Skills for Contemporary Social Work – serie

Doing social work in a statutory setting is a challenge that all social workers will face. Social workers are required to work with people who don’t necessarily want their help and who may be antagonistic or even hostile. In such cases, social workers must use their statutory powers with confidence and work effectively within the constraints of procedure and the law.  This thoughtful and practical book focuses on the universal skills that are needed to do this important kind of social work, and to do it well. Drawing on social work’s diverse knowledge base through extensive examples and case studies, Andrew Hill illustrates key skills in practice, such as responding to threats of violence and aggression, giving evidence in court, report writing, and coping with emotional issues. As well as promoting practical skills, the book underlines the importance of working as a reflective practitioner. It carefully outlines a framework for understanding the place of statutory work and how this may be consistent with empowerment and anti-oppressive practice, and with the straightforward desire to help others that brings people into social work in the first place.  This book is relevant to all social work settings including mental health, community care, youth justice, and child protection. It will be essential reading for social work students and newly qualified social workers who are facing up to the realities of social work in statutory settings for the first time.

Doing social work in a statutory setting is a challenge that all social workers will face. Social workers are required to work with people who don’t necessarily want their help and who may be antagonistic or even hostile. In such cases, social workers must use their statutory powers with confidence and work effectively within the constraints of procedure and the law.  This thoughtful and practical book focuses on the universal skills that are needed to do this important kind of social work, and to do it well. Drawing on social work’s diverse knowledge base through extensive examples and case studies, Andrew Hill illustrates key skills in practice, such as responding to threats of violence and aggression, giving evidence in court, report writing, and coping with emotional issues. As well as promoting practical skills, the book underlines the importance of working as a reflective practitioner. It carefully outlines a framework for understanding the place of statutory work and how this may be consistent with empowerment and anti-oppressive practice, and with the straightforward desire to help others that brings people into social work in the first place.  This book is relevant to all social work settings including mental health, community care, youth justice, and child protection. It will be essential reading for social work students and newly qualified social workers who are facing up to the realities of social work in statutory settings for the first time.

Evidence and knowledge are fundamental in professional practice. A key skill for social workers is understanding how to use the range of sources available. Being able to explain the evidence underpinning decisions and the knowledge base of professional interventions is not just good practice: it's essential in partnership working and in acting accountably. This innovative book recognizes and builds on the complex nature of social work practice. It challenges the view that there is one best form of knowledge which applies equally to all aspects of practice. Tony Evans and Mark Hardy outline key debates and put forward approaches to evidence and knowledge that encourage readers to use a range of different forms of knowledge to inform and develop their professional practice. This helpful book also supports reflection and learning by including case studies, activities and tasks alongside the main text.Evidence and Knowledge for Practice is essential reading for social work students, qualified social workers and other readers with an interest in social work practice.

Evidence and knowledge are fundamental in professional practice. A key skill for social workers is understanding how to use the range of sources available. Being able to explain the evidence underpinning decisions and the knowledge base of professional interventions is not just good practice: it's essential in partnership working and in acting accountably. This innovative book recognizes and builds on the complex nature of social work practice. It challenges the view that there is one best form of knowledge which applies equally to all aspects of practice. Tony Evans and Mark Hardy outline key debates and put forward approaches to evidence and knowledge that encourage readers to use a range of different forms of knowledge to inform and develop their professional practice. This helpful book also supports reflection and learning by including case studies, activities and tasks alongside the main text.Evidence and Knowledge for Practice is essential reading for social work students, qualified social workers and other readers with an interest in social work practice.

Assessing and managing risk is a daily challenge for social workers. Working with risk can be anxiety provoking and demanding, requiring great skill and high levels of confidence. In these complex situations, social workers have to work hard to get the balance right. This innovative book focuses on the development and use of skills for work with risk. Using a range of case studies, examples and reflective exercises, the authors examine the key skills required to work effectively with risk. Various chapters focus on assessment skills, gathering and evaluation of information, decision-making challenges, and ethical issues. Recognising the difficulties presented in the context of busy statutory work, there is a strong focus on practical skills and tips for improving risk management plans. The book also pays careful attention to the emotional impact of working with risk, with a final chapter on the management of self in the challenging and sometimes distressing world of social work.Written in a reader-friendly, accessible style, the book will be essential reading for students and staff across a range of social work settings, including community care, adult services, child protection and mental health.