The first year of practice can be the most challenging for newly qualified social workers. This book takes a practical look at the transition from student to practitioner and covers applying for a first post and managing the first years of practice, including specific guidance on topics such as induction, supervision and Post-Qualifying awards. Also covered are court skills, team working, report writing and record keeping. Each of these sections within the book contains critical commentary from both an employer’s and newly qualified social worker’s perspective, bringing alive the importance of these issues.

The first year of practice can be a particularly challenging time for newly-qualified social workers. This book is therefore essential reading not only for NQSWs entering the workplace but for students on qualifying programmes who wish to develop their skills beyond graduation. This new edition draws upon recommendations from the Social Work Reform Board and includes material on the Assessed Year in Practice and how new practitioners working in both Adults and Children and Families settings can get the very best out of supervision.

This book gives social workers everything they need to know to succeed in the workplace as they move from student to newly qualified worker. Easy to read and practical it tackles the key challenges they are likely to face.

Social work with children and families is constantly in the headlines and social workers′ decisions are subject to ever increasing scrutiny at all levels. This aspirational book supports students and newly qualified social workers and suggests practical ways in which they might thrive, rather than just survive, in practice Written at a time when Social Work Reform Board and the Munro Enquiry are charged with looking at issues of effectiveness within children and families social work, the book tackles the different challenges that students and practitioners can be faced with, outlining common pitfalls and how to avoid these. Key topics covered include: - Legislation and policy - Child development - Safeguarding and child protection - Assessment - Communication - Looking after yourself Reflective questions are used throughout the book, ensuring that students critically evaluate their own practice. Case examples and case studies drawn from the authors′ recent practice are included throughout the book to illuminate the realities of contemporary social work with children and families. This text will be essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students, particularly as they prepare to go on placement. It will also provide valuable reading for qualified social workers who are interested in fresh and effective approaches to practice.

Formal education has finally ended, you've passed your exams and you're getting started as a newly qualified social worker (NQSW). As you make the transition from student to fully fledged practitioner, you'll soon discover a whole host of challenges as you hit the ground running in your new career. This handbook will guide you through the initial hurdles you will face in this transitional phase, helping you to fully understand your role and how to meet the requirements of NQSW status. The book explores the practicalities of starting work in a new organisation and the professional demands particular to adult and mental health services, such as working jointly with other professions and maintaining your professional identity. A range of strategies are provided for staying motivated, managing stress and developing support networks. The authors also explore the role of supervision and critical reflection, and give advice on continuing professional development. This survival guide is an essential support to students, newly qualified social workers, practice educators and post-qualification practitioners specialising in adult and mental health services.

This practical guide provides a wealth of suggestions to help you to hit the ground running in the early stages of your new career. It provides a range of strategies for managing your time and workload, and offers suggestions for finding support, coping with stress, maintaining job satisfaction and ways of handling difficult situations.

This is not a textbook in the conventional sense; it is a hands-on manual of practice - a practical guide from one of the UK's most respected social work authors. Social work is a very demanding and challenging occupation that involves drawing on a wide range of knowledge, skills and values. Renowned author, Dr Neil Thompson, draws on his extensive experience and expertise to offer clear guidance on what is needed to develop best practice. Divided into thirty sections, each covering a key area of practice, this essential handbook will be invaluable to newly qualified social workers, students on placement and more experienced workers and managers wanting to get the best results.