Putting Professional Leadership Into Practice In Social Work

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.

This comprehensive textbook 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.

Professional leadership is increasingly recognised as being vital to enhancing social work’s reputation and effectiveness. Although professional leadership is one of the nine domains of the professional capability framework in England, sometimes leadership is assumed to be the prerogative of managers rather than the responsibility of all professional social workers. The participation of social workers and social work educators in shaping professional cultures within organisations through practice innovation, practitioner research and workforce development is thus crucial. Drawing on theories that challenge hierarchical concepts of leadership, this book will enable experienced social work practitioners and educators to develop their professional leadership to more expert levels. Throughout the book there are case examples illustrating examples of advanced professional leadership in action, research highlights and exercises utilising self-reflection, action planning, creative writing and imagery to provide practical support to the reader.

Within health and social care settings, high levels of sustained performance from individuals, teams, organisations and multi-agency collaborations are required. This book offers a service-oriented leadership approach for Social Work managers and looks to enhance personal effectiveness and ultimately organisational performance through human behaviour, thought and communication. It is designed to support the development of aspiring and front line managers in social work and care through the introduction of key concepts such as understanding the Self, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, self-leadership and communication.

It is vital that social work managers and leaders are able to deliver and manage effective supervision to their teams. Recent social work reports such as the Munro Review into Child Protection (2011) identified poor supervision as a barrier to good and effective social work practice and highlighted the need for quality supervision to become embedded within departments. This book demonstrates how both managers and their staff can engage with supervision with a view to successful outcomes. There are detailed sections on audit tasks and reflection questions to enable readers to increase awareness of their role as well as develop action plans for improvement in their practice.

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.

The Road to Social Work and Human Service Practice provides a comprehensive introduction to all aspects of practice in both social work and the human services. It lays out the journey and expertly signposts the key areas of knowledge, skills, values, ethics, practice contexts and contemporary debates. Client and practitioner perspectives offer reflections on real-life social work and human services interventions, while case studies show how theory can be applied to practice. This market-leading, reader-friendly text is an invaluable tool for students as they start their careers in the social work and human services sector. Instructor resources include instructor's guide, PowerPoints, additional case studies, Test Bank and NEW author videos. Premium online teaching and learning tools are available on the MindTap platform. Learn more about the online tools cengage.com.au/mindtap

′This is a timely and well crafted text which is to be commended, with strong chapters from knowledgeable and committed authors. A stimulating read and one which will be of considerable use to those with responsibility for leading and managing learning in social care and social work′ - Keith Popple, Professor of Social Work, London South Bank University ′This is a welcome and timely book, which forecasts the growing need for workplace learning. I will be one of the first people to buy it′ - Jan Fook, Professor of Social Work, University of Southampton This core textbook provides an authoritative overview of the leadership and management of learning in social care education and practice. Written in response to recent policy and continuing professional development frameworks, the book provides the underpinning knowledge for candidates following post-qualifying awards for social work in leadership, management and practice education Key features include: " reference to the relevant post-qualifying standards in social work at Higher Specialist and Advanced levels " an interprofessional approach " case studies, activities and points for reflection. Leadership and Management in Social Care will equip readers with the relevant knowledge and skills they need to improve the quality of social care services and their delivery. With an emphasis upon continuing professional development it will become essential reading for students following social work and social care qualifications for continuing professional development. Social care practitioners responsible for staff development and interested in progressing to management roles will also find the book invaluable. Trish Hafford-Letchfield is a senior lecturer at London South Bank University for social work, higher education and leadership and management courses. Kate Leonard is a senior lecturer at LSBU and freelance trainer, assessor and mentor. Nasa Begum has been Principal Advisor for Participation at SCIE since 2003 and is a researcher. Neil Chick is Organisational Learning Manager for a housing association and coach mentor.