Direct Work

Offering a unique focus on evidence-based interventions, critical thinking, and diversity, School Social Work: A Direct Practice Guide 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 real life practice situations. Practical, hands-on experiences, best practice approaches, and case examples throughout the book demonstrate assessments and techniques in action with vulnerable populations and help readers to understand the nuances and complexities of working in a school environment. The book begins with an overview of theory important to social work in the school setting, then covers a wide array of topics, including a typical day in the life of a school social worker; skills and techniques; special education; crisis intervention; collaboration and school consultation; current issues in education; ethical dilemmas; policy, program development, and evaluation; and global issues in school social work.

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.

The ability to build a trusting relationship is essential when working with vulnerable children. Through the use of numerous engaging games and activities developed over 20 years of working with abused and neglected children, this book shows how these lines of communication can be opened up through effective engagement with the child's world.

And social workers

The latest book from Cengage Learning on Theories for Direct Social Work Practice, International Edition

Direct Work with Family Groups is full of great ideas to aid engagement, assessment and enable positive change through direct work with family groups. Working with families can be a challenging experience. This book looks at the personal skills needed to engage families, both at home and in the community. It provides guidance on how to assess and manage the needs of individual family members, whilst also being mindful of potential risk factors. With easy to use activities and resources, this book will inspire you to think about creative new ways to plan and carry out your work. Based on tried and tested techniques, this is a must-have for social workers and social work students, as well as child protection workers, therapists, counsellors and child and family centre workers. It is the perfect complement to Direct Work with Vulnerable Children, also by the same authors.

Some children face traumatic or difficult events in their lives, and it's essential that they are helped to understand such events and given permission to talk. To do this, helping adults need to be equipped and confident to start these conversations. Conversation Starters for Direct Work with Children and Young People provides guidance and support for any adult who needs to talk to children about difficult issues. The issues covered include domestic abuse and drug use, mental health issues, adoption and fostering, family illness and bereavement, as well as giving evidence in court. Co-authored by the bestselling author of Direct Work with Vulnerable Children and Direct Work with Family Groups, this book combines seasoned practice wisdom with practical examples and activity ideas to enable you to best help the children in your care.

Praise for the first edition "Finally, a social work practice text that makes a difference! This is the book that you have wished for but could never find. Although similar to texts that cover a range of practice theories and approaches to clinical practice, this book clearly has a social work frame of reference and a social work identity." --Gayla Rogers, Dean of the Faculty of Social Work, University of Calgary The major focus of this second edition is the same; to provide an overview of theories, models, and therapies for direct social work practice, including systems theory, attachment theory, cognitive-behavioral theory, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, the crisis intervention model, and many more. However, this popular textbook goes beyond a mere survey of such theories. It also provides a framework for integrating the use of each theory with central social work principles and values, as well as with the artistic elements of practice. This second edition has been fully updated and revised to include: A new chapter on Relational Theory, and newly-rewritten chapters by new authors on Cognitive-Behavioral Theory, Existential Theory, and Wraparound Services New critique of the Empirically Supported Treatment (EST) movement Updated information on the movement toward eclecticism in counseling and psychotherapy A refined conceptualization of the editors' generalist-eclectic approach

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.

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.