Getting to the heart of what social work is all about, this popular textbook continues to offer an excellent introduction for anyone wanting to understand the role and professional context of the social worker.

Focusing on the challenges of achieving good practice, this popular textbook reflects recent developments in social work within the context of contemporary society, law and policy. Getting to the heart of what this profession is all about, Understanding Social Work continues to offer an excellent foundation for readers wanting a better understanding of the social work role. What is social work? How is it carried out? What skills does it require? New to this edition: - Updates include new material on the importance of social media, resilience, the impact of austerity, rising case-loads, and the increase pressure on social workers Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

"As Social Workers we are increasingly working with higher levels of social deprivation, social need and dwindling resources. This book is a handy reminder of the importance of retaining the underpinning knowledge, values, skills and models which help to shape, develop and maintain our professional identity and practice." - Amanda Hill, Cumbria University, UK

"This book makes following the why, what, when, and how of social work very straightforward. Students often struggle to see the match between all the elements of social work as a process and at the same time think of the knowledge, skills and values required to do the job. This book is such an easy fit with their requirements." - Paul McCafferty, Ulster University, UK