Getting Ready For Direct Practice In Social Work

This very practical book will support students to meet the requirements of the compulsory Readiness for Direct Practice assessment. Useful for social work students and lecturers alike, it takes each of the 9 domains that students are tested on, breaks them down step-by step and provides a range of interactive activities that enable them to acquire the knowledge, values and skills for practice required at this level. It offers students a foundation to the key areas of knowledge for each of the 9 domains, while also signposting them to other popular books in the Transforming Social Work Practice series for a more detailed discussion as well.

This highly readable direct practice text offers a practical introduction to the theories and skills necessary to engage in effective, strengths-based practice. Developed specifically to address the issues facing students as they prepare for direct practice in todays world, Direct Practice for Social Work interweaves diversity and social justice through out the chapters and teaches students how to make the connections between major theories and real-world situations. Written in an engaging style by experienced authors, this text encourages the development of students critical thinking skills while demonstrating the practical applications of theory. Highlights include chapters opening case studies, numerous case studies in each chapter, and more modeled responses, sample dialogues and exercises than are found anywhere else. Comprehensive coverage of the major theories and adherence to CSWE guidelines make this text an invaluable addition to any professional social work educational or professional library.

This very practical book will support students to meet the requirements of the compulsory Readiness for Direct Practice assessment. Useful for social work students and lecturers alike, it takes each of the 9 domains that students are tested on, breaks them down step-by step and provides a range of interactive activities that enable them to acquire the knowledge, values and skills for practice required at this level. It offers students a foundation to the key areas of knowledge for each of the 9 domains, while also signposting them to other popular books in the Transforming Social Work Practice series for a more detailed discussion as well.

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.

Direct practice foundation courses in social work prepare students for every step of the problem-solving process, yet too often emphasize the what and the why of practice at the expense of the how. This practical, easy-to-use, and hands-on guide bridges this gap by illustrating the helping skills that practitioners can actually use to influence people's lives in positive ways. Integrating two major helping models--motivational interviewing and solution-focused therapy--it equips students with the techniques and skills necessary for activating client strengths throughout the problem-solving process. Helping Skills for Social Work Direct Practice presents a wealth of sample dialogue, exercises, tips, and do's and don'ts, all designed to encourage learning by doing. This workbook helps make the links between theory and practice with these unique features: - Chapters logically organized by phases of the problem-solving process - Case demonstrations involving a variety of roles, including case manager, crisis intervention counselor, medical social worker, and school social worker - Practice exercises that prompt students to apply and generalize skills to different practice settings and client problems - Exhibits and reflection questions facilitate integration between classroom learning and the internship experience - An online instructor's manual (www.oup.com/us/helpingskills) with detailed answers to discussion questions From the first meeting with clients, to assessment, goal-setting, evaluation, and the ethics that guide the process throughout, this is the nuts-and-bolts guide to helping clients using a strengths-based perspective.

Covers all major topics relevant to clinical social work. Discusses social work practice, multicultural and diversity issues, and research, as well as assessment and measurement.

Featuring an evidence- and strengths-based approach to practice methods, this new text teaches students how to apply social work skills in a variety of settings. Designed to enhance self-awareness, professionalism, ethical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation for social justice issues, this text introduces readers to social work’s core values and practice methods to help them assimilate the skills needed for working in the field. Cases and skills-based exercises demonstrate how to make accurate assessments and design effective intervention plans. After laying the groundwork in theory, values, and ethics, the authors review methods for working with individuals, children, and families from an individual and environmental strengths-based perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation and termination, and documentation are then reviewed. Readers are introduced to the foundational concepts of social work practice and through application learn to successfully work with clients. Key Features Integrates the Council on Social Work Education’s EPAS standards and core competencies throughout, including engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, social justice, ethics, critical thinking, professional conduct and decision making, and cultural competency and diversity. Case scenarios in client interview format that closely resemble actual interactions, followed by questions, test readers’ understanding of the practice skills needed to work in the field. Skill-building exercises including individual and group activities, role plays, simulations, and discussion questions that provide an opportunity to apply one’s knowledge and skill sets. Personal reflections that encourage students to examine their own beliefs to help them assimilate social work ethics and values into their professional demeanor. Icons throughout the text that draw attention to useful tips for developing direct practice skills. A strengths-based approach that heightens understanding and results in a higher level of proficiency in the change process. Introduces challenging situations often encountered in practice to help readers acquire the more advanced practice skills necessary for assessment and intervention. Resources including PowerPoints, test questions, sample syllabi, and suggested answers to text exercises and discussion questions.

Chris Beckett′s new book on assessment and intervention in social work practice covers the core topics for qualifying social work students. The book provides a thorough understanding of the issues and skills essential for effective practice. Each of the nine chapters defines a key concept, including Assessment; Intervention; Risk and Efficacy. Case studies and ′practice questions′ throughout make the connections between theory and practice explicit. Suggestions as to further reading are made at the end of each chapter. This important book is essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate social work students throughout all three years of their training, but it will be particularly useful for students who are on on placement, or who are reflecting on their experiences on placement. It is also a useful resource for practice teachers who need a framework for discussing practice with students they supervise on placement.