Post Qualifying Social Work Practice

Social workers and other professionals working in the area of mental health often face complex and difficult practice dilemmas shaped by increasingly demanding policy and legal contexts across the UK. Jim Campbell and Gavin Davidson focus on the post-qualifying role played by mental health social workers in this book. The authors draw on theoretical and research perspectives on the subject, before outlining how professionals can achieve best practice. Topics covered include: " Models of mental health and illness " Discrimination and social exclusion " Addressing service user needs " Carer perspectives " Working with individuals, families and communities The chapters are accompanied by exercises, which encourage readers to critically reflect on their own professional and personal experiences. Case studies are also included, so that students can reappraise the knowledge they have learned in the text. The book will be essential reading for social work practitioners taking postgraduate courses in mental health and for those training to become Approved Mental Health Professionals.

In October, 2007, the post-qualifying (PQ) framework for all social workers in England will be transformed, and this handbook will supply fundamental guidance for all practising social work professionals and the staff who support them.

"A valuable resource for all those engaged in post-qualifying social work practice, ... It is impressive in its coverage of contemporary social work practice across the four countries of the UK" Professor Jackie Powell, University of Southampton "The PQ landscape is complex and changing fast, so the reader will be grateful to Pat Higham and her colleagues for this clear and comprehensive analysis of PQ" Professor Mark Doel, Sheffield Hallam University. " a comprehensive introduction to social work education at post-qualifying level. It identifies the key issues qualified social workers need to consider in contemporary practice and enables them to engage in critical reflection through the development of their post-qualifying expertise." Professor John Harris, University of Warwick This core textbook provides an authoritative overview of the post-qualifying awards in social work. Written in response to recent policy and training guidelines, the book will enhance social workers′ post-qualifying knowledge, skills and values within specialist areas of practice. The book will: - Use critical self-appraisal to construct different ways of thinking about and doing social work - Encourage reflection on their practice - Enable social workers to build confidence in their professional identity - Move from competence to increased capability and to expertise - Help social workers to explore values dilemmas - Increase social workers′ knowledge for practice - Promote learning and career development. This book examines core assumptions about post qualifying practice - that values and relationships (including partnerships with service users) are essential to good practice, that social workers will work in diverse organisational structures and that social workers in the United Kingdom should become aware of European models of social work.

Critical thinking as a process can appear formal and academic and far-removed from everyday practitioner experience. This second edition of enables post-qualifying students to develop their analytical skills in line with their everyday experiences. By placing emphasis on writing, communication and critical reflection, this book challenges the view that theory and critical awareness are the preserve of the classroom and instead gives the reader the confidence to better enhance their social work skills.

Many students and qualified workers in all areas of social work feel apprehension at the prospect of writing a formal report for a court or tribunal. Writing may be a fundamental skill, but it is one that students and practitioners cannot afford to take for granted. Recent reviews (Baby P, Serious Case Review processes) highlighted the need for clear reports, recording and written communication between professionals. This practical and accessible textbook presents the report writing process in a clear and straightforward way. From methods of collecting and presenting evidence, to drawing conclusions and writing up a final report.

The first year of practice can be a particularly challenging time for newly-qualified social workers. This book is therefore essential reading not only for NQSWs entering the workplace but for students on qualifying programmes who wish to develop their skills beyond graduation. This new edition draws upon recommendations from the Social Work Reform Board and includes material on the Assessed Year in Practice and how new practitioners working in both Adults and Children and Families settings can get the very best out of supervision.

There is an increasing emphasis on post-qualifying training for social workers, especially in the complex and demanding area of working with children and families. This essential textbook is especially designed for practitioners studying at this level. Accessible and thorough, the text focuses on a mixture of conceptual and organisational topics, skills, law, policy and key practice issues. It includes chapters on: Social work values and ethics Risk, uncertainty and accountability Direct work with children and young people Promoting security and stability Working with reluctant service users Assessment of parenting Working with poverty, drugs and alcohol Going to court and the legal framework Children and young people going home Supporting others in their professional development. Using case studies and activities to link research, theory and practice, Social Work with Children and Families takes a wider look at the role and tasks of an experienced social work practitioner, and the skills and knowledge needed to develop professionally from this point.

Critical thinking as a process can appear formal and academic, and far-removed from the everyday practitioner experience. This book enables post-qualifying students to develop their analytical skills in line with their everyday experiences.