What Is Professional Social Work

What is Professional Social Work? is a now classic analysis of social work as a discourse between three aspects of practice: social order, therapeutic and transformational perspectives. It enables social workers to analyse and value the role of social work in present-day multiprofessional social care. This completely re-written second edition explores social work's struggle to meet its claim to achieve social progress through interpersonal practice. Important features of this new edition include: § practical ways of analysing personal professional identity § understanding how social workers embody their profession in their practice with other professionals § detailed analysis of current and historical documents defining social work and social care analysis of values, agencies and global social work. This new edition will stimulate social workers, students and policy-makers in social care to think again about the valuable role social work plays in society.

If social work students are to flourish in their careers, and go beyond a basic sense of ‘competence’ in practice, it is essential to develop a sense of Professional Self. This book will help students develop critical understanding of their own social work practice, and the tools and skills required to become a professional social worker. It includes: Chapters on practising Reflexivity and the importance of Relationships in social work Contributions from leading social work academics A focus on building a professional identity through learning and practice The emphasis is on developing your professionalism, and how that journey translates into everyday practice. To help this growth there are further chapters on getting the best from continuing professional development, challenging poor practice and professionalism and ethics. Professor Jonathan Parker is Deputy Dean for Research and Enterprise and Director of the Centre for Social Work and Social Policy at Bournemouth University. He is currently conducting cross cultural research on learning and practice with colleagues in Southeast Asia. Professor Mark Doel is Professort Emeritus in the Centre for Health and Social Care Research at Sheffiled Hallam University, and a registered social worker. Mark′s research experience is in the fields of practice education, social work practice methods, and service user involvement.

Cover -- Title -- Copyright -- Dedication -- Contents -- Acknowledgements -- Notes on contributors -- 1 Matters of professional identity and social work -- Part I Key concepts and perspectives -- 2 Perspectives on professional identity: the changing world of the social worker -- 3 What is professional identity and how do social workers acquire it? -- 4 Materiality, performance and the making of professional identity -- 5 Constructing the social, constructing social work -- Part II Location, context and workplace culture -- 6 Vocation and professional identity: social workers at home and abroad -- 7 Risk work in the formation of the 'professional' in child protection social work -- 8 Identity formation, scientific rationality and embodied knowledge in child welfare -- 9 Field, capital and professional identity: social work in health care -- 10 Inter-professional collaboration: strengthening or weakening social work identity? -- 11 Commitment in the making of professional identity -- 12 Professional identity in the care and upbringing of children: towards a praxis of residential childcare -- Part III Professional education, socialisation and readiness for practice -- 13 Shaping identity? The professional socialisation of social work students -- 14 Credible performances: affect and professional identity -- 15 Making professional identity: narrative work and fateful moments -- 16 Professional identity as a matter of concern -- Index

An expert introduction to the foundations of the social work profession—from its historical roots to its evolution in an era of evidence-based practice The Profession of Social Work provides a broad overview of the history, scope, values, ethics, and organizational framework of the social work profession. Exploring professional ethics and human rights, evidence-based practice and practice-guided research, as well as emerging trends and issues, this important book presents topics of critical importance to anyone considering a career in social work. Each chapter in the text offers an array of pedagogical features, including Key Terms, Review Questions for Critical Thinking, and Online Resources. Ideal for introductory courses for both undergraduate and graduate students, The Profession of Social Work features coverage closely aligned with social work accreditation standards (EPAS) and includes chapters authored by established scholars on topics including: Social work history Social work education Professional credentialing and regulations Values and ethics The strengths perspective in social work practice Evidence-based practice and improving the scientific base for social work practice Contemporary issues in social work With a wealth of insider insights into and guidance on the profession of social work, this book is essential reading to prepare for a career in this field.

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