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Good communication skills are essential for effective social work practice. This book brings current, relevant and contested areas of social work practice to life by using scripts from real life situations to demonstrate every day scenarios social workers encounter when communicating with children and their families.Each chapter takes a key aspect of communication: engagement; negotiation; investigation; use of power and persistence and presents it in a context of good professional practice. It also examines the common pitfalls that workers could fall into and contextualises the script through comparison with a contemporary case study. Relevant theoretical frameworks, legislation, policy and ethical dilemmas are included for each situation. This engaging and innovative book gives social work students and professionals a thorough understanding of the best ways to communicate with children and their families in complex and challenging situations. The book also has relevance to other professionals such as those working in health, education, police and the voluntary sector.

Ruben Martin is an Honorary Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Kent, where he was previously Director of Studies for the BA (Hons) Social Work programme for seven years. Since his retirement from his full-time post, he has continued work as a part-time lecturer, consultant, freelance practice educator and writer.What is your optimal role in a team environment? How do teamworking skills differ between various contexts and groups? Written by a highly-experienced lecturer and practitioner of social work, this book explores the dynamics of teamworking in the context of social work, whether in collaboration with colleagues or professionals from other fields. It provides a practical and applied overview of the different types of teams that social workers encounter and outlines in an accessible format the core teamworking skills social workers must develop in order to practice effectively. This is achieved by way of specific links to the Professional Capabilities Framework, checklists for self-evaluation and reflective social work practice, activities and case examples. Together, these resources make this guide to teamworking a must-have for students of social work and practitioners involved in continuous professional development.Topics covered include:The characteristics of individuals within a team, including the formal and informal roles they play and leadership.Emotional intelligence and resilience.The application of teamworking skills to working in organisations, multidisciplinary teams, and interagency collaboration and partnership.•••This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice. They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development.•••'At a time when social workers are being castigated for failures in team-working in recent child abuse enquiries, this book is extremely timely. I am not aware of a similar book which is able to convey the basic tenets of team-working as well as the necessary skills to do team working well. It is an important book which should be on the course lists of all early stage social workers. The book brings together social work theory relating to team work within an ecological framework. Students are given activities to reflect on their current level of skills. Excellent case studies illustrate the issues. The book is totally up-to-date, linking into recent material from the College of Social Work. I strongly recommend this book. I think students will find the material engaging and accessible, but they will also learn much about the essential team working skills for social work.'Ann Buchanan, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, University of Oxford, UK

Dr David Wilkins is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire, UK.Dr Godfred Boahen is a Policy and Research Officer at the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), UK.How can social workers develop their critical analysis skills? What role does critical analysis play in the day-to-day activities of a social worker? And can we critically analyse in isolation?The ability to analyse contexts, scenarios and service users through a critical lens is vital to effective social work practice. Despite this, many social workers attempt to analyse situations alone, missing marks of significance. This book, written by two senior academics and practitioners who, at the time, were in the midst of their PhDs, offers a basis step-by-step model that busy social workers can use to develop a more critical and analytical mindset. It shows how analysis can be woven throughout the whole process of social work engagement, resulting in more effective decision-making, more efficient ways of working and, ultimately, better outcomes for social work service users. This is achieved by ways of handy tools, case studies and dilemmas, research summaries, and exercises and reflections points to tackle alone or with a colleague.Topics covered include:What analysis is, and why it is such an important skill in social work practice.The skills that underpin critical analysis, such as time management, planning, critical understanding, logical thinking, research-mindedness, creativity, communication, reflection and hypothesising.The role of emotion and intuition in critical analysis.The importance of supervision and team or supervised analysis.•••This book forms part of the Social Work Skills in Practice series. The series focuses on key social work skills required for working with children and adult service users, families and carers. The books offer both theoretical and evidence-informed knowledge, alongside the application of skills relevant for day-to-day social work practice. They are an invaluable resource for pre-qualifying students, newly-qualified social workers, academics teaching and researching in the field, as well as social work practitioners, including practice educators, pursuing continuous professional development.•••'A timely and appropriate post-Munro book for social workers at all levels of experience. The chapter on emotion, intuition and critical analysis is a particularly welcome addition to the subject. A really useful book.'Dr Jane Reeves, Director of Studies, M.A. Child Protection, Co-Director Centre for Child Protection, University of Kent, UK

This book provides social work students and professionals with core knowledge of the most important concepts in the social sciences. Offering a straightforward guide to diverse and complex disciplines, the book will equip and encourage you to delve further into the way societies function and individuals behave. The book addresses the concepts in social science which are most relevant to social work, among them: Poverty and inequalityMarkets and capitalismSocial classChild developmentThe nature of riskAll entries begin with an initial definition then move to a fuller explanation, taking into account the challenges and issues that social workers face in practice. The Social Worker's Guide to the Social Sciences is a must-have text for students and practitioners, enabling them to link their understanding of the social sciences to their professional concerns, priorities, needs and interests.

'Melanie Parris provides an excellent introduction to social work, dealing with important aspects of social work values, basic areas of knowledge and vital key skills. Her writing is clear and student-friendly with many examples from practice and encouragement for the reader to develop understanding using active learning.'Robert Adams, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Teesside University, UK'This practice focused text clearly draws upon the many years of experience the author has of social work education... It will be of great help to students who need to integrate theoretical understanding with practical experience and develop core skills. The structure is inclusive and the language accessible. Each chapter has clear learning objectives enabling time pressed learners to focus on particular aspects of professional practice they will encounter in placement.'Madeleine Howe, Faculty Head of Quality and Standards, University of Gloucestershire, UK'A very practical and accessible introduction to some of the key concepts and notions which are needed by practitioners in social work. This book helpfully explores the relationship between social work and social care, setting social work in a broader context... It addresses a spectrum of relevant issues such as communication, collaboration and working with service users whilst encouraging more critical and analytical thinking with a wealth of'Pause for Thought'exercises.'Georgina Koubel, Senior Lecturer, Canterbury Christ Church University, UKThis practical workbook is written for social work students and includes both theory and a range of exercises, providing a good foundation for the knowledge and skills you will need for successful practice learning. A variety of active learning features are integrated throughout the book. These are designed to be worked through in sequence, so that the knowledge and skills gained are steadily developed and consolidated. The four key sections cover:Skills for learning and studying in social work - including setting up study groups, developing a creative approach to learning, making the best use of time and key concepts such as reflection and critical thinking.Social work values - includes a unique personal narrative linking the experiences of disability with developments in the way society views disabled people, the development of the social model of disability and relevant legislation. Key social work values and codes of practice are also explored along with meaningful service user and carer participation.Communication and interpersonal skills - why they are important, what communication skills are and different forms of communication – with a look at the skills required for specific situations with service users. Professionalism in social work - explores the meaning of professionalism and how it applies to social work, plus the key elements of professional behaviour including how to behave professionally and handle emotions including stress. Importantly, the book also looks at working in teams and with other professions, how to use supervision effectively to enhance professional development, keeping safe and strategies for managing risk to self. An appreciation of the needs and views of service users is integrated throughout the book, with contributions from a carer, a student and a social work practitioner.

This engaging book introduces the core themes in social work, and encourages students and practitioners to connect with the important debates surrounding these themes and challenges them to revisit the direction social work is and should be going in. The key contexts of social work are explored using knowledge from the disciplines of social theory, politics, sociology, psychology and ethics. The content is enlivened by:The voices of students, service users and practitioners Current and topical content on social work, poverty, politics, power and valuesA discussion style format to help readers engage with the topicsAn extensive range of sources of knowledge and theoryKey summary points at the end of each chapterGroup discussion questions at the end of each chapterThis book will contribute to social work students'and practitioners'thinking about the world in which they live and operate as professionals. “The book is a supportive read as it skilfully appreciates the personal challenges that critical and assertive practice entails. It is a book for students, professionals and service leads to keep, re-read and savour.”Dr Tillie Curran, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of the West of England, UK“By identifying power, poverty, politics and values as core themes in social work, this text offers us a refreshing perspective which will challenge students and practitioners alike to re-evaluate their practice in the light of its wider social, political and philosophical contexts.”Dr Sue Taplin, University of Nottingham, UK“This book offers a concise and coherent discussion of what should be core themes in thoughtful and careful social work practice. It is a book which invites reflection on policy and practice.”Professor Michael Preston-Shoot, Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, UK“This excellent text is essential reading for all social workers and students, and a key resource for academics.”Dr Pamela Trevithick, Visiting Professor in Social Work, Buckinghamshire New University, UK

Elaine Aspinwall-Roberts is a Senior Lecturer in Adult Social Care at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. She is a qualified social worker and was previously a local authority team manager. She has worked extensively with older people, people with physical disabilities and people with learning disabilities.•••This accessible survival guide shows social workers how to make their assessments the best, most effective and person-centred they can be. The book contains:• Practical examples, advice and tips, including dealing with pitfalls• Good practice and point of law reminders• Fresh ideas on how to develop your assessment skills with adults• Advice on working constructively with others in the field• Helpful checklists at end of each chapterWritten by an author with extensive experience in social work, the book focuses on the'person to person'relationship in assessment and considers important areas such as:• Being well prepared• Asking difficult questions• Establishing trust and reducing anxieties• Dealing with assessment problems• The importance of you in communication and relationship buildingAssessment is at the heart of social work and this book will help you do the best assessment possible every time.••••This book forms part of a series of pocketbooks for social workers. These compact guides are written in an accessible and to-the-point style to help the busy practitioner locate the information they need as and when they need it—all bound up in A5 and under! The pocketbooks explore key practical skills involved in such areas as mental capacity, report writing and assessment.•'This is an excellent addition to the pocket book series; offering sound practical approaches to everyday assessments and real-life examples on how to deal with problematic situations when working in Adult Social Care... I thoroughly recommend this book both as a key text for students and reference guide for practitioners'.Liz Armitage, Newly-Qualified Social Worker'Assessments in Social Work is an engaging and informative read, addressing key legal and practice issues in adult social care in a succinct manner... It provides you with the tools to work creatively and collaboratively with service users, even within the increasing bureaucracy of modern social work. I would highly recommend it, and feel that it offers both the newly qualified, and more experienced practitioner, with the knowledge and skills needed to function with confidence and effectiveness in their social work role'.Emma Cooper, Social Worker

Daisy Bogg is a qualified and HCPC-registered social worker who has worked within mental health and addiction services for over 20 years, for the NHS, local authorities and voluntary sector organisations.•••This handy book is a guide to applying social care eligibility criteria within a personalised approach. It includes a range of useful practice suggestions and guidance to help social workers think about how they can apply eligibility to psychosocial issues and needs, to ensure individuals are able to access appropriate support options.The book:• Describes legal frameworks for assessment and service delivery• Examines specific elements of eligibility criteria• Provides practice suggestions and checklists• Explores the interface between fair access to care services and NHS CHC criteria• Uses case study examples throughoutThis pocketbook will help you to ensure that applications for funding individuals are well constructed. The book includes advice on assessing and supporting individuals with complex needs such as mental health, substance misuse or learning disability..••••This book forms part of a series of pocketbooks for social workers. These compact guides are written in an accessible and to-the-point style to help the busy practitioner locate the information they need as and when they need it—all bound up in A5 and under! The pocketbooks explore key practical skills involved in such areas as mental capacity, report writing and assessment.•'Packed with handy hints and good practice, this pocketbook illustrates how personalised social care can be funded in the Age of Austerity. In the context of dwindling public finances, social workers can apply creative approaches to eligibility criteria to help ensure an individual's recovery from a mental health problem is appropriately supported.'Martin Webber, Anniversary Reader, University of York, UK

“This helpful text represents another brick in the wall for social workers and social work students seeking to make sense of personalisation/person-centred support, personal budgets and the changing role of social work in the future … This book will help all concerned with social work make better sense of what this should look like - if it is to support social justice, inclusion and equality.”Professor Peter Beresford OBE, Brunel University and Chair, Shaping Our Lives'This informative text bases the Personalisation discussion on real life examples and perspectives, providing a balanced account of the opportunities and obstacles faced by all stakeholders engaged in this agenda.... The final chapter on managing change provides the reader with an opportunity to step forward in time and consider how Personalisation might be located within the historical timeline of delivering social care and whether concepts of co-production, empowerment and citizenship can in fact become central to this agenda. A book to get you'thinking'and'doing'.'Ali Gardner, Senior Lecturer, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK'The authors have written a timely and highly topical book on the impact that Personalisation has and will have upon the world of Social Work. They do so in a very accessible way through highlighting the benefits of the model to all concerned, but crucially they explore some of the many concerns. In particular they address the anxieties expressed by qualified social workers upon their future role.…I shall certainly draw upon the text for my own teaching and learning and will encourage students and practitioners to do the same.'Paul Hollingdale, Course Leader, University of Huddersfield, UKPersonalisation remains a huge talking point in the world of social care. This timely book addresses the tensions, opportunities and challenges faced by social workers attempting to implement personal funding and support. Written by three academics with extensive first hand experience of supporting people in personalised ways, the book highlights the ethical dilemmas and complexities of frontline practice and is grounded in a pragmatic and creative approach to personalisation. The authors offer an honest representation of positive aspects of personalisation and examine areas that cause concern. The book also:Contains scenarios based on realistic examples of supporting service users and carersRecognises the political, social, cultural and individual factors that interplay in personalisationProvides a balance between an academic understanding of personalisation and application in practicePresents a vision for what the future would look like with fully implemented personalisation in adult social care

'Walsh's book is not only thorough, thoughtful, and clearly written, it is also timely because as SF practice applications with their parallel knowledge bases continue to multiply, the questions Walsh addresses so competently are cutting edge for adopting a SF approach to practice in human services.'Peter De Jong, Solution-focused Therapist, Trainer, and Consultant and Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Calvin College, USABased in part on original research with over 50 practitioners, this absorbing book provides a practice model for solution-focused helping, developed from real-life experiences across a number of settings.The book begins by reviewing the original De Shazer and Berg practice model, establishing a case for change and then introduces a new concept for the solution-focused helper. Case examples are used to demonstrate the application of this new model in five different practice settings:Healthcare Learning disabilityServices for older people and end-of-life care Community development Services for globalised diverse communitiesReflective exercises and research reviews are included for each setting as well as sections on policy contexts and ethical dimensions. The Solution-Focused Helper will support students and practitioners who are already familiar with the basic concepts and principles of solution-focused work and who wish to develop their practice and deepen their knowledge.

This is a timely book, given the increasing emphasis on user participation in both research and health and social service provision, that can be read in conjunction with a more general book on research...'David Hicks, Liverpool John Moores University, UKUser participation in research is still in its relative infancy with many practical, ethical, moral, methodological and philosophical questions unanswered. This text gathers together an international set of authors to explore these issues and begin to forge some practical solutions to each of these concerns. The book includes contributions on the use and application of narrative approaches, intervention and evaluation research, methodological development and quality thresholds. It provides a practical framework for all groups wishing to undertake research based on the principles and values of user participation.The book is structured around ten original case studies which explore the use of participatory methods in practice with a variety of groups across diverse health, social care and community settings. These include older people, including those with dementia, people with learning disability, mental health service users and their carers, and children and young people. Unique and often groundbreaking studies from Australia, Sweden, the UK, and the USA are used to illustrate application of theory to research practice. In addition the text: Considers the issues, challenges and rewards of user participation research Draws on the actual experience of doing research and working with users Includes the voices and contributions of users in reporting researchUser Participation in Health and Social Care Research: Voices, Values and Evaluation is key reading for students, researchers, practitioners and users themselves wishing to undertake participative research involving service users.

'I recommend this text to anyone who has an abiding interest in not how we should make decisions but how, in reality, we do.'Journal of Clinical Nursing How do clinicians use formal knowledge in their practice? What other kinds of reasoning are used? What is the place of moral judgement in clinical practice?In the last decade, the problem of clinical judgement has been reduced to the simple question: what works? However, before clinicians can begin to think about what works, they must first address more fundamental questions such as: what's wrong? or what sort of problem is this? The complex ways in which professionals negotiate the process of case formulation remain radically under-explored in the existing literature. This timely book examines this neglected area. Drawing on the authors'own detailed ethnographic and discourse analytic studies and on developments in social science, the book aims to reconstitute clinical judgement and case formulation as both practical-moral and rational-technical activities. By making social scientific work more accessible and meaningful to professionals in practice, it develops the case for a more realistic approach to the many reasoning processes involved in clinical judgement. Clinical Judgement in the Health and Welfare Professions has been written for educators, managers, practitioners and advanced students in health and social care. It will also appeal to those with an interest in the analysis of institutional discourse and ethnographic research.

• What is action research and how can it best be understood?• How can practitioners use action research to deal with problems and improve services? • What are the different types of action research and which might be most appropriate for use in a particular setting?This book has been designed for use as a core text on research methods courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level and on professional training courses. It is divided into three parts. Part one traces the history of action research and shows the links between its use in education, community development, management research and nursing. Building on this background the book explores different ways in which action research has been defined and proposes four different types, each appropriate to a different problem situation and context. In part two, five case studies of action research are described from the perspective of the researcher, including case studies of success and instructive failure. Part three is designed to enable the reader to find a route through the maze of methods and approaches in action research by the use of such things as self-assessment and mapping exercises, a guide to diary keeping and to evaluation. The final chapter suggests that by developing a'project perspective'action research can be of practical benefit to health and social care professionals in promoting service improvements.