Christine Craik – författare

Helping children, disabled people, the unemployed, the elderly or homeless people can be inspiring work. However you can only help other people effectively if you understand your role clearly and know how to navigate the organisation in which you work. Professional Practice in Human Service Organisations examines what it means to be a professional in human service work, and how to develop excellence in professional practice. Making explicit what is often held as tacit knowledge in day to day practice, the authors explain the dynamics of human service organisations. They outline the challenges worker can face in caring for vulnerable people while at the same time fulfilling expectations of management and funding bodies. They explain the importance of understanding the complex networks of service delivery systems, including the role of information technology. They also examine how workers can maintain professional relations with clients, colleagues and other workers by developing skills in advocacy and in handling conflict, complaints and ethical dilemmas. Professional Practice in Human Service Organisations is essential reading for practitioners new to roles in social work, community work, youth work and related fields.

Advancing Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice looks at the contribution that occupational therapists make to the lives of clients living with mental illness. It examines current practice developments and the innovative research that is shaping occupational therapy within the mental health arena, nationally and internationally.The book employs a distinctive and engaging narrative approach, bringing to life key issues in practice and research. It introduces the reader to the mental health context, opening with a historical overview and then exploration of the current developments in occupational therapy before moving on to discuss the cultural context and the need for cultural sensitivity in practice. Service users and expert clinicians offer their narratives, through which the clinical utility and cultural appropriateness of existing occupational therapy concepts, assessments and outcome measures are discussed and the associated implications for practice highlighted. Advancing Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Practice introduces and explores a variety of specialised work contexts from practicing in acute inpatient settings to crisis intervention, home treatment, forensic mental health settings and the specialist role of occupational therapy in community mental health and social services. Chapters are enriched with case stories, personal narratives and guided reflection.