issues, ethics, and diversity for each practice area. Both traditional areas and new fields are considered from a variety of perspectives, including the clinical, ethical, cultural, legal, theoretical, and technological. Addressing the Council on Social Work Education's required competencies for accreditation (EPAS), Social Work Fields of Practice contains pedagogical features such as Key Terms, Review Questions for Critical Thinking, and Online Resources. It is the most timely, all-encompassing resource of its kind, covering: Child welfare Family-centered practice School social work Substance abuse Mental health Social work disability practice Gerontological social work Forensic social work Veterinary social work Military social work International social work Social work practice with immigrant and indigenous populations With expert, in-depth discussions of the most important specialties and practice environments for today's social worker, Social Work Fields of Practice is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and graduate students preparing to enter this noble profession, as well as social workers seeking to expand their professional horizons.

"Social work: fields of practice, third edition, takes the form of a conversation with students. Written by social-work experts, the book gradually uncovers many of the fields of practice a social worker is likely to encounter. Short, concise chapters allow students and lecturers a flexible approach to learning and teaching as they move through the book in an order that suits them. The book begins by examining groups social workers may work with across the various fields and then explains the fields of practice by drawing on the experience and practice wisdom of each chapter author. It covers the eight core fields of practice mandatory for students to achieve accreditation, before addressing new and emerging fields in social work. Social work: fields of practice provides an excellent grounding for social work students and ensures that they are well prepared for careers in the social work field."--

An expert introduction to the foundations of the social work profession—from its historical roots to its evolution in an era of evidence-based practice The Profession of Social Work provides a broad overview of the history, scope, values, ethics, and organizational framework of the social work profession. Exploring professional ethics and human rights, evidence-based practice and practice-guided research, as well as emerging trends and issues, this important book presents topics of critical importance to anyone considering a career in social work. Each chapter in the text offers an array of pedagogical features, including Key Terms, Review Questions for Critical Thinking, and Online Resources. Ideal for introductory courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, The Profession of Social Work features coverage closely aligned with social work accreditation standards (EPAS) and includes chapters authored by established scholars on topics including: Social work history Social work education Professional credentialing and regulations Values and ethics The strengths perspective in social work practice Evidence-based practice and improving the scientific base for social work practice Contemporary issues in social work With a wealth of insider insights into and guidance on the profession of social work, this book is essential reading to prepare for a career in this field.

`I can say without equivocation this text is without doubt the best book about social work I have read. Chris Beckett explores the purpose, values activities and theories of social work in an ever-changing social context that is clearly identified and examined' - Stephanie Petrie, University of Liverpool Every day social workers face decisions that will significantly impact others' lives, and it is essential that these practical assessments are supported by a sound understanding of social work theory. In this innovative and highly accessible textbook Chris Beckett explains how an understanding of these theoretical issues can improve the knowledge and skills base of professional practice. Essential Theory for Social Work Practice is an engaging and readable text, with a distinctively realistic and honest approach to the realities of everyday practice. Framed in a comprehensive and logical structure: - Part 1 establishes what social workers do and the tools they need - Part 2 considers how to assess, handle, and support change in others - Part 3 explores the wide range of roles that social workers must fulfil - Part 4 strengthens these links between theory and practice. Exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes are used to great effect in each chapter, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress through the book. The book is an invaluable core text for all undergraduate social work students, and offers excellent support for practitioners in their every day practice.

This handbook provides an authoritative account of social work field education in the global south. It presents an overview of various aspects of theory and practice modules in the social work curriculum and advances in research in social work field education in the developing world through in-depth analyses and global case studies. Key features: • Discusses critical issues and new directions in the theory and practice of social work field education, challenges in field work education, decolonising field work training, developing competent social work graduates, aligning fieldwork with cultural practices in indigenous communities, the idea of clinical social work, and a comparative analysis of social work field supervision. • Integrates theory and practice of social work field education for students and teachers from diverse geographical and cultural contexts across the global south, including countries from South Asia and Asia, Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean, covering India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, China, Georgia, Philippine, Turkey, Papua New Guinea, Eswatini, Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Botswana, Chile, and Barbados. • Brings together international comparative perspectives on field work education in social work from leading experts, social work educators, and social work professionals. This handbook will be an essential resource for scholars and researchers of social work, development studies, social anthropology, sociology, education, South Asian studies, and Global South studies. It will also be useful to educators and practitioners of social work in global institutions of higher studies as well as civil society organisations.

The eighth edition of this classic textbook confronts students with two central issues of the profession of social work: 'How do can social workers help people deal with personal misfortune? and 'What can social workers do to help bring about a just society?' Answers to these questions come from the book's four main sections. The Field of Social Work is an excellent text for an introductory course in social work. It provides the student with a general introduction to the principles of social work, and proceeds to applications of specific social work methods, providing case studies that illustrate the applications of these methods.

Ruben Martin is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Kent, where he was previously Director of Studies for the BA (Hons) Social Work programme for seven years. Since his retirement from his full-time post, he has continued work as a part-time lecturer, consultant, freelance practice educator and writer. What is your optimal role in a team environment? How do teamworking skills differ between various contexts and groups? Written by a highly-experienced lecturer and practitioner of social work, this book explores the dynamics of teamworking in the context of social work, whether in collaboration with colleagues or professionals from other fields. It provides a practical and applied overview of the different types of teams that social workers encounter and outlines in an accessible format the core teamworking skills social workers must develop in order to practice effectively. This is achieved by way of specific links to the Professional Capabilities Framework, checklists for self-evaluation and reflective social work practice, activities and case examples. Together, these resources make this guide to teamworking a must-have for students of social work and practitioners involved in continuous professional development. Topics covered include: The characteristics of individuals within a team, including the formal and informal roles they play and leadership. Emotional intelligence and resilience. The application of teamworking skills to working in organisations, multidisciplinary teams, and interagency collaboration and partnership. *** 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. *** 'At a time when social workers are being castigated for failures in team-working in recent child abuse enquiries, this book is extremely timely. I am not aware of a similar book which is able to convey the basic tenets of team-working as well as the necessary skills to do team working well. It is an important book which should be on the course lists of all early stage social workers. The book brings together social work theory relating to team work within an ecological framework. Students are given activities to reflect on their current level of skills. Excellent case studies illustrate the issues. The book is totally up-to-date, linking into recent material from the College of Social Work. I strongly recommend this book. I think students will find the material engaging and accessible, but they will also learn much about the essential team working skills for social work.' Ann Buchanan, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, University of Oxford, UK

The eighth edition of this classic textbook confronts students with the two central issues of the social work profession: How can social workers help people deal with personal misfortune? and What can social workers do to help bring about a just society? Answers to these questions come from the book's four main sections. Part One offers perspectives about social work and the kinds of things social workers do. Part Two describes the major policies and programmes social workers use to help people. Part Four discusses helping methods -- the ways clients are connected to social resources -- employed by social workers. Part Five provides case studies that show these helping processes in action. The Field of Social Work s an excellent text for an introductory course in social work. It provides the student with a general introduction to the principles of social work, and proceeds to applications of specific social work methods, providing case studies that illustrate the applications of these methods. Changes that have been made in the Eighth Edition include } new chapters dealing with case management and social work with families } contemporary case studies such as an example of social work in an industrial setting } current methods of social work practice and the latest techniques for applying these methods } innovative ways of working with minorities } new material reflecting the growing interest in working with self-help groups