Social Work Companion

Dr Neil Thompson and Dr Sue Thompson have, between them, a total of almost sixty years' experience in social work. They are both independent authors, researchers and online tutors. Their company website is at www.avenuemediasolutions.com and Neil's blog is at www.neilthompson.info/connect.

Thompson and Thompson step through, in a gentle but informative manner, the broad contexts of social work processes, skills, values and knowledge bases that inform the profession. Like a good mentor, the book both challenges and supports the reader on a journey of continuous learning. Engaging and accessible, Thompson and Thompson prompt critical thinking and awareness about being a social worker in the 21st century. - Dr Janice Pascal, Health and Social Care, Bishop Grosseteste University (UK) This comprehensive compendium of considerations provides a really useful guide for those students preparing for and undertaking social work qualifying education programmes. It will open up the pantheon of knowledge which informs social work practice for many of the next generation of practitioners. - Dr Wulf Livingston, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Glyndwr University (UK)

• PART I: STUDYING SOCIAL WORK1.1 Your Social Work Course1.2 Maximizing Your Learning1.3 Law, Politics and Society1.4 ConclusionPART II: CORE TOPICS2.1 Social Work Processes2.2 The Social Context2.3 Human Development2.4 The Organizational Context2.5 Law and Policy2.6 The Value Base2.7 Reflective Practice2.8 ConclusionPART III: KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS3.1 Introduction to Part 33.2 Terms and ConceptsPART IV: KEY THEORIES AND THEORISTS4.1 Introduction to Part 44.2 Theories and TheoristsPART V: DRAWING ON RESEARCH5.1 Why is Research Important?5.2 Understanding Research Methods and Processes5.3 Incorporating Research into Practice5.4 ConclusionPART VI: CAREER PATHWAYS6.1 Career Opportunities Across Settings6.2 Continuous Professional Development6.3 Applying for Jobs6.4 Conclusion.