The Professional Social Worker de Neil Thompson

The Professional Social Worker

Neil Thompson

In this ground-breaking text book, bestselling author Neil Thompson turns his attention to the question of 'What does it mean to be truly professional in the field of social work?' Notions of professionalism in social work have changed over time. Early traditional ideas showed themselves to be elitist and inconsistent with the fundamental principles of social work, and have been followed by a period of uncertainty as to whether or not social workers are professionals at all. Now, with a move towards a new form of professionalism beginning to take shape, this book presents a cogent argument for reaffirming this vital aspect of social work. Informed by extensive experience and expertise, Thompson examines the role of the modern-day social worker in four parts: as problem solver, thinker, manager and professional. Whether a student new to the complexities of this demanding, rewarding field taking a social work practice or placement module, or a qualified practitioner seeking a source of guidance, this book will help meet the challenge of developing a professionalism that is consistent with the values of contemporary social work.

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Notă biografică

Neil Thompson is a highly respected writer and developer of online learning resources, with over 38 years' experience in the people professions. He has held full or honorary professorships at four UK universities, and is now a sought-after consultant and conference speaker. He runs the Avenue Professional Development Programme, an online learning community and tutorial group for people professionals. Connect with Neil online at www.neilthompson.info.

Cuprins

Preface to the Second Edition Introduction PART I: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS PROBLEM SOLVER Introduction to Part I 1. Needs, Unmet Needs and Problems Introduction What are Needs? Unmet Needs Problems Conclusion 2. The Social Context of Personal Problems Introduction The Personal is Political Poverty, Deprivation and Social Exclusion Discrimination and Oppression Crime Illness, Disablement and Mental Health Problems Homelessness and Poor Housing Conclusion 3. Promoting and Preventing Change: Developing Versus Sustaining Introduction The Importance of Change in Social Work Promoting Change Preventing Change Conclusion 4. Perspectives on Problems: Working in Partnership Introduction Multiple Perspectives Making Partnership a Reality Conclusion Conclusion to Part I PART II: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS THINKER Introduction to Part II 5. Reflective Practice: Developing Critical Analysis Skills Introduction Why Reflective Practice? Making Critically Reflective Practice a Reality Conclusion 6. Social Work as Education Introduction Why Education? Using Educational Skills and Processes Conclusion 7. Thinking and Feeling: Emotional Intelligence Introduction Reason and Emotion Working with Emotion The Three Rs Framework Conclusion 8. Spirituality and Meaning Making Introduction Making Sense of ExperienceSpirituality Focusing on Meaning Conclusion Conclusion to Part II PART III: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS MANAGER Introduction to Part III 9. Managing Self Introduction The Importance of Selfmanagement Rising to the Challenge The Three Rs Conclusion 10. Managing Processes, Tasks and Outcomes Introduction Managing Processes Managing Tasks Managing Outcomes Conclusion 11. Managing Risk and Resources Introduction Assessing and Managing Risk Three Types of Risk Managing Resources Conclusion 12. Managing Expectations Introduction Why are Expectations Important? Negotiating Expectations Managing Resources Conclusion Conclusion to Part III PART IV: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS PROFESSIONAL Introduction to Part IV 13. Traditional Professionalism Introduction Problems with Professionalism The Problem of Medicalization Conclusion 14. The Legacy of Antiprofessionalism Introduction The Radical Critique The Problems of Antiprofessionalism Conclusion 15. Developing an Authentic Professionalism Introduction Reaffirming Professionalism Supporting Professionalism Towards Authentic Professionalism The Three Rs Framework Revisited Conclusion 16. Professionalism in Practice Introduction The Building Blocks of Professionalism Key Themes and Issues Making Authentic Professionalism a Reality Conclusion Conclusion to Part IV Glossary References Index.