Social Work Process and Practice Approaches, Knowledge and Skills

The world of social work practice is dynamic and ever changing. Shifting social attitudes, new legislation and increased interprofessional working are just some of the changes that social work students and practitioners need to be aware of and respond to. Social Work Process and Practice examines the knowledge, skills and values that underpin and inform current social work practice and processes. This innovative text begins by considering how social workers' approach to practice impacts on the service that they deliver, and outlines the various factors that influence this approach. It then goes on to examine the main methods used by social work practitioners, including behavioural, crisis intervention and psychosocial methods, demonstrating the need to utilise a range of skills. Throughout the text, four case studies are regularly referred to, enabling students to contextualise the information provided and integrate the theory within the daily challenges of practice. With its clear focus on skills, social work processes and the suitability of different methods, Social Work Process and Practice offers students a toolkit for applying theoretical frameworks to actual practice situations. Logical and comprehensive, this is an exciting, new introductory text that provides both social work students and practitioners with a valuable fresh analysis of social work-processes and practices. Book jacket.

DAVID WATSON and JANICE WEST are both Senior Lecturers in Social Work at Glasgow Caledonian University.