Understanding Social Work : Preparing for Practice

by Neil Thompson

This established and successful textbook provides a superb introduction to the nature of social work: its legal and policy base, the knowledge, skills and values involved, and the challenges and pitfalls practitioners face. This new edition has been completely updated to include recent developments in the field. In particular, it takes into account further theoretical issues, contemporary writings, and changes in the organisation of social work education. The author has also included useful suggestions about websites and further reading. Revamped and updated, this outstanding text will be an invaluable guide for all those considering or beginning a career in social work.

Genres: Social Work, Academic, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 2000

Reviews

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a social work student, this book helped me understand the complexities of social work and its inherent challenges. Social work changes because of societal factors, and it really taught me the basis of social work. This book isn't here to give you a clear-cut way to be a social worker, but rather to think about your values and how to proceed as a social worker.

This book had some spelling errors, and I have an issue with "This chapter will teach you..." so that is why I gave it a four rather than a five. Other than that, I recommend this book to social work students or current social workers. However, people who aren't in the UK one of the chapters will not apply to you.

[B N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intelligent, academic, educational.

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for social work students, explains concepts well, complete book with useful examples.

[Kirsten Arding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm preparing to start studying social work so this gave me a really good understanding of the workings of a SW.

[Lando Gallrisian · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who was interested in pursuing a career in social work, I picked up this book as a means to become better acquainted with the practice, before beginning my first semester. It is informative, honest, and gives good direction to further readings that can enhance the understanding of the philosophical challenges in the profession. This is a great supplement to any introduction to social work course.