Featuring an evidence- and strengths-based approach to practice methods, this new text teaches students how to apply social work skills in a variety of settings. Designed to enhance self-awareness, professionalism, ethical reasoning, cultural sensitivity, and an appreciation for social justice issues, this text introduces readers to social work’s core values and practice methods to help them assimilate the skills needed for working in the field. Cases and skills-based exercises demonstrate how to make accurate assessments and design effective intervention plans. After laying the groundwork in theory, values, and ethics, the authors review methods for working with individuals, children, and families from an individual and environmental strengths-based perspective. Client engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation and termination, and documentation are then reviewed. Readers are introduced to the foundational concepts of social work practice and through application learn to successfully work with clients.

Highlights include:

Integrates the Council on Social Work Education’s EPAS standards and core competencies throughout, including engagement, assessment, intervention, evaluation, social justice, ethics, critical thinking, professional conduct and decision making, and cultural competency and diversity.
Case scenarios in client interview format that closely resemble actual interactions, followed by questions, test readers’ understanding of the practice skills needed to work in the field.
Skill-building exercises including individual and group activities, role plays, simulations, and discussion questions that provide an opportunity to apply one’s knowledge and skill sets.
Personal reflections that encourage students to examine their own beliefs to help them assimilate social work ethics and values into their professional demeanor.
Icons throughout the text that draw attention to useful tips for developing direct practice skills.
A strengths-based approach that heightens understanding and results in a higher level of proficiency in the change process.
Introduces challenging situations often encountered in practice to help readers acquire the more advanced practice skills necessary for assessment and intervention.
Resources including PowerPoints, test questions, sample syllabi, and suggested answers to text exercises and discussion questions.

Contents

CONTENTS

Preface

Acknowledgments

1. INTRODUCTION TO DIRECT PRACTICE SOCIAL WORK

Direct Social Work Practice

Roles of the Social Worker

Advocate

Broker

Case Manager

Counselor

Educator

Supporter

Facilitator

Program Coordinator

Outreach Worker

Direct Practice Social Work Settings

Qualities of a Professional Social Worker

Cultural Competency in Social Work

Case Scenarios

Case 1.1

Case 1.2

Case 1.3

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

2. VALUES AND ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

The Six Core Values of the Social Work Profession

Social Work Ethics

Ethical Dilemmas

Emerging Ethical Concerns

Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

Case Scenarios

Case 2.1

Case 2.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

3. SOCIAL WORK THEORIES, PRACTICE MODELS, AND THE STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE FRAMEWORK

Systems Theory

Ecosystems Theory

P-I-E Perspective

Attachment Theory

Cognitive Behavioral Theory

Social Constructivism

Solution-Focused Practice

Crisis Theory

Empowerment Approach in Social Work

The Strengths-Based Perspective

Strengths-Based Direct Practice Framework

Case Scenario

Case 3.1

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

4. THE ENGAGEMENT PROCESS

The Strengths-Based Direct Practice Framework in the Engagement Process

Building Rapport

Rapport Building in a Cultural Context

African Americans

Hispanics

Asians and Pacific Islander Americans

Native Americans

Demonstrating Empathy

The Mechanics of Empathy

SBDP Approach to Empathic Communication

Level 1: Minimal Appreciation for Client

Level 2: Partial Appreciation for Client

Level 3: Accurate Appreciation for Client

Level 4: Full Appreciation for Client

Engaging Involuntary Clients

Case Scenarios

Case 4.1

Case 4.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

5. ASSESSMENT AND GOAL FORMULATION

Introduction to a Strengths-Based Assessment Approach

Characteristics of Strengths-Based Assessments

What Is Assessed?

Stages of Change

Psychosocial Assessment

Assessment Review

Assessment and Data Collection

The Mechanics of Assessment Using the SBDP Framework

Starting Where the Client Is

Discover the Presenting Needs and Challenges

Open-Ended Questions/Statements

Ask for Context

Summarizing

Miracle Question

Conditional Questions

Scaling Questions

Coping Questions

Strengths-Based Questions

Assessment in a Cultural Context

African Americans

Hispanics

Asians and Pacific Islander Americans

Native Americans

Formulating Goals

Case Scenarios

Case 5.1

Case 5.2

Case 5.3

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

6. INTERVENTION

Choosing Interventions

Evidence-Based Practice

Challenges of EBP

Intervention Models

Task-Centered Practice Approach

Case Management

Psychoeducation

Crisis Intervention

Cognitive Restructuring

Cultural Considerations With Cognitive Restructuring

Interventions in a Cultural Context

African Americans

Hispanics

Asians and Pacific Islander Americans

Native Americans

Group Interventions

Prevention

Case Scenarios

Case 6.1

Case 6.2

Case 6.3

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

7. EVALUATION AND TERMINATION

Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation: Quantitative

Methods of Evaluation: Qualitative

Termination

Reasons for Termination

How to Terminate Services

Unplanned Termination

Interventions for Termination

Case Scenarios

Case 7.1

Case 7.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

8. STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE DOCUMENTATION

Components of Documentation

Importance of Documentation

Client Interface With Documentation

Guidelines for Writing Documentation

Written Assessment

Treatment Plan

Progress Notes

Case Scenarios

Case 8.1

Case 8.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

9. CHALLENGING PRACTICE CONDITIONS

Professional Boundaries

Working With Children and Adolescents

Home-Based Services

Confidentiality and Boundaries

Cultural Sensitivity

Safety

Alcohol and Drug Use

The Angry or Violent Client

De-Escalation Strategies

Incarcerated Clients

Survivors of Abuse

Suicide

Case Scenarios

Case 9.1

Case 9.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

10. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STRENGTHS-BASED DIRECT PRACTICE PROFESSIONAL

Ethical Issues and Value Clashes

Self-Awareness

Compassion Fatigue

Burnout

Self-Care

Professional Impairment

Professional Supervision

Continuing Education and Training

The Personal and Professional Growth of Social Workers

Case Scenarios

Case 10.1

Case 10.2

Class Activities

Individual Assignments and Personal Reflections

References

Index

Authors

Elizabeth C. Pomeroy, PhD, LCSW is the Bert Kruger Smith Professorship of Mental Health and Aging at the School of Social Work, University of Texas at Austin. She is the Co-Director and Co-Principal Investigator of the Institute for Health Research and Practice.

Renée Bradford Garcia, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker with a private practice near Austin, Texas.

Instructors

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