Social Work Practice A Critical Thinker's Guide

by Gambrill, Eileen

• ISBN13: 9780195173420
• ISBN10: 0195173422
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2006-02-09
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

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 thelarger 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 clientstrengths. 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

Prologue: Social Workers at Work	xi
PART I GETTING ORIENTED
Social Work: An Introduction	3	(14)
Clients and Services	17	(22)
Values, Ethics, and Obligations	39	(32)
PART II THINKING ABOUT KNOWLEDGE AND HOW TO GET IT
Different Views of Knowledge and How to Get It	71	(30)
Critical Thinking: Integral to Evidence-Based Practice	101	(30)
PART III THINKING ABOUT PROBLEMS AND CAUSES
Competing Views of Problems and Their Causes	131	(26)
Taking Advantage of Research Findings About Behavior and How It Is Influenced by the Environment	157	(30)
PART IV A PROBLEM-SOLVING PRACTICE MODEL
Problem Solving and Decision Making: Integral to Helping Clients	187	(28)
Evidence-Based Practice: A Decision-Making Process and Philosophy	215	(24)
Posing Questions and Searching for Answers	239	(38)
Critically Appraising Research: Thinking for Yourself	277	(32)
PART V GETTING STARTED
Contextual Assessment	309	(34)
Beginning: A Procedural Guideline	343	(38)
Engaging Clients	381	(26)
PART VI RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Interpersonal Helping Skills	407	(24)
Handling Challenging Social Situations	431	(28)
PART VII GATHERING AND ORGANIZING INFORMATION
Where to Look: Deciding How to Gather Needed Information	459	(28)
Observation: Learning to See	487	(18)
Reviewing Resources and Obstacles	505	(20)
Putting It All Together	525	(28)
PART VIII SELECTING PLANS AND ASSESSING PROGRESS
Selecting and Implementing Service Plans	553	(34)
Evaluating Outcomes as Integral to Problem Solving	587	(32)
Planning for Endings	619	(16)
PART IX INTERVENTION OPTIONS
Helping Clients Enhance Their Strengths: Providing Information and Skill Building	635	(22)
Helping Clients Learn Positive Behavior Change Skills	657	(20)
Working With Groups and Families	677	(16)
Organizations and Communities	693	(36)
PART X THE LONG RUN
Maintaining Skills and Staying Happy in Your Work	729	(8)
References	737	(78)
Index	815