Professional Development in Social Work: Complex issues in practice

by Seden; Janet

• ISBN13: 9780415553360
• ISBN10: 0415553369
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2010-10-27
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Social work practice in the twenty-first century is continually changing. Contemporary practitioners work in complex areas and have to do so quickly and competently. This text helps qualified social workers, as well as those about to qualify, to build on their initial studies in order to develop professionally.The volume considers not just what you need to know to practice, but how you develop in criticality and capability ' in particular, how you can respond effectively in times of uncertainty and change to become more effective. It examines new roles, identities and contexts, including some international perspectives and the impact of globalisation. Each chapter discusses the contexts of practice (such as law, policies and theories); the contributions made both by those who practice social work and those who use its services; and the capabilities and skills that social workers need to develop in order to deal with complexity in social work.Making use of The Open University's expertise in providing cutting edge but accessible course materials and its distinct approach to social work practice, this textbook includes underpinning knowledge, practical applications and critical reflexivity. It includes questions for further reflection and application , plentiful examples and suggestions for further reading.Aimed at the newly qualified practitioner and the developing professional, Professional Development in Social Work is written by a team of authors with extensive practice and teaching experience. It will be particularly useful to students undertaking post-qualifying training or in the final year of their qualifying studies.

Author Biography

Janet Seden is Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University, UK. Sarah Matthews is Staff Tutor at The Open University. She was a Mental Health Act Commissioner and also runs a training and consultancy business. Mick McCormick is Lecturer in social work with the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University, UK. Alun Morgan is Lecturer in social work with the Faculty of Health and Social Care at The Open University, UK.

Table of Contents

List of contributors	p. viii
Foreword	p. xi
Acknowledgements	p. xii
Introduction	p. xiii
Complex contexts	p. 1
Effective multi-agency work in children's services	p. 3
Policy swings and roundabouts: social work in shifting social and economic contexts	p. 10
Criticality and reflexivity: best practice in uncertain envionments	p. 17
Reflections on values and ethics in social work practice	p. 24
A social worker 'in work or outside work': the benefits and dilemmas of registration	p. 30
Diverse service users and diverse workers: the impact of globalization	p. 37
Professional identity and international social work: the view from afar	p. 44
Complex roles, responsibilities and relationships	p. 51
The use of self and relationship: swimming against the tide?	p. 55
Refugees and asylum seekers: the social work role	p. 63
Youth justice: children in trouble or children in need?	p. 69
Children with disabilities: international perspectives for developing practice	p. 76
The changing role of social workers in developing contexts for mental health professionals	p. 83
With respect to old age	p. 90
The well-being of people with learning disabilities	p. 97
Poliies and practice with 'vulnerable' adults	p. 104
Untangling the web of service user involvement in social services work	p. 110
Person-centred approaches to social work with older people aspirations and contradictions	p. 118
People who use services: finding a voice through ICT	p. 126
Child and family focused work in children's services	p. 132
Complex challenges in the workplace	p. 139
Learning in practice: some reflections on the student's journey	p. 143
Technology-enhanced learning for social work education and practice	p. 150
An innovative approach to the study and practice of social work values	p. 157
Reflections on writing in social work education and practice	p. 163
Caring for yourself, being managed and professional development	p. 171
Careering through social work: metaphors of continuing professional development	p. 178
Continuing professional development: enhancing high-quality practice	p. 185
lEndnote	p. 192
References	p. 194
Index	p. 219
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