Abstract

Formal education has finally ended, you've passed your exams and you're getting started as a newly qualified social worker (NQSW). As you make the transition from student to fully fledged practitioner, you'll soon discover a whole host of challenges as you hit the ground running in your new career.

This handbook will guide you through the initial hurdles you will face in this transitional phase, helping you to fully understand your role and how to meet the requirements of NQSW status. The book explores the practicalities of starting work in a new organisation and the professional demands particular to adult and mental health services, such as working jointly with other professions and maintaining your professional identity. A range of strategies are provided for staying motivated, managing stress and developing support networks. The authors also explore the role of supervision and critical reflection, and give advice on continuing professional development.

This survival guide is an essential support to students, newly qualified social workers, practice educators and post-qualification practitioners specialising in adult and mental health services.

All three authors are based at Bournemouth University, UK. Diane Galpin is Senior Lecturer in Practice Development in the School of Health and Social Care. She is also lead lecturer in the specialist areas of Safeguarding Adults and Risk and Decision Making in Professional Practice. Jenny Bigmore is Lecturer in Child Care Social Work, and is programme leader for the Post Qualifying Specialist Child Care Award. Jo Parker is Senior Lecturer in Practice Development in the School of Health and Social Care. She is programme leader of the Approved Mental Health Practice Programme.
This is a very easy to read and user friendly book. It takes NQSWs on a journey from having just qualified to becoming more experienced practitioners. There are very useful chapters on supervision and stress management. Reflection is encouraged. As the programme leader for the post qualifying award for social work with adults, I think this book gives an excellent basis from which to develop the knowledge, skills and resilience needed in social work with adults today.
Jackie Martin, Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader for the Post Qualifying Specialist Award in Social Work with Adults, De Montfort University, UK
This book will help both social workers and their supervisors make the very best start.
Professional Social Work