Skills For Direct Practice In Social Work

And social workers

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.

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.

Using a case-based approach to connect the classroom and the practice environment, Direct Social Work Practice by Mary C. Ruffolo, Brian E. Perron, and Elizabeth H. Voshel incorporates a broad set of themes that include advocacy, social justice, global focus, ethics, theory, and critical thinking. Integrated, up-to-date content related to diversity, social justice, and international issues helps readers develop the basic skills of engagement, assessment, intervention, and reflective practice, as well as the key skills needed for the field experience. Each chapter of the book is mapped to the latest Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) to aid schools of social work in connecting the course content with monitored outcomes.

Offering a unique focus on evidence-based interventions, critical thinking, and diversity, School Social Work: A Direct Practice Guide, by JoAnn Jarolmen, covers the foundations of working with children and adolescents in the schools. Each chapter reviews a basic concept and then provides two in-depth activities that allow readers to apply the concepts to a variety of client populations. Practical, hands-on experiences, best practice approaches, and case examples throughout the book allow readers to see assessments and techniques in action and increase their understanding of the nuances and complexities of working in a school environment.

The second edition of this widely popular CD-ROM with manual can be used to either teach or to review essential social work skills using the latest technology available. Designed as a practical guide to teaching basic counseling skills, the CD-ROM contains video segments demonstrating four different, culturally diverse social worker-client interactions. Students can view the video, stop the action and respond to questions, look up references, or obtain more in-depth information about each skill segment. Common pitfalls for each skill set are noted, as well as examples of appropriate and inappropriate uses of skills and outcomes. Social work values are discussed in the CD-ROM, as well as communication concepts and principles, interviewing and problem-solving skills, and more. The accompanying student manual allows the student to take notes and complete written exercises about the skills demonstrated. It also includes a new chapter on cultural competence and additional information on ecological perspective and systems theory.

Rev. ed. of: Social work skills demonstrated: beginning direct practice: text-workbook, CD-ROM, and website. 2nd ed. 2006.

Video clips are used to demonstrate various techniques used in social work interviews. Text definitions of terms, text synopses of the situations used in the video clips, and a self-paced quiz are also provided in the program. The student guide includes background information on social work techniques, examples, and exercises.