Transforming Social Work Practice

Transforming Social Work Practice shows that postmodern theory offers new strategies for social workers concerned with political action and social justice. It explores ways of developing practice frameworks, paradigms and principles which take advantage of the perspectives offered by postmodern theory without totally abandoning the values of modernity and the Enlightenment project of human emancipation. Case studies demonstrate how these perspectives can be applied to practice.

Social workers need to have a sound working knowledge of a range of ways of working with the people who use their services. They also need to be able to apply and integrate this knowledge in practice, to critically evaluate different methods and to choose the most effective in any particular set of circumstances. This book provides a hands-on guide to the most common methods of helping social work service users and to dealing with some difficult situations.

This bestselling book takes the student step-by-step through the core processes of social work. It introduces four essential elements (assessment, planning intervention and review) in a clear manner, and is structured in a chronological way that is easy to understand yet holistic in approach. The authors use Assessment as a lynchpin for the book and use various assessment tools (some of which they have developed themselves) to illustrate the links between theory and practice. An essential introduction to the fundamental principles of social work practice, this title has been fully-revised to link directly to the Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Work. Key updates: New Material on Personalisation Agenda Greater emphasis on social work in the community More research material on working with children Updated case studies throughout Part of the Transforming Social Work Practice series. All books in the series are affordable, mapped to the Social Work Curriculum, practical with clear links between theory & practice and written to the Professional Capabilities Framework.

Applying values and ethics to social work practice is taught widely across the qualifying degree programme, on both Masters and BA courses. This book is a clear introduction to this subject and will help students develop their understanding by showing social work students how ethics can have positive impacts on the lives of vulnerable people. There are chapters on how social workers can make good ethical and value-based decisions when working with risk, and how the role of the social worker as professional can impact on service users. Above all the book is a timely and clear introduction to the subject, with an emphasis on advocacy and empowerment and how the beginning social worker can start to apply these concepts.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work are at the heart of effective social work practice. This book offers students a solid grounding in the core knowledge and skills of communication needed for effective practice. The book takes the key theories in communication and explains them in a systematic and practice-related way, essential for both undergraduate and postgraduate students to develop a critical understanding of the subject. This crucial fifth edition supports students with core communication skills by providing in-depth coverage closely interwoven with learning features that engage, stimulate and challenge. Working with children, adults and those with learning difficulties are all fundamental aspects of the book making it useful to students of all disciplines.

Transforming Social Work Practice shows that postmodern theory offers new strategies for social workers concerned with political action and social justice. It explores ways of developing practice frameworks, paradigms and principles which take advantage of the perspectives offered by postmodern theory without totally abandoning the values of modernity and the Enlightenment project of human emancipation. Case studies demonstrate how these perspectives can be applied to practice.

Reflective practice is a key element of learning and development on social work courses and it is an important aspect of social work practice. This accessible and introductory text explores a range of approaches to reflective practice that will help students become more confident in answering the question 'what is reflective practice?' There are sections on writing reflective journals, communicating well with service users and carers and reflective practice while on placements. Written in three parts, this essential guide starts with a broad exploration of reflection, drawing on key texts that have informed its development. It then moves on to real practice issues including the management of social work practice and interprofessional working. Finally, part three looks at maintaining reflective practice and how to use these skills during your time as a social worker. Fully updated with the Professional Capabilities Framework, this third edition is a must-have for all social work students at the beginning of their careers.

'Groupwork Practice in Social Work' introduces the practicalities of planning, establishing, facilitating and evaluating social work projects, and contains common-sense guidance on setting up, facilitating and closing small helping groups, inter-professional and other groups.