
Understanding Social Work
Preparing for Practice
Neil Thompson(Author)
Bloomsbury Academic (Publisher)
6th Edition
Published on 8. February 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-1-350-39916-7 (ISBN)
Description
What is social work? How is it carried out? What skills does it require?
Despite its many challenges, social work remains a rewarding career that makes a difference. Understanding Social Work is a much-loved and highly acclaimed introduction to what is involved in the role, offering an excellent grounding in what the profession is all about.
Neil Thompson provides a clear and helpful account of the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work, makes clear what some of the main challenges of social work are and helps you rise to those challenges.
Each engaging and succinct chapter supports the reader's learning and development with case studies, valuable advice from experienced practitioners, practical exercises and further reading suggestions.
In this sixth edition, Thompson shares lessons from his expert witness work and offers renewed focus on the significance of loss and grief and the resurgence of interest in anti-racism in social work.
It is an ideal starting point for people considering a career in social work, students beginning their social work journey and for experienced practitioners who want to revisit their roots.
Accompanying online resources are available at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.
Despite its many challenges, social work remains a rewarding career that makes a difference. Understanding Social Work is a much-loved and highly acclaimed introduction to what is involved in the role, offering an excellent grounding in what the profession is all about.
Neil Thompson provides a clear and helpful account of the knowledge, skills and values that underpin social work, makes clear what some of the main challenges of social work are and helps you rise to those challenges.
Each engaging and succinct chapter supports the reader's learning and development with case studies, valuable advice from experienced practitioners, practical exercises and further reading suggestions.
In this sixth edition, Thompson shares lessons from his expert witness work and offers renewed focus on the significance of loss and grief and the resurgence of interest in anti-racism in social work.
It is an ideal starting point for people considering a career in social work, students beginning their social work journey and for experienced practitioners who want to revisit their roots.
Accompanying online resources are available at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.
Reviews / Votes
'Thompson's ever popular book returns with an update that both holds its original quality and ensures it is applicable for contemporary social work students. It remains a must read.' -- Dr Paula Beesley, Senior Lecturer in Social Work * Leeds Beckett University, UK * 'This book makes following the why, what, when and how of social work very straightforward.' -- Dr Paul McCafferty, Senior Lecturer * Ulster University, UK * 'A great source of knowledge for students, professionals and academics' -- Dr Raluca Sarbu, Lecturer in Social Work * University of Worcester, UK *More details
Edition
6th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 154 mm
Width: 233 mm
Thickness: 17 mm
Weight
408 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-39916-7 (9781350399167)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
02/2024
6th Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€35.49
Available for download

E-Book
01/2024
6th Edition
Bloomsbury Academic
€35.49
Available for download
Person
Neil Thompson 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. His website and blog are at www.neilthompson.info
Content
1. Making Sense of Social Work
2. The Legal and Policy Context
3. The Knowledge Base
4. The Skills Base
5. The Value Base
6. Achieving Good Practice
7. Facing the Challenge
8. Conclusion
Guide to Further Learning
Appendix: Internet Resources.
2. The Legal and Policy Context
3. The Knowledge Base
4. The Skills Base
5. The Value Base
6. Achieving Good Practice
7. Facing the Challenge
8. Conclusion
Guide to Further Learning
Appendix: Internet Resources.