Introduction To Social Work

An Introduction to Using Theory in Social Work Practice equips the reader to use fourteen key social work theories to guide each phase of the planned change process, from engagement through to evaluation. Suitable for a generalist approach, this book illustrates the value of applying theory to practice in a variety of social work roles, across diverse fields and facing assorted challenges. The first section provides a practical foundation for beginning to use theory in your social work practice. Section two looks at how you can translate and integrate fourteen theories commonly found in social work across each phase of the planned change process. The theories discussed are: behavioural, interpretive anthropology, psychodynamic, evolutionary biology, cognitive, symbolic interactionism, strengths, social constructionism exchange economics, role, ecological, critical, feminist, and systems theory. The final section addresses some key issues for real life social work practice, including common barriers to using theory in practice, the potential for multi-professional communication and theory-sharing, and developing an integrative theoretical model for your own personal practice. Linking to core competencies identified by the Council of Social Work Education, this text supports social work students and practitioners in developing vital skills, including critical thinking, applying theory and the effective use of the planned change process.

There are certain questions that all students considering social work ask. Who are social workers? What is it that social workers do? How is the social work profession changing? What does it take to become a social worker? Ira Colby and Sophia Dziegielewski bring their decades of experience in social work practice and education to answer these questions. This engaging text gives readers a practical guide to the many ways in which social workers effect change in their communities and the world. The authors offer an overview and history of the profession; introduce readers to the practice of social work at the micro, mezzo, and macro level; and finally look closely at the many settings and populations that social workers work with. While realistically portraying the pressures and obstacles that social workers face, Colby and Dziegielewski communicate their own passion for social work.

Karen K. Kirst-Ashman's introductory book enhances readers' ability to grasp the essence and spirit of generalist social work and the issues in social welfare that social workers address every day. Giving those who are contemplating a career in social work a solid introduction to the profession, Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced introductory look within a unifying theme of critical thinking that trains readers to be more evaluative of key concepts. This fifth edition is completely updated in every chapter, and includes practice concepts, social welfare policy concepts, history and current state of the profession, the contexts of practice and populations served, and professional development. Written in a clear and straightforward manner, the book provides numerous case examples to illustrate social work practice. Important Notice: Media content referenced within the product description or the product text may not be available in the ebook version.

Segal, Gerdes, and Steiner's AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORK, 4E, International Edition introduces you to the social work profession and describes the role of social worker in the social welfare system. Through case studies, personal stories, and exercises, this social work text helps you apply the concepts and truly understand what it means to be a social worker. Part of the Brooks/Cole Empowerment Series, the fourth edition is completely up to date and thoroughly integrates the core competencies and recommended practice behaviors outlined in the 2008 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) set by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

This introductory social work book provides both a theoretical and applied overview of the U.S. social welfare system, with international perspectives throughout. Other strengths include themes of empowerment theory and practice and an ecosystems framework. Part I is devoted to the history of social work in the U.S. as well as issues of economic oppression, social oppression, human rights, and restorative justice. Part II is devoted to social work across the life cycle.

This text presents a framework for understanding the historical development of social work, the key figures influencing social work history, the various practice settings, and the type of work performed.

Winner of the 2019 Textbook Excellence Award from the Textbook & Academic Authors Association (TAA) The best-selling Introduction to Social Work takes students to the root of the social work profession by covering its history, practice settings, and career paths within a unique advocacy framework. This advocacy practice and policy model comprised of four components—economic and social justice, a supportive environment, human needs and rights, and political access—provides an effective lens for viewing today’s social issues. Throughout the book, an emphasis on advocacy underscores the transformative opportunities and contributions of social work on not just the clinical/client level, but also at organizational, community, national, and international levels. The Second Edition closely aligns with the latest Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and references the 2018 Code of Ethics from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Through the authors’ inclusion of reflective practice, students will be encouraged to engage in critical thought and contemplate a career in social work. Free Poster: What Can You Do with a Degree in Social Work?

This volume is designed to help readers understand the role and function of social workers within the context of a range of social service practice settings -- child welfare, adolescence, older adults, mental health, homelessness, health care and hospice, school social work, religion and spirituality, violence and victim advocacy, and international social work. In it, readers learn to recognize a range of social problems impacting people within society, particularly members of at-risk and disenfranchised populations; understand key psychosocial and clinical issues impacting a range of populations within various theoretical frameworks; and apply key intervention strategies to case studies involving frequently encountered social problems and psychosocial issues. The text is consistent with the new CSWE EPAS, emphasizes ethical practice by infusing the NASW Code of Ethics throughout, integrates the use of technology, explores the role of religion and spirituality in the helping process, and examines social policy and legislation through a comprehensive history of related federal policy and legislation.

Designed to give your students a solid introduction to the profession of social work, INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE, 4E, International Edition helps students understand the issues that social workers address every day. Using clear, engaging prose, author Kirst-Ashman presents a balanced overview within a unifying theme of critical thinking that will train students to be more evaluative of key concepts. In addition, studying is made easy with the Book Companion Website, which provides students with opportunities to complete self-assessments as well as pre- and post-tests for each chapter. Thoughtful case studies found throughout the text show you what social-work practice looks like in different contexts and with different populations. INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK AND SOCIAL WELFARE, 4E, International Edition also boasts a thorough set of instructor focused resources that helps instructors streamline and maximize the effectiveness of their course preparation.