Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice

by Neil Thompson

Overview

What is social work? How is it carried out? What skills does it require?

Despite its many challenges, social work remains a rewarding career that makes a difference. Understanding Social Work is a much-loved and highly acclaimed introduction to what is involved in the role, offering an excellent grounding in what the profession is all about.

Neil Thompson provides a clear and helpful account of the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work, makes clear what some of the main challenges of social work are and helps you rise to those challenges.

Each engaging and succinct chapter supports the reader's learning and development with case studies, valuable advice from experienced practitioners, practical exercises and further reading suggestions.

In this sixth edition, Thompson shares lessons from his expert witness work and offers renewed focus on the significance of loss and grief and the resurgence of interest in anti-racism in social work.

It is an ideal starting point for people considering a career in social work, students beginning their social work jourbaney and for experienced practitioners who want to revisit their roots.

Accompanying online resources are available at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781350399174
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	02/08/2024
Edition description:	6th ed.
Pages:	256
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.62(d)

About the Author

Neil Thompson has held full or honorary professorships at four UK universities, and is now a sought-after consultant and conference speaker. He runs the Avenue Professional Development Programme, an online learning community and tutorial group for people professionals. His website and blog are at www.neilthompson.info

Table of Contents

1. Making Sense of Social Work
2. The Legal and Policy Context
3. The Knowledge Base
4. The Skills Base
5. The Value Base
6. Achieving Good Practice
7. Facing the Challenge
8. Conclusion
Guide to Further Learning
Appendix: Internet Resources.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

As Social Workers we are increasingly working with higher levels of social deprivation, social need and dwindling resources. This book is a handy reminder of the importance of retaining the underpinning knowledge, values, skills and models which help to shape, develop and maintain our professional identity and practice. – Amanda Hill, Cumbria University, UK

This book makes following the why, what, when, and how of social work very straightforward. Students often struggle to see the match between all the elements of social work as a process and at the same time think of the knowledge, skills and values required to do the job. This book is such an easy fit with their requirements. – Paul McCafferty, Ulster University, UK

Editorial Reviews

Thompson's ever popular book returbans with an update that both holds its original quality and ensures it is applicable for contemporary social work students. It remains a must read.” —Dr Paula Beesley, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Leeds Beckett University, UK

“'This book makes following the why, what, when and how of social work very straightforward.'” —Dr Paul McCafferty, Senior Lecturer, Ulster University, UK

“'A great source of knowledge for students, professionals and academics'” —Dr Raluca Sarbu, Lecturer in Social Work, University of Worcester, UK

From the Publisher