The Practice of Generalist Social Work

Book Overview

In this edition readers will find:

• Consistent and in-depth use of key theoretical perspectives and case examples to demonstrate essential knowledge, values, and skills for generalist social work practice.
• Grand Challenges from the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare, which illustrate the connection between social work and the most significant contemporary challenges in our society.
• A clear focus on generalist social work practice, informed by the authors’ decades of real-world practice experience, at all levels of engagement and intervention.

This book offers students a dynamic, experiential, and comprehensive introduction to the practice of social work.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Social Work Practice 2. Applying Values and Ethics to Practice 3. Communication, Interviewing, and Engagement: Relationship Skills for Practice at All Levels 4. Social Work Practice with Individuals: Assessment and Planning 5. Social Work Practice with Individuals: Intervention, Termination, and Evaluation 6. Social Work Practice with Families: Engagement, Assessment and Planning 7. Social Work Practice with Families: Intervention, Termination, and Evaluation 8. Social Work Practice with Groups: Engagement, Assessment and Planning 9. Social Work Practice with Groups: Intervention, Termination, and Evaluation 10. Social Work Practice with Communities: Engagement, Assessment, and Planning 11. Social Work Practice with Communities: Intervention, Termination, and Evaluation 12. Social Work Practice with Organizations: Engagement, Assessment, and Planning 13. Social Work Practice with Organizations: Intervention, Termination, and Evaluation

About the Author

Marla Berg-Weger is a Professor in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University, and Executive Director of the Geriatric Education Center. Dr. Berg-Weger social work practice experience includes gerontological social work practice, public social welfare services, intimate partner violence services, mental health, and health social work. Her research and writing focuses on gerontological social work and social work practice. She is the author of Social Work and Social Welfare: An Invitation, now in its fifth edition, and with Julie Birkenmaier, she co-authored the textbook, The Practicum Companion for Social Work: Integrating Class and Field Work, which is in its fourth edition.

Deborah Adams is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the Master’s in Social Work Program at the University of Kansas. Dr. Adams holds social work degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels. Her practice experience includes administration of social service agencies and social justice organizations, and her main areas of research are poverty and policy studies, asset building and asset effects, and the well-being of women and children. Dr. Adams has published in venues such as Children and Youth Services Review, the Encyclopedia of Social Work, the Journal of Community Practice, and Research on Social Work Practice. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Association for Community Organization and Social Action (ACOSA), the oldest national organization for macro social work practice in the United States.

Julie Birkenmaier is a Professor in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University, Missouri. Dr. Birkenmaier’s practice experience includes community organizing, community development, and nonprofit administration. Her research and writing focuses on financial capability, financial credit, community development, and asset development. With colleagues, she co-wrote Financial capability and asset-building in vulnerable households. She also co-edited Financial Capability and Asset Development: Research, Education, Policy and Practice. With Marla Berg-Weger, she co-authored the textbook, The Practicum Companion for Social Work: Integrating Class and Field Work, now in its fourth edition.

Instructor Resources