Product Description

Through proven learning experiences that are as close to real-life practice as can be obtained from a book, DIRECT SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE: THEORY AND SKILLS prepares social work students for effective work in the field. Many of the case examples are drawn from social work practitioners as well as the authors' own practice situations. Long praised for its appropriate level of rigor, the book integrates the major theories and skills that direct social work practitioners need to understand and master--thus giving the book its reputation as the classic source for helping students learn direct practice skills. Consisting of four parts, the book begins by identifying the mission of social work, its values, and knowledge base. The authors then differentiate generalist from direct practice and explore roles of direct practitioners. Common elements amongst diverse theorists are then examined while key intervention strategies and various client population and practice settings are presented. Specifically, Part One provides the foundational/values and knowledge base material; Part Two is devoted to the beginning phase of the helping process; Part Three addresses the middle phase (goal attainment strategies), discussing four intervention approaches; and Part Four clarifies the termination phase of direct practice.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #34908 in Books
• Published on: 2005-07-07
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 656 pages

Review
"This text is a comprehensive, well-written and effective tool for social work students in the foundation year. It provides an overview of the helping profess, underscored by the values and ethics of the profession, and proceeds through the helping stages with theories, skills development, case examples and classroom exercises that are clearly presented, offer diverse perspectives, and challenge the beginning practitioner. The continuous process of updating the literature and timely additions assures me that topics of importance to social work practitioners will be addressed. The access to InfoTrac and the Internet exercises are additional features that make this text desirable."

"I believe this is one of the best textbooks available for this course."

About the Author
Ronald Rooney is a Professor in the School of Social Work at the University of Minnesota. He has been a practitioner in child welfare, community mental health and school social work. Dr. Rooney is also the author of Strategies for Work with Involuntary Clients. He was the 2004 winner of the Academic Leadership Award of the College of Human Ecology, University of Minnesota.

Glenda Dewberry Rooney is a Professor, Department of Social Work, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Now a full co-author, she was a contributing author to the Sixth Edition of DIRECT SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE, THEORY AND SKILLS. She teaches graduate and undergraduate practice methods, as well as macro practice courses in organizations and administration. Her extensive experience as a trainer and consultant includes working with agencies concerned with children, youth and families, and community based research.

Kim Strom-Gottfried also a contributor to the Sixth Edition of DIRECT SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE and now a full-co-author, is a Professor at the UNC-Chapel Hill School of Social Work where she teaches in the areas of direct practice, communities and organizations, and human resource management. Kim's scholarly interests involve ethics, managed care, and social work education. She provides training and consultation and research related to private practice, ethics and managed care.

Customer Reviews

Rather dull, but easy to read
This textbook is not the most thrilling read of a lifetime, but its also not difficult. Somestimes the organization is a little odd, but it could be worse.
If its not required, I wouldn't buy it.

Refers to 6th edition, copyright 2002
A solid revision of a very useful textbook and clinical practice resource. Numerous typographical and typesetting errors will annoy those who expect more from the publishers of this social work classic, who appear to have rushed publication. Infotrac has only marginal value to working professionals and no value for enrolled students with library access. Wait for the second printing or stick with the 5th edition if you can.

Good for beginners in practice/good resource for veterans
I had this book last semester as a MSW student at WVU. I have found it useful as a resource guide for my current practice as a family-based therapist as well. I would recommend this book to all those out there in practice.

Deborah M. Migyanko, BSW