Social Work Practice: A Critical Thinker's Guide

Now in a new edition, this accessible, engaging textbook presents step-by-step guidelines and useful examples for each phase of practice, from assessment to intervention to evaluation. Its key focus remains on emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in making sound practice decisions. Eileen Gambrill - a pioneer of the evidence-based practice movement - skillfully shows students how to ask the right questions, search for reliable answers, and rigorously evaluate the results. Designed to equip students with vital practice knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of the larger picture in which social workers practice, this is much more than a "how-to" compilation. It establishes a sound conceptual framework that considers political, social, economic, empirical, and ethical issues, with equal attention to helping to solve client problems and bolster client strengths. Filled with practical advice, real-life scenarios, thought-provoking exercises, and straightforward guidance, this problem-solving practice guide prepares students to advocate for clients by being, above all, good decision makers.

Table of Contents:
Part I Getting Oriented ; 1. Social work: An introduction ; 2. Clients and services ; 3. Values, ethics, and obligations ; Part II Thinking about knowledge and how to get it ; 4. Different views of knowledge ; 5. Critical thinking: Values, knowledge, and skills ; Part III Thinking about problems and causes ; 6. Competing views of problems and causes ; 7. Taking advantage of research findings about behavior and how it is influenced by the environment ; Part IV A problem-solving practice model ; 8. Problem solving and decision making: Integral to helping clients ; 9. Evidence-based practice: A problem-solving process and philosophy ; 10. Posing questions and searching for answers ; 11. A bare-bones guide to critically appraising practice-related research ; Part V Getting started ; 12. Contextual assessment ; 13. Beginning: A procedural guide ; 14. Engaging clients ; Part VI Relationship skills ; 15. Interpersonal helping skills ; 16. Handling challenging social situations ; Part VII Gathering and organizing information ; 17. Where to look: Deciding how to gather needed information ; 18. Observation: Learning to see ; 19. Reviewing resources and obstacles ; 20. Putting it all together ; Part VIII Selecting plans and assessing progress ; 21. Selecting and Implementing service plans ; 22. Evaluating outcomes as integral to problem solving ; 23. Planning for endings ; Part IX Intervention options ; 24. Education and skill building ; 25. Helping clients learn positive behavior change skills ; 26. Working with groups and families ; 27. Working with organizations and communities ; Part X The long run ; 28. Maintaining skills and staying happy in your work ; REFERENCES ; INDEX

Review :
"...essential reading for social work practitioners, students, and educators...conceptually rich...The book is so vital to our profession that every social worker should digest it themselves...We use this book in our undergraduate program as a very accessible foundation for ethical and informed practice. Any social worker at any level of training or practice would benefit from reading and contiously referring to this important work."--Research on Social Work Practice