Social Work Methods and Skills - by Karen Healy (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

This brilliantly systematic and comprehensive textbook provides an integrated approach to social work theory, methods and skills as the bedrock of all social work practice. Recognizing social work as a diverse activity that is rooted in common foundations, it explains how practice both shapes and is shaped by professional purpose. The text also explores the diverse range of social work practice methods available and aims to equip the reader with a foundation in the history and application of these varied approaches.

Offering a step-by-step discussion that will empower readers to critically develop and refine their professional toolkit for purposeful and innovative intervention, this original rationale is an essential resource for any social work student or practitioner looking to build, or consolidate, their understanding of the range of methods and skills available for effective professional practice.

From the Back Cover

Theories, methods and skills are the bedrock of all social work practice; yet how they are used varies according to the needs of the client and the practice context.

In this brilliantly systematic and comprehensive text, Karen Healy provides an integrated approach to social work methods and skills. Recognising social work as a diverse activity that is rooted in common foundations, she explains how practice both shapes and is shaped by professional purpose. In particular, she:

• Advocates a dynamic generalist model for working with individuals, families, groups and organisations
  
• Provides a rigorous account of practice methods, influenced by critical social work theory, systems theory, strengths perspectives and research evidence
  
• Presents each method with unrivalled clarity and analytic coherence, using a range of exercises and reflective material to support personal engagement and understanding.

Social Work Methods and Skills offers a step-by-step discussion of social work practice that will empower readers to develop and refine their professional toolkit for purposeful and innovative interventions. It is an essential resource for any social work student or practitioner looking to build, or consolidate, their understanding of the range of methods and skills available for effective professional practice.

Review Quotes

"This book will be particularly useful in preparing students for practice placements because it focuses on 'the doing' of social work, as well as providing a theoretical grounding in core social work knowledge." - Dr. Jean Dillon, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Middlesex University, UK
"Healy has a strong presence in international social work literature and is well respected for her accessible style, while also presenting content that is both informative and challenging. As usual, Healy presents her work with an inviting mix of personal knowledge, social work literature and - very importantly for the current context - well researched evidence." Roslyn Giles, Senior Lecturer and Director of Field Education, University of Sydney, Australia"

About the Author

Dr Karen Healy Research Director at The University of Queensland, Australia. She has published three books on social work practice, including the best-selling title, Social Work Theories in Context (Palgrave Macmillan).
Dr Karen Healy Research Director at The University of Queensland, Australia. She has published three books on social work practice, including the best-selling title, Social Work Theories in Context (Palgrave Macmillan).