Full Description
Featuring an evidence- and strengths-based approach to practice methods, this new text teaches students how to apply social work skills in a variety of settings. Designed to enhance self-awareness, professionalism, ethical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation for social justice issues, this text introduces readers to social work's core values and practice methods to help them assimilate the skills needed for working in the field. Cases and skills-based exercises demonstrate how to make accurate assessments and design effective intervention plans. After laying the groundwork in theory, values, and ethics, the authors review methods for working with individuals, children, and families from an individual and environmental strengths-based perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation and termination, and documentation are then reviewed. Readers are introduced to the foundational concepts of social work practice and through application learn to successfully work with clients.
Highlights include:
Integrates the Council on Social Work Education's EPAS standards and core competencies throughout, including engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, social justice, ethics, critical thinking, professional conduct and decision making, and cultural competency and diversity.
Case scenarios in client interview format that closely resemble actual interactions, followed by questions, test readers' understanding of the practice skills needed to work in the field.
Skill-building exercises including individual and group activities, role plays, simulations, and discussion questions that provide an opportunity to apply one's knowledge and skill sets.
Personal reflections that encourage students to examine their own beliefs to help them assimilate social work ethics and values into their professional demeanor.
Icons throughout the text that draw attention to useful tips for developing direct practice skills.
A strengths-based approach that heightens understanding and results in a higher level of proficiency in the change process.
Introduces challenging situations often encountered in practice to help readers acquire the more advanced practice skills necessary for assessment and intervention.
Resources including PowerPoints, test questions, sample syllabi, and suggested answers to text exercises and discussion questions.
Contents
CONTENTS
Preface
Acknowledgments
1. INTRODUCTION TO DIRECT PRACTICE SOCIAL WORK
Direct Social Work Practice
Roles of the Social Worker
Advocate
Broker
Case Manager
Counselor
Educator
Supporter
Facilitator
Program Coordinator
Outreach Worker
Direct Practice Social Work Settings
Qualities of a Professional Social Worker
Cultural Competency in Social Work
Case Scenarios
Case 1.1
Case 1.2
Case 1.3
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
2. VALUES AND ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE
The Six Core Values of the Social Work Profession
Social Work Ethics
Ethical Dilemmas
Emerging Ethical Concerns
Resolving Ethical Dilemmas
Case Scenarios
Case 2.1
Case 2.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
3. SOCIAL WORK THEORIES, PRACTICE MODELS, AND THE STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE FRAMEWORK
Systems Theory
Ecosystems Theory
P-I-E Perspective
Attachment Theory
Cognitive Behavioral Theory
Social Constructivism
Solution-Focused Practice
Crisis Theory
Empowerment Approach in Social Work
The Strengths-Based Perspective
Strengths-Based Direct Practice Framework
Case Scenario
Case 3.1
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
4. THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS
The Strengths-Based Direct Practice Framework in the Engagement Process
Building Rapport
Rapport Building in a Cultural Context
African Americans
Hispanics
Asians and Pacific Islander Americans
Native Americans
Demonstrating Empathy
The Mechanics of Empathy
SBDP Approach to Empathic Communication
Level 1: Minimal Appreciation for Client
Level 2: Partial Appreciation for Client
Level 3: Accurate Appreciation for Client
Level 4: Full Appreciation for Client
Engaging Involuntary Clients
Case Scenarios
Case 4.1
Case 4.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
5. ASSESSMENT AND GOAL FORMULATION
Introduction to a Strengths-Based Assessment Approach
Characteristics of Strengths-Based Assessments
What Is Assessed?
Stages of Change
Psychosocial Assessment
Assessment Review
Assessment and Data Collection
The Mechanics of Assessment Using the SBDP Framework
Starting Where the Client Is
Discover the Presenting Needs and Challenges
Open-Ended Questions/Statements
Ask for Context
Summarizing
Miracle Question
Conditional Questions
Scaling Questions
Coping Questions
Strengths-Based Questions
Assessment in a Cultural Context
African Americans
Hispanics
Asians and Pacific Islander Americans
Native Americans
Formulating Goals
Case Scenarios
Case 5.1
Case 5.2
Case 5.3
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
6. INTERVENTION
Choosing Interventions
Evidence-Based Practice
Challenges of EBP
Intervention Models
Task-Centered Practice Approach
Case Management
Psychoeducation
Crisis Intervention
Cognitive Restructuring
Cultural Considerations With Cognitive Restructuring
Interventions in a Cultural Context
African Americans
Hispanics
Asians and Pacific Islander Americans
Native Americans
Group Interventions
Prevention
Case Scenarios
Case 6.1
Case 6.2
Case 6.3
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
7. EVALUATION AND TERMINATION
Evaluation
Methods of Evaluation: Quantitative
Methods of Evaluation: Qualitative
Termination
Reasons for Termination
How to Terminate Services
Unplanned Termination
Interventions for Termination
Case Scenarios
Case 7.1
Case 7.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
8. STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE DOCUMENTATION
Components of Documentation
Importance of Documentation
Client Interface With Documentation
Guidelines for Writing Documentation
Written Assessment
Treatment Plan
Progress Notes
Case Scenarios
Case 8.1
Case 8.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
9. CHALLENGING PRACTICE CONDITIONS
Professional Boundaries
Working With Children and Adolescents
Home-Based Services
Confidentiality and Boundaries
Cultural Sensitivity
Safety
Alcohol and Drug Use
The Angry or Violent Client
De-Escalation Strategies
Incarcerated Clients
Survivors of Abuse
Suicide
Case Scenarios
Case 9.1
Case 9.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
10. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL
Ethical Issues and Value Clashes
Self-Awareness
Compassion Fatigue
Burnout
Self-Care
Professional Impairment
Professional Supervision
Continuing Education and Training
The Personal and Professional Growth of Social Workers
Case Scenarios
Case 10.1
Case 10.2
Class Activities
Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections
References
Index
