Social work is a complex and demanding area of professional practice, requiring practitioners to be flexible and reflective, as well as confident and clear. Based on his extensive experience of training, education and consultancy, Neil Thompson provides a fresh and contemporary introduction that is sharply focused on the essential aspects of modern-day social work.

The book addresses a wide range of issues and strategies for practice in an inviting and accessible style. Highly structured and easy to navigate, its four parts address in turn the role of the social worker as problem solver, thinker, manager and professional. The material successfully blends theory and practice and is particularly enriched by:
■ clear and digestible explanations
■ regular real-life examples to illustrate key points
■ cameos of social workers' own experiences
■ a range of reflective questions and activities to aid learning and application
■ detailed suggestions for further reading.

Social workers at all levels of training and development will find this book a strong foundation for rising to the professional challenges of their chosen career. It will stand new students in good stead for facing the many complexities involved in practice. It will also prove an important refresher and source of reference for qualified professionals.

Preface
Introduction
PART I: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS PROBLEM SOLVER
Introduction
Needs, Unmet Needs and Problems
The Social Context of Personal Problems
Promoting and Preventing Change: Developing vs. Sustaining
Perspectives on Problems: Working in Partnership
Conclusion
PART II: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS THINKER
Introduction
Reflective Practice: Developing Critical Analysis Skills
Social Work as Education
Thinking and Feeling: Emotional Intelligence
Narratives and Meaning Making
Conclusion
PART III: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS MANAGER
Introduction
Managing Self
Managing Processes, Tasks and Outcomes
Managing Risk and Resources
Managing Expectations
Conclusion
PART IV: THE SOCIAL WORKER AS PROFESSIONAL
Introduction
Traditional Professionalism
The Legacy of Anti-professionalism
Developing Empowering Professionalism
Professionalism in Practice
Conclusion
Guide to Further Learning
References
Index

NEIL THOMPSON is a highly respected writer, teacher and adviser, with over 32 years’ experience in the people professions. He has held full or honorary professorships at four UK universities, and is now a sought-after trainer, consultant and conference speaker. He is the editor-in-chief of two online communities (Well-being Zone: www.well-beingzone.com and Social Work Focus: www.socialworkfocus.com). His personal website is at www.neilthompson.info.