How to Survive in Social Work
Published on 19. October 2023
240 pages
978-1-83997-808-1 (ISBN)
Description
Social worker. You're a helping hand, a rock in the tempest, a friendly face through the hard times, and a catalyst for change. But what about you? How do you keep going when the pressure just keeps rising?
In this no-nonsense handbook, Neil Thompson and John McGowan distil years of social work expertise into key strategies to overcome the challenges that come with the profession. Each chapter is full of clear, practical advice on staying resilient in the face of tough situations, whether they're political, social, or economic. Handy frameworks and expert advice will strengthen your practice and give you a solid structure to build on, helping you fulfil your potential as a social worker and provide better support for your clients.
Social work is tough, but with the guidance and support in this book you can learn to tackle the challenges and thrive as a force for change.
In this no-nonsense handbook, Neil Thompson and John McGowan distil years of social work expertise into key strategies to overcome the challenges that come with the profession. Each chapter is full of clear, practical advice on staying resilient in the face of tough situations, whether they're political, social, or economic. Handy frameworks and expert advice will strengthen your practice and give you a solid structure to build on, helping you fulfil your potential as a social worker and provide better support for your clients.
Social work is tough, but with the guidance and support in this book you can learn to tackle the challenges and thrive as a force for change.
Reviews / Votes
A powerfully frank look at challenges in social work; this book inspires social workers to collectively work at rebuilding a culture of respect for the profession notwithstanding neoliberalism and transactional managerialism. -- Professor Kate van Heugten, University of Canterbury, New Zealand Hopeful, realistic and systemic. This wonderfully accessible book invites the social work profession at both micro and macro levels to reflect on what is needed for us to continue doing the work we love, for those we serve. -- Nadia, Fran and Eugene, The Social Matters podcast I believe I speak for many social workers when I say that this book is hugely welcome and very relatable. Social work is a career like no other, highly rewarding but extremely tasking, emotionally draining, and complex. There is an automatic response to gravitate towards survival as opposed to thriving mode. I particularly loved the use of the words "Scratch" and "Beyond" to give great insights on how to survive and thrive in social work. This book provides robust enlightenment on managing stress in social work and is a must read for all social work practitioners, managers, and leaders. -- Vivian Okeze - Tirado - England Social Worker of the Year & Social Justice Advocate Gold winner 2021.More details
Series
Edition
Digital original
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Edition type
Digital original
Illustrations
10
File size
1,27 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-83997-808-1 (9781839978081)
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
Neil Thompson | John McGowan
How to Survive in Social Work
Book
10/2023
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
€27.50
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Persons
Neil has 45 years of experience in the caring professions as a practitioner, manager, educator, writer and adviser. He has won awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from BASW Cymru. He is renowned for his ability to express complex ideas clearly without oversimplifying them and for making theory relevant to practice.
John McGowan MSc, BA, BSc, DipSW, FRSA is a social worker, lecturer, and the General Secretary of the Social Workers' Union. He has 25 years of experience as a social worker in the field of Children and Families, Fostering and Adoption and as a training officer and practice teacher. John's experiences with social work started with his parents, who were active foster carers in Edinburgh and fostered over 100 children.
John McGowan MSc, BA, BSc, DipSW, FRSA is a social worker, lecturer, and the General Secretary of the Social Workers' Union. He has 25 years of experience as a social worker in the field of Children and Families, Fostering and Adoption and as a training officer and practice teacher. John's experiences with social work started with his parents, who were active foster carers in Edinburgh and fostered over 100 children.
Content
- Intro
- How to Survive in Social Work
- Cover
- Of related interest
- Title Page
- Copyright
- Contents
- Foreword
- About the Authors
- Acknowledgements
- Preface
- Introduction
- 1. Surviving in Context
- 2. Social Work in Context
- 3. Macro Meets Micro
- 4. The Research Base
- 5. Self-Management Skills
- 6. Ensuring Good Practice
- 7. Using Support
- 8. Career Planning
- 9. Work-Life Balance
- 10. Making it Happen
- Conclusion
- Afterword
- Guide to Further Learning
- References
- The Social Workers Union
- Other Learning Resources by Neil Thompson
- Index
