A Guide to Writing for Human Service Professionals

by Morley D. Glicken

Overview

Straightforward and concise, the third edition of A Guide to Writing for Human Service Professionals offers students and professionals practical tools to improve their writing. In his animated and highly accessible teaching voice, Glicken presents the rules of punctuation, grammar, and APA style in jargon-free language that’s easy to understand. Chapters include detailed, real-world examples on how to write academic papers, client assessments and evaluations, business letters, research proposals and reports, papers for mass audiences, requests for funding, and much more. Glicken provides the most comprehensive writing guide available in an engaging and digestible format, including end-of-chapter exercises that allow readers to further practice their writing and critical thinking skills. A Guide to Writing for Human Service Professionals is an invaluable resource for current and future human service professionals across social work, psychology, and counseling.
Updates to the Third Edition include:
Much more on evidence-based practice and how to use it in reports and administrative feedback. EBP requires the writer to show, logically, that the work done with clients results in therapeutic gain.Much more on report writing that is free of bias and preconceived notions about clients and, if writing performance reports, about supervised worker.In the realm of hiring new workers, understanding the use of code words which may mask poor performance.Much more on how classroom assignments are used to improve professional writing.Will include information from the latest edition of the APA style manual.Much more will be added to the book on accurate and unbiased writing about diversity, including gender pronoun usage, sexuality, diverse family and relationship structures such as polyamory, and accuracy related to ethnicity, culture, race, neurodiversity, and more.An additional chapter on reporting violent behavior, including domestic abuse, written for social workers who work for the police and agencies dealing with victims of abuse.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781538175958
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	09/03/2026
Edition description:	3rd ed.
Pages:	435
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.11(d)

About the Author

Morley D. Glicken is Professor Emeritus in social work at California State University, San Bernardino and the director of the Institute for Positive Growth in Tucson, Arizona. He earned his Master of Social Work degree from the University of Washington and his Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Social Work degrees from the University of Utah. He has published over 50 articles and books, including Social Work in the 21st Century: An Introduction to Social Problems, Social Welfare Organizations, and the Profession of Social Work, Second Edition and Evidence-Based Counseling and Psychotherapy with an Aging Population. More information about Dr. Glicken can be found on his website: www.morleyglicken.com

Table of Contents

Table of Contents from the current edition of A Guide to Writing for Human Service Professionals:

1 Writing Is Just Talking With a Few Rules
Writing Isn’t Difficult
A Few Rules for Better Writing Applying the Rules: Some Examples When English is a Second Language
A Starting Point: Evaluating Your Writing
The Role of Cultural Competence in Writing for Human Service Professionals
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses the ease with which competent writing can be mastered. The chapter includes a general discussion of the writing process and explains some rules of writing and how those rules may apply to the documents written by human service professionals. In future chapters, issues including punctuation, grammar, APA style, and ot her important issues will be explored. A discussion of cultural sensitivity and political correctness is included in the chapter to help the reader deal with both issues in future chapters and assignments.

2 Getting Started
Writing for a Purpose: Different Types of Writing
Choosing a Topic: Guidelines
It’s Time to Get Started
Suggestions to Simplify Your Writing
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter includes the types of writing you will be asked to do, choosing topics, outlining your work, and an example of the editing process. It concludes with a truism that all writers know: Writing well takes time, practice, feedback from others, and a great deal of motivation. There is no other way to write well than to write often and to edit, edit, and then edit some more.

3 Punctuation and Grammar
Simple Writing Makes Complex Punctuation Unnecessary
Common Punctuation Marks and Rules
Some Easy Grammar Rules
The Paragraph
The Proper Tense
Correct Person and Voice
Agreement of Subject and Verb
Correct Use of Singular and Plural Forms
Avoid Language That Stereotypes or is Demeaning
Style
Provide Evidence
Be Aware of How Something Sounds
Metaphors
Humor as Metaphorical Using Meaningless Words Using Acronyms
Irrational Statements
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses common punctuation and rules of grammar. Examples of each are given. The chapter also discusses the use of metaphors as well as illogical words and phrases that have no meaning unless the writer provides behavioral explanations. Words such as average, appropriate, and normal are examples of meaningless words when behavioral guidelines are absent. Singular and plural words used commonly in professional writing are also included in the chapter.

4 Using the Correct Word
Choosing the Right Word and Spelling it Correctly Choosing the Right Word: Some Common Mistakes Redundant and Unnecessary Words
Foreign Phrases Slang Psychobabble Bureauspeak Cyberslang
Tweets and Facebook Postings
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter on the correct use of words considers some common words that are often incorrectly used. Examples are their, they’re, and there. The chapter also discusses words that are used in a redundant (unnecessary) way. Future plans versus plans is a good example. Plans, unless they’ve been acted upon (past plans) are always in the future. The chapter discusses the use of slang and why it has no role in professional writing and two of the worst problems in human service writing: psychobabble and bureauspeak. The chapter considers the use of foreign phrases. I caution against using foreign phrases because many of us don’t know what they mean and some readers find them elitist and smug. Finally, the chapter provides guidelines about the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

5 The APA Crib Sheet
APA Rules for Citing a Reference in the Text
Citing Sources at the end of a Chapter or Paper
The Reference Section
Electronic Formats
Additional APA Style Rules
Abbreviations
Avoiding Biased and Pejorative Language Correct Use of the Terms “Gender” and “Sex” Sensitivity to Labels
Capitalization Commas Hyphenation
Italics and Underlining
Colons, Dashes, Parentheses, and Numbering Paragraphs
Numbers Quotation Marks Extended Quotations
Using Respectful Language
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This summary of APA style is no substitute for the actual Publication Manual of the APA, which any serious student or professional should purchase and have readily available. It is true that most instructors in the human services require APA style in papers submitted, but some may require other styles. Students in these classes should make themselves aware of style requirements and use them appropriately.

6 Plagiarism, Proper Credit to Original Sources, and the Role of Human Subjects Protection
Plagiarism
Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Citations
Making Up Data or Sources
Falsifying Research Data
Can You Trust Published Research from Respected Journals? Human Subject Protections
Guidelines for Informed Consent
The Debriefing Statement
Example: How Would You Deal with a Plagiarized Piece of Work?

This chapter discusses that troubling aspect of writing known as plagiarism, or using someone else’s work and letting the reader assume it is yours. There are serious consequences for plagiarizing, including dismissal from school. The chapter cautions against falsifying data in research reports or making up sources that don’t exist to pad reports. Also included in the chapter is information about human subjects’ approval for research projects and the material needed for approval. Examples of informed consent and debriefing statements are provided in the chapter.

7 Writing Objective Client Assessments
Reducing Errors in Diagnosis
Writing an Objective Client Assessment
An Example of an Objective Assessment: Mr. Solomon
Section I: Brief Description of the Client and the Problem
Section II: Historical Issues
Section III: Diagnostic Statement
Section IV: The Treatment Plan
Section V: Contract
Brief Discussion of the Case
Using A Strengths Perspective Approach with Mr. Solomon
Writing Case Notes
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

In summary, the psychosocial assessment is a way of describing areas of client difficulties and strengths. It is important that we approach assessments in an objective and unbiased way. Used objectively, the assessment can provide the practitioner with an understanding of the connecting elements that have led to the current crisis in a client’s life. This chapter includes a psychosocial assessment and an explanation of the diagnostic and treatment decisions made in the case. Case notes are provided following the work done with a client following the initial evaluative session.

8 Business Letters, Referrals, Complaints, Committee Minutes, Reference Letters, and Mission
Statements
The Business Letter Sample Business Letters Guidelines for Writing Complaints Examples of Complaint Letters
The Referral Mission Statements Committee Minutes The Reference Letter

This chapter discusses the business letter and the common professional letters we write, including complaint letters, referrals, and reference letters. Examples of each type of letter are given along with guidelines. The importance of mission statements was also discussed and examples were given of well-done mission statements.

9 Resumes and Cover Letters Tips on Resume Writing A Brief Resume
An Alternative Resume The Cover Letter Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses one of the most important writing projects any of us will ever do: writing resumes and cover letters to obtain a job. Suggestions are made on how best to prepare resumes and cover letters. Brevity and clarity are both highly desirable aspects of resumes and cover letters. Examples of resumes and cover letters are provided.

10 Locating Relevant Information for Reports and Research Proposals
Useful and Not So Useful Sources Evaluating the Quality of Review Articles Locating Relevant Information
Useful Websites for the Human Services
Additional Sources An Exercise Summary References

This chapter discusses the best ways of conducting a search for relevant information. Suggestions are made regarding the best sources to use in a literature search and some guidelines are offered to help readers rank the quality of sources. The use of the Internet in literature searches is also noted, and websites of special interest to helping professionals are provided. The chapter ends with an exercise to help the reader distinguish academic writing that is clearly written and useful as opposed to writing that says very little but sounds as if it’s of great use to the reader.

11 Writing the Research Report
The Research Report Outline
What to Include in a Research Report
Assessments of Reports
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter provides an outline for writing a research report. It also offers an example of how an actual research report might be written. A guide for the way a report should be presented is included along with an exercise in writing research proposals and reports objectively.

12 Requesting Money
A Request for Money: The Grant Proposal
The Research Proposal: An Example
Discussion
Providing Feedback to Funding Sources
Discussion
Why Research Grants Are Sometimes Not Funded
Request to Attend a Conference
Requests for Equipment
Requests for Charitable Contributions
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses how to write requests for money. Several types of requests are discussed: research funding, money to attend conferences, requests for equipment, in-kind requests, and direct financial support. Examples of each type of request are given. The research request includes not only the request for money but also the type of short report often required when money has been provided by a funding source.

13 Writing for the Popular Press
An Article Written for a Popular Website
Discussion
A Newspaper Article
Discussion
A Speech About Healthy Aging
More Letters to the Editor
Book Reviews
Questions Writing a Press Release Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

Writing for the popular media can be one of the most satisfying, powerful, and informative types of writing any professional can do in his or her career. Not only does writing for the mass media reach a large audience and have the power to influence people, but it also brings out a side of professionals they may not know exists: their creative side. If you have an idea for a creative piece and you want to try your skills, contact any of a number of journals, newspapers, and magazines, find out their editorial policy (some even pay), and give it a try. What, after all, do you have to lose?

14 Writing Course Outlines, Professional Workshops, and Brochures
A Course Outline
An Example of a Workshop Outline
A Second Workshop Outline Example
Professional Brochures
A Learning Objectives Exercise
Questions
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses course and workshop outlines and the professional brochures we are often asked to develop. Examples are provided. Three types of learning objectives are noted with the meaning and words associated with those objectives provided. Action words are also included to give the reader an understanding of how one might write learning objectives in the human services. Learning objectives are always behavioral in nature and are, therefore, measurable.

15 Using the Internet and the Laws Governing Privacy (HIPAA) Using the Internet for Professional Functions
E-Therapy: A Controversial Approach for Human Service Professionals
Case Study: Therapy Using the Telephone and Email
Laws of Privacy
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses the use of the Internet for supervision and therapy. It suggests many benefits and liabilities in the use of the Internet for professional functions, and briefly outlines the privacy policies noted in a federal law known as HIPAA. That law provides for client privacy and directly affects the way we communicate with others in our professional capacities.

16 How Writing Can Change Our Lives
The Use of Stories
Bibliotherapy: The Use of Novels, Poetry, Films, and Music
Writing Conveys Hidden Messages
A Story: “A Ride on the Streetcar”
Discussion
Accessing Forgotten Memories Through Your Writing
Working in Small Groups Group Feedback Profile Working Aline
A Writing Exercise
A Professional Writer Discusses His Writing
A Few Notes on How I Write
Some Final Words
Summary
Find the Mistakes
References

This chapter discusses the use of creative writing to help us understand our behavior. Several examples of creative work I’ve written and my analysis are provided. Readers are encouraged to write creatively to help them understand complex issues in their lives that may lead to better awareness. The significance of stories and the use of metaphors are also noted.

Editorial Reviews

Like the author's 2008 work, this update is a concise resource for students and professionals in the human-services fields who seek to improve their writing skills. Written by Glicken, an educator and social-work practitioner, the guide provides detailed descriptions with helpful and often humorous examples spanning a myriad of writing genres. Also included is guidance on how to choose a topic, the correct use of grammar, and recommended best practices for writing business letters, complaints, and mission statements. The updated second edition also includes writing etiquette for social media, useful techniques for writing on sensitive topics, and relevant writing practice exercises suitable for both small groups and individuals. The goal is to improve critical-thinking skills and show readers how to make logical arguments supported by research. Throughout the work Glicken articulates the importance of writing well in all aspects of society, and he gives readers useful, practical tips for being the best writers they can be. Recommended for teachers and writing center practitioners in pertinent fields, but particularly beginning students pursuing careers in the human services.

Summing Up: Recommended. Community college and lower-level undergraduate students; professionals/practitioners.” —Choice Reviews

““Comprehensive, yet concise, extremely engaging with practical ‘real-world’ examples.” — Oliver J. Johnson, Fayetteville State University” —Oliver J. Johnson, Fayetteville State University

““This book is a good starter text for getting new social workers to understand the power and variety of writing everyone in the profession does over the course of their careers.” — Tracey Mabrey, DePaul University” —Tracey Mabrey, DePaul University

““Glicken’s textbook helps us empower competent social work practitioners to communicate effectively. Students always find something interesting and valuable, and the text does what it intends—it makes my students better writers.” — Patti West-Okiri, Western New Mexico University” —Patti West-Okiri, Western New Mexico University

““Tailored as no other text is to meet the needs of the human services student and paraprofessional and the most readable text I’ve reviewed.” — Karen L. Neal, Queens University of Charlotte” —Karen L. Neal, Queens University of Charlotte

From the Publisher

Glicken’s textbook helps us empower competent social work practitioners to communicate effectively. Students always find something interesting and valuable, and the text does what it intends—it makes my students better writers.” —Patti West-Okiri, Western New Mexico University

Patti West-Okiri

Like the author's 2008 work, this update is a concise resource for students and professionals in the human-services fields who seek to improve their writing skills. Written by Glicken, an educator and social-work practitioner, the guide provides detailed descriptions with helpful and often humorous examples spanning a myriad of writing genres. Also included is guidance on how to choose a topic, the correct use of grammar, and recommended best practices for writing business letters, complaints, and mission statements. The updated second edition also includes writing etiquette for social media, useful techniques for writing on sensitive topics, and relevant writing practice exercises suitable for both small groups and individuals. The goal is to improve critical-thinking skills and show readers how to make logical arguments supported by research. Throughout the work Glicken articulates the importance of writing well in all aspects of society, and he gives readers useful, practical tips for being the best writers they can be. Recommended for teachers and writing center practitioners in pertinent fields, but particularly beginning students pursuing careers in the human services. Summing Up: Recommended. Community college and lower-level undergraduate students; professionals/practitioners.

Choice Reviews

This book is a good starter text for getting new social workers to understand the power and variety of writing everyone in the profession does over the course of their careers.” — Tracey Mabrey, DePaul University

Tracey Mabrey

Tailored as no other text is to meet the needs of the human services student and paraprofessional and the most readable text I’ve reviewed.” — Karen L. Neal, Queens University of Charlotte

Karen L. Neal

Comprehensive, yet concise, extremely engaging with practical ‘real-world’ examples.” — Oliver J. Johnson, Fayetteville State University

Oliver J. Johnson

Like the author's 2008 work, this update is a concise resource for students and professionals in the human-services fields who seek to improve their writing skills. Written by Glicken, an educator and social-work practitioner, the guide provides detailed descriptions with helpful and often humorous examples spanning a myriad of writing genres. Also included is guidance on how to choose a topic, the correct use of grammar, and recommended best practices for writing business letters, complaints, and mission statements. The updated second edition also includes writing etiquette for social media, useful techniques for writing on sensitive topics, and relevant writing practice exercises suitable for both small groups and individuals. The goal is to improve critical-thinking skills and show readers how to make logical arguments supported by research. Throughout the work Glicken articulates the importance of writing well in all aspects of society, and he gives readers useful, practical tips for being the best writers they can be. Recommended for teachers and writing center practitioners in pertinent fields, but particularly beginning students pursuing careers in the human services. Summing Up: Recommended. Community college and lower-level undergraduate students; professionals/practitioners.

Choice

Like the author's 2008 work, this update is a concise resource for students and professionals in the human-services fields who seek to improve their writing skills. Written by Glicken, an educator and social-work practitioner, the guide provides detailed descriptions with helpful and often humorous examples spanning a myriad of writing genres. Also included is guidance on how to choose a topic, the correct use of grammar, and recommended best practices for writing business letters, complaints, and mission statements. The updated second edition also includes writing etiquette for social media, useful techniques for writing on sensitive topics, and relevant writing practice exercises suitable for both small groups and individuals. The goal is to improve critical-thinking skills and show readers how to make logical arguments supported by research. Throughout the work Glicken articulates the importance of writing well in all aspects of society, and he gives readers useful, practical tips for being the best writers they can be. Recommended for teachers and writing center practitioners in pertinent fields, but particularly beginning students pursuing careers in the human services.

Summing Up: Recommended. Community college and lower-level undergraduate students; professionals/practitioners.

CHOICE