Introduction to Social Work: The People's Profession [Paperback]

Introduction to Social Work is an accessible, engaging primer for early-career social workers. It covers the history, key concepts, and the diverse environments and populations that social workers will encounter.There are certain questions that all students considering social work ask. Who are social workers? What is it that social workers do? How is the social work profession changing? What does it take to become a social worker? Sophia F. Dziegielewski, Debra Nelson-Gardell, and Ira Colby bring their decades of experience in social work practice and education to answer these questions.This engaging text gives readers a practical guide to the many ways in which social workers effect change in their communities and the world. The authors offer an overview and history of the profession; introduce readers to the practice of social work at the micro, mezzo, and macro level; and finally look closely at the many settings and populations that social workers work with. While realistically portraying the pressures and obstacles that social workers face, the authors communicate their own passion for social work.Part 1: The Context of Social Work1. Social Work: The Profession2. Social Welfare: A System's Response to Personal Issues, Social Justice, and Public Problems3. How Did We Get Here from There?4. So You Want to Be a Social Worker!Part 2: The Practice of Social Work5. Social Work Practice6. Recognizing Diversity and Applying It to Generalist PracticePart 3: Settings for Social Work Practice7. Poverty and Income Maintenance8. Child Welfare Services9. Health Care10. Mental Health11. Older Adults12. Intimate Partner Violence13. Social Work Advocacy in the Political ArenaPart 4: Expanding Horizons for Social Work14. Global Social Welfare15. ConclusionsSophia F. Dziegielewskiis Professor of Social Work at the University of Central Florida. Previously, she served as dean of the School of Socil#@