This unique text emphasizes the many different techniques needed for successful social work practice.   Parts I and II provide knowlege, values, and competencies for effective social work practice, while Parts III through V contain 144 clear and readable descriptions of practice techniques, presented in a handbook format for convenient accessibility of information. .

Table of Contents:
Preface   I. SOCIAL WORK AND THE SOCIAL WORKER   1. The Domain of the Social Work Profession The Social Work Domain An Overview of Social Work Practice   2. Merging Person with Profession Selecting Social Work as a Career Establishing Oneself as a Social Worker The Interplay of One's Personal and Professional Lives A Fitness Program for the Social Worker Having Fun in Social Work   3. Merging the Person's Art with the Profession's Science The Social Worker as Artist The Social Worker as Scientist   II. THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE   4. The Roles and Functions Performed by Social Workers Identifying Professional Roles   5. Guiding Principles for Social Workers Principles that Focus on the Social Worker Principles that Guide Practice Activities   6. Practice Frameworks for Social Work Requirements of a Practice Framework Guidelines for Selecting a Practice Framework Selected Practice Perspectives Selected Practice Theories and Models   7. Using Evidence to Guide the Change Process Evidence-Based Practice Critical Thinking When Making Practice Decisions Guiding the Planned Change Process The Context of Planned Change Identifying the Actors in Planned change Phases of the Planned Change Process   III. TECHNIQUES COMMON TO ALL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE   8. Basic Communication and Helping Skills Creating an Effective Helping Relationship Verbal Communication Skills Nonverbal Communication Skills Helping Skills Enhancing Client Motivation Understanding Emotions and Feelings Responding to Defensive Communication Elements of Professional Behavior Making Ethical Decisions Applying Cultural Competence to Helping   9. Basic Skills for Agency Practice Written Reports and Correspondence Effective Telephone Communications Using Information Technology Client Records and Documentation Managing Time and Workload   IV. TECHNIQUES AND GUIDELINES FOR PHASES OF THE PLANNED CHANGE PROCESS   10. Intake and Engagement Introduction Section A. Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice Section B. Techniques and Guidelines for Indirect Practice   11. Data Collection and Assessment Section A. Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice Section B. Techniques and Guidelines for Indirect Practice   12. Planning and Contracting. Section A. Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice. Section B. Techniques and Guidelines for Indirect Practice.   13. Intervention and Monitoring Section A. Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice Section B. Techniques and Guidelines for Indirect Practice   14. Evaluation and Termination Section A. Techniques and Guidelines for Direct Practice Section B. Techniques and Guidelines for Indirect Practice   V. SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUES AND GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE   15. Guidelines for Working With Vulnerable Client Groups The Client Who Is Experiencing Poverty The Client Who Is a Child The Client Who Is an Adolescent The Client Who is a Parent or Grandparent The Client Who Is an Older Person The Client Who Is A Battered Woman The Client Who Is at Risk of Suicide The Client with an Intellectual Disability The Client with Brain Injury The Client with a Serious Physical Disability The Client Who Is Chemically Dependent The Client with a Serious Mental Illness The Client on Psychotropic Medication The Client Who is Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, or Transgender The Client with an Eating Disorder The Client Experiencing Grief or Loss The client with Concerns Related to Spirituality and Religion The Client Who is Affected by War The Client Who is an Immigrant or Refugee The Client or Community Experiencing an Emergency or Disaster   16. Techniques for Sustaining Social Work Practice Getting a Social Work Job Preparing for Social Work Competency Exams Developing Self-Awareness Avoiding Compassion Fatigue and Stress Management Dealing with Sexual Misconduct Avoiding Malpractice Suits Testifying in Court Giving and Receiving Supervision Building and Maintaining Mentoring Relationships Consuming and Contributing to Professional Knowledge Improving the Social Work Image Becoming a Leader   Appendix A: Acronyms Commonly Used in Social Work Appendix B: Retired Techniques and Guidelines from Prior Editions Author Index Subject Index