Introduction to Competence-Based Social Work (Hardcover) | Released: 30 Oct 2013

About the Book

Social work is rooted in the values of service, social justice, and strong interpersonal relationships. But as the profession evolves, so must the approach to education. Michael Sherr and Johnny Jones have created the first introductory textbook written for the future of social work. Introduction to Competence-Based Social Work is an innovative book that integrates the knowledge of practice, policy, research, HBSE, and field work with the accommodating skills and practice behaviors necessary for students to become fully competent social workers by the time they graduate. This book also provides a conceptual framework that helps students develop a foundation for the professional identities they need to be successful practitioners. Students are introduced to social work through a “Why We Do, What We Do” model that emphasizes how and why social workers commit to their careers. The case studies that drive this book will engage students and present a clear picture of the profession to help them become invested in enhancing and restoring the well-being of individuals, groups, and communities.
Unlike other introductory social work texts, this book was specifically developed for use in both actual and virtual learning environments. The book’s “Why We Do, What We Do” conceptual framework and extensive case studies, in conjunction with chapter-specific podcasts and classroom-ready PowerPoint slides, creates a cooperative learning experience where students can easily grasp the content and transfer that knowledge to their daily practice.

Features

• “Why We Do, What We Do” framework uses the CSWE EPAS to identify and connect foundational values to the practices that define social work
• Innovative Case-Based Learning method uses 25 case vignettes to illustrate diverse contexts of the profession
• Creative approach designed for use in traditional, online, and hybrid courses includes sample syllabi for each classroom format
• Mini-podcast lectures and classroom-ready PowerPoint slides provide additional resources to accommodate different learning styles and settings—samples of these resources can be found in the table of contents below

About the Author

Michael E. Sherr (MSW, Ph.D., University of South Carolina) is professor and department head of social work at University of Tennessee—Chattanooga. He also serves as a commissioner for the Commission on Education Policy for the Council on Social Work Education. Professor Sherr is an internationally recognized scholar with over 50 publications, including two other books, on several areas of research and scholarship. In 2010, Sherr received the international Young Scholars Award for his research from the University of Hong Kong. Johnny M. Jones (PhD, Florida State University; MSW, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is assistant professor of social work at Baylor University where his teaching and research interests include research and evaluation methodology, social administration, and child welfare. He was previously on faculty at the University of South Carolina’s College of Social Work and directed The Center for Child & Family Studies and the South Carolina Professional Development Consortium.

Table of Contents:
Chapter 1: Introduction • Why this book? • Case-Based Learning • Outline of the Book • Additional Resources to Support Student Learning • PART I: What is social work and what do social workers do? • Chapter 2: What is Social Work? • The Blind and the Carousel • Efforts to Define Social Work • A Definition of Social Work for the Future • Caring and Serving Rooted in Spiritual and Religious Beginnings • Chapter 3: What is Competence-Based Social Work? • The Diversity and Unity of Social Work • What is Competence-Based Learning? • The “Why we do, What we do” Framework • The Five Competencies that Describe “Why We Do.” • Exploring the Professional Identity of Stacy Lynn as a Social Worker • Chapter 3 PowerPoint file • Chapter 4: What Do Competent Social Workers Do? • The Foundation of Social Work Practice • The Five Competencies that Describe “What We Do.” • Exploring the Methods of Arnold Young as a Competent Social Worker • PART II: The Professional Identity of a Social Worker • Chapter 5: Developing the Personal Self-Awareness for Professional Social Work • Developing a Commitment to Personal Self-Awareness • Major Areas that Warrant Contemplation of Personal Identity • Chapter 6: Developing the Professional Identity for Social Work • Formal education • Licensure and Credentials • Membership and Participation in Professional Organizations • Practice Wisdom • Chapter 7: The Historical Emergence of Social Work as a Profession • Elizabethan Poor Law of 1601 • From Volunteering to Systematic Helping • From Systematic Helping to Social Work as a Profession • Current Trends for the Social Work Profession • Chapter 8: Ethical Social Work Practice • The Values and Ethical Principles of Social Work • Ethical Standards • Ethical Dilemmas • A Model for Making Ethical Decisions • Chapter 9: Human Rights and Justice • Human Rights, Justice, and Well-being • Difficult but Important Questions • What is Well-being? • What is Social Justice? • Chapter 9 Podcast file • Chapter 10: Diversity in Practice • A Logical and Central Value of Social Work • Diversity and Well-being • Oppression, Privilege, and Empowerment • Chapter 11: The Dimensions of Diversity • Two Meanings of Dimensions of Diversity • Cultural Competence and Diversity: Another Example of an Inherent Tension • Different Dimensions of Diversity • Chapter 12: Critical Thinking • Defining Critical Thinking in Social Work • PART III: Method of Practice and Where We Work • Chapter 13: The Generalist Method of Practice: Engage, Assess, Intervene, and Evaluate • Engagement • Assessment • Intervention • Evaluation • Chapter 14: The Fields of Social Work Practice • Opportunity for Further Reflection • A Framework for Exploring Fields of Practice • Applying the Framework for Exploring Fields of Practice • Final Thoughts