Basic Approach:
The fifth edition of Generalist Social Work Practice: A Strengths-Based Problem-Solving Approach addresses individuals, families, and groups experiencing serious problems functioning in increasingly complex environments and organizations and communities experiencing entrenched social justice issues.
Authors have expanded the conceptual framework by including emphasis on an ecological systems perspective, a problem/strengths focus, a strengths/need orientation, a multilevel approach to intervention, an open selection of theories in using interventions, a strengths-based problem-solving process, and an empirical approach to practice/program evaluation.
Highlights of This Edition:
- The expanded conceptual framework emphasizes client system strengths in problem-solving and goal accomplishment.
- The focus throughout is preparation for culturally competent, ethical, effective, and accountable generalist social work practice.
- New learning exercises facilitate development of self-awareness and practice skills.
Here’s what the reviewers are saying…
“I applaud the revised approach—it reads very clearly. I see the strengths approach reflecting how I teach this class and it is very compatible with CSWE requirements. I would adopt this text--it relates well to my syllabi, is clearly written, and effective."
–Margaret Twiname-Dungan, St. Cloud State University (NOTE that she doesn’t want her comments used on the website or online marketing).
“The Foundation knowledge for social work practice and Foundation methods/skills for social work provide an excellent overview for the course and necessary information for a student to understand social work practice.”
–Ronald Dolon, Ball State University
“The overall organization fits well with the way practice reality occurs.”
–Gary L. Villereal, Western Kentucky University
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This well-known and widely used text is intended to provide entry-level professional social workers with a foundation of knowledge and values needed to practice from a generalist perspective---focusing on culturally competent, ethical, effective, and accountable generalist social work practice skills. This thoroughly revised edition explores the strengths-based problem-solving approach in all phases of the General Method; moving away from a deficit perspective towards an asset/resource perspective.
In Her Own Words
Preface
Navigating Direct Practice
About the Authors
PART I COMMON COMPONENTS OF THE GENERAL METHOD
Chapter 1 The Foundation for Generalist Practice in Social Work
Holism and Social Work
Generalist Practice in Social Work
The Foundation of Social Work Practice
Purpose
Sanction
Values and Ethics
Knowledge
Methods and Skills
The Generalist Perspective
Ecological-Systems Perspective
A Problem / Strengths Focus
A Strengths / Needs Orientation
A Multilevel Approach
Open Selection of Theories and Interventions
A Strengths-Based Problem-Solving Process
Practice and Program Evaluation
The General Method
Entry-Level and Graduate-Level Practice
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 2 Human Diversity: Multiculturalism, Social Pluralism, and Socio-Demographic
Variability
Multiculturalism
Concepts and Discussion
Self-Assessment of Cultural Sensitivity
Social Pluralism
Concepts and Discussion
Self-Assessment of Sensitivity to Social Pluralism
Socio-Demographic Variability
Concepts and Discussion
A Holistic Framework for Sensitivity to Human Variability
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 3 Building Empirical Evidence for Practice
Reasons for Evaluation
Ongoing Process of Service Delivery
Quality Assurance
Accountability
Goal Attainment
Brief History and Scope of Practice Research in Social Work
Steps in Building Empirical Evidence for Social Work
The Role of Theory in Building Empirical Evidence for Practice
Essential Components of Building Evidence for Practice
Conceptual and Operational Definitions
Outcomes
Interventions
Practice Guidelines
Developing a Scientific Approach to Practice
Ethical and Evidentiary Decision-Making Process
Identifying Sources for Building Evidence in Practice Information
Questioning
Searching
Analyzing
Types of Research Studies
Applying and Evaluating
Common Strategies for Engaging in Practice Evaluation
Rapid Assessment Instruments
Client System Focused Measures for Self-Observed Data
Single Subject Design Measuring Process
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 4 Strengths-Based Problem-Solving Interviews
The General Method
An Overview
The Interview Process
The Empowerment Perspective
Overview
Historical Roots
The Empowerment Paradigm and Processes
The Strengths Perspective
Overview
Historical Roots
Principles
Interview Questions
Risk and Resilience Perspective
Overview of Component Parts
Population Specificity
Case Example
Professional Relationship
The General Method Interview
Interviewing Techniques
Pitfalls to Avoid in Interviews
Summary
Reflection Points
PART II THE PHASES AND PROCESSES OF THE GENERAL METHOD
Chapter 5 Engagement
Establishing Professional Relational Boundaries
Identifying Problems, Needs, and Strengths
Recognizing Feelings and Reactions
In Micro and Mezzo Client Systems
In Macro Client Systems
Increasing Client System Investment
Determining Goals
Making Initial Plans
With Client Systems
With Action Systems
Monitoring the Engagement Phase
Working with Different Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Engagement
Human Diversity in Engagement
Ongoing Cases: Engagement Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 6 Data Collection
Gathering Data
Informed Consent and Assent
Basic Categories for Data Collection
The Problems/Needs
The Persons
The Environment
Maintaining Confidentiality
Fact versus Assumption
Recording Data
Process Recordings
Summary Recordings
Problem-Oriented Recordings
Other Record Forms
Monitoring the Data Collection Process
Working with Different Client Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Data Collection
Human Diversity in Data Collection
Ongoing Cases: Data Collection Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 7 Assessment and Contract Planning
Assessment Process
Assessment Statement
Problem Prioritization
Goal Setting
Contract Planning
Monitoring the Assessment and Contract Planning Process
Working with Different Client Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Assessment and Contract Planning
Human Diversity in Assessment and Contract Planning
Ongoing Cases: Assessment and Contract Planning Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 8 Intervention in Micro and Mezzo Generalist Practice
Overview
Counseling With Individual and Family Client Systems
Information and Referral
Crisis Intervention
Small Group Intervention
Task Groups
Psychosocial Intervention Groups
Case Management and Teamwork
Designs for Micro and Mezzo Interventions
Monitoring Intervention
Working with Different Client Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Intervention
Human Diversity in Intervention
Ongoing Cases: Intervention Phase of Micro and Mezzo Generalist Practice
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 9 Intervention in Macro Generalist Practice
Overview
Macro Practice Knowledge and Skills
Empowerment as Process and Outcome
The Community
Organizations
Funding Sources
Group Interaction Skills
Social and Political Advocacy
Social Planning and Community Development
Locality Development
Internal Organizational Change
Designs for Macro Intervention
Monitoring Intervention in Macro Practice
Working with Different Client and Professional Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Intervention
Human Diversity in Intervention
Ongoing Cases: Intervention Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 10 Evaluation
Goal Analysis
Contract Review
Contract Reformulation
Evaluation Questions
Ongoing Evaluation
Working with Different Client Systems
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Evaluation
Human Diversity in Evaluation
Ongoing Cases: Evaluation Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Chapter 11 Termination
The Meaning of Termination
Core Tasks in the Termination Process
Deciding to Terminate
Reviewing Progress
Reinforcing Strengths-Based Problem-Solving Skills
Generalizing to the Future
Addressing Reactions to Ending
Stabilizing Change
Monitoring the Termination Process
Working with Different Systems
Micro Client Systems
Mezzo Client Systems
Macro Client Systems
Action Systems
Reactions of Social Workers
Developing Sensitivity and Skills
Using Social Work Foundation Knowledge in Termination
Human Diversity in Termination
Ongoing Cases: Termination Phase
Summary
Reflection Points
Bibliography
Appendices
Appendix A Internet Resources
Appendix B Social Work Journal Resources