Understanding Social Work - Preparing for Practice

Recognizing the particular appeal of social work as well as its challenges and dilemmas, Neil Thompson offers a framework for understanding the social work role in its wider social, legal and policy contexts. He explores the main elements of the knowledge base that underpin and inform practice and identifies the key skills that are needed by social workers to do their job effectively. He also examines the professional values of social work, arguing that workers need to make these explicit if they are to be clear about how their values shape and influence their decisions and action. The book concludes by discussing the challenge of achieving good practice despite the demands and constraints that social work tasks often entail.
It is an ideal text for people considering a career in social work, for those about to undertake professional training and those currently wrestling with the demands of their course. Careers officers, practice teachers and tutors seeking to support students through their studies and placements, and experienced practitioners wishing to revisit their 'roots' will also find much of interest and benefit here.

Neil Thompson is a principal consultant with Ashley Maynard Associates and a visiting professor at the University of Liverpool.