Abstract

Social Work often receives a bad press but it is an intellectually, emotionally and practically challenging profession which, in order to help people effectively, needs to attract the best candidates. This book takes a personal and human approach and presents a Newly Qualified Social Worker’s experience, reflections and gentle advice on the training process and early years of a Social Work career.

 Written in an accessible and honest style, it gives a fresh perspective at a time when there is a national turning-point in Social Service reform. It highlights the positive and negative aspects of becoming a Social Worker and is grounded in real service user cases. For those embarking on or thinking about a career in social work, this book will be an invaluable read.

"It is so refreshing to see a newly qualified social worker producing a book about their experience of challenges and joys of social work education and their first steps as a social worker. A valuable contribution."
Professor Harry Ferguson, Nottingham University

"...What was apparent was how Rebecca reminds the reader why they entered the profession and the importance of not becoming jaded so that social workers continue to offer the support and resources that young people need to make positive changes in their lives, in short at times the book was inspiring."
Matthew Smith, University of Cumbria

It is so refreshing to see a newly qualified social worker producing a book about their experience of challenges and joys of social work education and their first steps as a social worker. A valuable contribution.

Just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading Rebecca’s book ’Starting Social Work’. The book is very user friendly and gives a valuable insight to how to cope with the transition from student to qualified practitioner.

Rebecca Joy Novell is a Newly Qualified Social Worker working for a charity in Sheffield which works with homeless young people. She graduated from The University of Sheffield in 2012 with a Masters in Social Work. Rebecca has been involved with Youth Justice for five years in a variety of voluntary and paid roles and is currently undertaking a PHD in Youth Justice. She was recently elected to the Professional Assembly for The College of Social Work and regularly blogs for The Guardian’s Social Care Network.

I very much enjoyed reading the book and felt that it was a well written, honest and forthright reflection of the experiences that Rebecca had in the early days of her career,  both as a student and as a newly qualified social worker. I felt that there were many ways in which the book could assist those students on pre registration course, those considering entering the profession and experienced workers who have been around the block a few times, such as myself.  What was apparent was how Rebecca reminds the reader why they entered the profession and the importance of not becoming jaded so that social workers continue to offer the support and resources that young people need to make positive changes in their lives, in short at times the book was inspiring.  I really enjoyed reading it!