This book is a quick and accessible reference guide to the key concepts that social work students and professionals need to understand to be effective. The authors place practice at the centre of the text, and include a host of case examples to bring the concepts to life. Examining the essential topics of the social work curriculum, the concepts covered relate to practice, theory, policy and personal challenges. Further reading is included in each entry, so that the reader can explore what they have learned in more detail. This book will be an invaluable resource for social work students during their studies and on their practice placement. It will also be useful for qualified social workers, who want to continue their professional education.

A quick and accessible reference guide to the key concepts that social work students and professionals need to understand to be effective. The authors place practice at the centre of the text, and include a host of case examples to bring the concepts to life

Social work is a discipline committed to social justice and human rights, and to improving the well-being of individuals, families, communities and societies. But the world is changing, with environmental disasters, an increase in violent conflict and the aftermath of the Global Financial Crisis impacting negatively on human and ecological well-being. Social workers are often working at the forefront of these and other challenging situations, and they must apply knowledge and skills to their practice in a thoughtful and ethical way. What kind of knowledge and skills will social workers need to succeed in this intellectually and emotionally demanding job? Broad-ranging in scope and depth, this highly readable text introduces readers to the key concepts in social work – such as empathy, reflective practice and notions of risk – and provides both a focus on the theory and research literature that informs each one, and an examination of how each will aid practitioners in their day-to-day work. With the help of engaging practice examples that contextualize the topics under discussion, the book also draws on ideas and literature from other disciplines – including philosophy, sociology and psychology – in order to promote the open-mindedness and depth of understanding required for practice with people from all walks of life. An accessible text that brings all of the major social work concepts together in one place, Key Concepts and Theory in Social Work is an essential book for students and practitioners alike.

Since its publication more than ten years ago, Social Work Practice has been widely used as a succinct and focused book to prepare human service providers in the key components underpinning direct practice. This second edition builds on the first edition’s success at synthesizing the latest theories and practice models; helping and change processes; empirical findings; and practice skills, and demonstrates how these interlinked dimensions contribute to the EPAS 2015-endorsed model of holistic competence. The second edition of Social Work Practice is updated with new empirical findings and foundational information, while also supplementing the text with the concepts and competencies in EPAS 2015. With an overall theme of holistic competence, it incorporates the significant role of cognitive and affective processes in social workers’ professional practice and discusses ways of developing and maintaining a reflective practice. With useful material on interpersonal communication, cross-cultural practice, and the use of technology in one guide, Marion Bogo lays a general foundation for social work practice and professional development.

This Key Concepts clearly and concisely explains the basic ideas in the field of anti-discriminatory social work. It: explores the range of discriminations that people experience and discusses a number of theories that inform anti-discriminatory practice;considers the legal frameworks within which anti-discriminatory practice operates; analyzes the skills and knowledge required to practice effectively;highlights the dynamic nature of anti-discriminatory practice and points the way towards a new practice dimension. provides an essential reference guide for all social work students and practitioners, as well as those taking courses in teacher training, youth and community, nursing, mid-wifery and mental health studies for whom anti-discriminatory practice is an important element in their study.

Presenting a different approach to the realities of everyday social work practice, this text includes exercises, case examples, chapter summaries, and practice notes, enabling students to apply theory to practice as they progress.

The social worker's guide to integrating theory and practice Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice teaches aspiring social workers how to apply theory in real world practice. Fully aligned with the Council on Social Work Education's 2015 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the book links theory to practice with clear, concise instruction including a discussion of evidence-based practice. Twelve commonly-used theories are thoroughly explained, with discussion of the strengths and limitations of each, and applied to real work with individuals, groups, families, communities, and organizations. The book includes case studies and first-person contributions from practicing social workers to illustrate the real-world scenarios in which different concepts apply. Critical thinking questions help students strengthen their understanding of the ideas presented. Tools including a test bank, PowerPoint slides, and an instructor's manual are available to facilitate classroom use, providing a single-volume guide to the entire helping process, from engagement to termination. Practice is a core foundational course for future social workers, but many practice texts focus on skills while neglecting the theoretical basis for social work. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice fills that gap by covering both skills and theory in a single text. Examines the applications of prevailing social theories Covers the most common theories used in micro, mezzo, and macro practice Helps readers understand well-established approaches like strengths perspective, humanistic and client-centered, task-centered, and solution-focused brief therapy Shows how to apply major theories including ecological/system, cognitive/behavioral, conflict, empowerment, narrative, crisis, critical, and feminist An effective social worker recognizes the link between theory and practice, and how the two inform each other to culminate in the most effective intervention and most positive outcome for the client. Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice provides students with a roadmap to the full integration of philosophy and application in social work.