Description

Book Synopsis
"Melanie Parris provides an excellent introduction to social work, dealing with important aspects of social work values, basic areas of knowledge and vital key skills. Her writing is clear and student-friendly with many examples from practice and encouragement for the reader to develop understanding using active learning."
Robert Adams, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Teesside University, UK

"This practice focused text clearly draws upon the many years of experience the author has of social work education ... It will be of great help to students who need to integrate theoretical understanding with practical experience and develop core skills. The structure is inclusive and the language accessible. Each chapter has clear learning objectives enabling time pressed learners to focus on particular aspects of professional practice they will encounter in placement."
Madeleine Howe, Faculty Head of Quality and Standards, University of Gloucestershire, UK

"A ve

Table of Contents
Introduction
Before You Begin: Getting your bearings

Section 1: Studying and Learning to be a Social Worker: The basis for practice
Element 1: Studying to be a Social Worker
Element 2: Reflection and Critical Thinking
Element 3: The Social Work Knowledge Basis

Section 2: Social Work Values
Element 1: The Personal and Political
Element 2: Values and Principles into Practice
Element 3: Service User and Carer Perspectives

Section 3: Working with People
Element 1: Communication in Social Work
Element 2: Effective Communication Skills
Element 3: Alternative Communication Strategies
Element 4: Working with Groups
Element 5: Community Work

Section 4: Professionalism in Social Work Practice
Element 1: Professional Social Work
Element 2: Professional Communication/Writing in Social Work
Element 3: The Professional Environment
Element 4: Professional Behaviour and Self Management
Element 5: Professional Well-being and Safety
Element 6: Professional Development on Placement

Conclusion
Knowledge Review
Audit of Learning
Further Reading and Resources

An Introduction to Social Work Practice

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    RRP £27.99 – you save £1.40 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Fri 26 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Melanie Parris

    10 in stock

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of An Introduction to Social Work Practice by Melanie Parris

      Publisher: Open University Press
      Publication Date: 16/03/2012
      ISBN13: 9780335238408, 978-0335238408
      ISBN10: 335238408

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      "Melanie Parris provides an excellent introduction to social work, dealing with important aspects of social work values, basic areas of knowledge and vital key skills. Her writing is clear and student-friendly with many examples from practice and encouragement for the reader to develop understanding using active learning."
      Robert Adams, Emeritus Professor of Social Work, Teesside University, UK

      "This practice focused text clearly draws upon the many years of experience the author has of social work education ... It will be of great help to students who need to integrate theoretical understanding with practical experience and develop core skills. The structure is inclusive and the language accessible. Each chapter has clear learning objectives enabling time pressed learners to focus on particular aspects of professional practice they will encounter in placement."
      Madeleine Howe, Faculty Head of Quality and Standards, University of Gloucestershire, UK

      "A ve

      Table of Contents
      Introduction
      Before You Begin: Getting your bearings

      Section 1: Studying and Learning to be a Social Worker: The basis for practice
      Element 1: Studying to be a Social Worker
      Element 2: Reflection and Critical Thinking
      Element 3: The Social Work Knowledge Basis

      Section 2: Social Work Values
      Element 1: The Personal and Political
      Element 2: Values and Principles into Practice
      Element 3: Service User and Carer Perspectives

      Section 3: Working with People
      Element 1: Communication in Social Work
      Element 2: Effective Communication Skills
      Element 3: Alternative Communication Strategies
      Element 4: Working with Groups
      Element 5: Community Work

      Section 4: Professionalism in Social Work Practice
      Element 1: Professional Social Work
      Element 2: Professional Communication/Writing in Social Work
      Element 3: The Professional Environment
      Element 4: Professional Behaviour and Self Management
      Element 5: Professional Well-being and Safety
      Element 6: Professional Development on Placement

      Conclusion
      Knowledge Review
      Audit of Learning
      Further Reading and Resources

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