Introduction To Social Work: The People s Profession

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? Ira Colby and Sophia Dziegielewski 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, Colby and Dziegielewski communicate their own passion for social work.

Strengths of this edition: Addresses the new 2015 EPAS; Significant updates have been made to reflect political, demographic, and legal changes of the past five years; New content on diversity has been incorporated throughout, including information related to work with Native Americans and Alaskan Natives, and the Indian Child Welfare Act; Biographies of social workers highlight a variety of opportunities and career paths; Activities ask readers to engage personally and critically with the material to examine their own assumptions, thoughts, and goals; Did you know... features throughout the text call attention to the unexpected and unique aspects of the profession; Extensive glossary with clear, applicable definitions of relevant concepts; Updated instructor s manual includes sample syllabi, student projects, and a complete test bank.