Review
'There are many introductory textbooks available in social work, but How to be a Social Worker is unique because of how it manages to combine scholarship and deep intelligence with practical relevance. It skilfully draws on a wide range of theories from sociology, psychology, and social work itself and applies them in a highly accessible but never simplistic way to practice and the challenges of acquiring a professional identity in social work. It deserves to be an instant bestseller.' - Harry Ferguson, Professor of Social Work, University of Nottingham, UK 'This is a highly readable and practical first-steps introduction to doing the job of social work. The content is eminently usable and digestible in a way that will equip students with essential ideas and knowledge and an appreciation of the importance of thought and reflection in doing social work.' - Martin Sheedy, Programme Leader for Social Work, Liverpool John Moores University, UK 'This text provides students and practitioners with a critical account of the importance of self and professional identity within social work and offers valuable opportunities to challenge assumptions, reflect and review what it means to be an effective professional in the 21st century.' - Steve Hothersall, Head of Social Work Education, Edge Hill University, UK 'A useful exploration of the development of the professional self in social work, particularly for students.' - Sharlene Nippercress, Lecturer in Social Work, Deakin University, Australia 'This book will be a useful reference for those contemplating a career in social work through to those newly employed. In particular, the case studies used throughout are interesting and illustrate the complexity of social work and the dilemmas faced on a daily basis.' - Louise Houston, Practice Educator in Social Work, University of Plymouth, UK 'This is an extremely well laid out, easy to read book which came in particularly useful when I was writing an assignment on communication skills in social work. It was a valuable tool in helping me to understand the theories I was drawing on during my first placement setting, too.' - Matthew Caunce, Year 2 BA Social Work student, Lancaster University, UK 'This book provides students with a clear framework and foundation for developing critical and reflective practice through their study, future training and professional careers. I wish I had a copy when I was qualifying!' - Ronika Begum, Newly Qualified Social Worker, UK 'Overall, an ambitious book that provides a useful framework for beginning students and ties together the many threads required in a social work text. - Emily Keddell, University of Otago, New Zealand
About the Author
Priscilla Dunk-West is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of South Australia, Australia. A sociologist and social worker, Priscilla has held university appointments in both Australia and England, teaching across a wide range of modules on the Social Work curriculum; her research interests include everyday sexuality and sociology and social theory in social work.
