Abstract

This book explores the journey of becoming a social worker. It is based upon the experiences of social work students themselves and therefore provides a unique 'inside-out' perspective. By showing that personal, professional and political elements are interwoven in students' journeys, the author demonstrates that integrating these elements is vital to critical reflection and relationship-based social work. Content includes social work theory, therapeutic and risk-management interventions, emotional and ethical aspects of practice, political and cultural contexts of practice, and issues around supervision and assessment. The book also :

" includes introductions, real-life case study exercises, points for reflection, diagrams and tables, further reading and resources

" equips new students to reflect upon their own journeying and to learn more effectively from modules and placements

" provides case study material on all aspects of placements such as meeting Key Roles and value requirements

" covers career pathways for final year students, including guidance on dealing with job interviews and occupational stress

This is important reading across a range of modules and will be particularly valuable for new students and students on placement.
"A useful and user-friendly introduction to studying social work. Drawing in a refreshing and original way on the actual words of students and educators, it engages with the world that students will actually encounter as they progress towards practice" - Chris Beckett, Anglia

"This text provides a wealth of helpful and relevant guidance to social work learners and comprehensively addresses pre-qualifying social work education. The use of original data from social work students and the illustrations of student experiences make for vivid and interesting reading; to be strongly recommended to social work students and as a valuable resource for educators in both practice learning and academic settings" - Teresa De Villiers, Cardiff