The Social Work Practitioner: An Introduction to Fundamentals of the Social Work Profession

The Social Work Practitioner: An Introduction to Fundamentals of the Social Work Profession emphasizes the practical over the theoretical to give students a deep understanding of fundamental concepts of the social work profession. Organized into four primary sections, it begins with a realistic examination of the social work profession. Students then learn about the practice of social work, the importance of cultural competence, and strategies for serving various client populations. 

Specific chapters are devoted to topics such as the goals and roles of social work, specializations within the field, professional ethics, and the role of one's own race or ethnicity in achieving cultural competence. The book also discusses poverty and at-risk communities, working with older adults and children, and the future of the social work profession. 

Each chapter frames the instructional content with learning objectives that help students read with focus and attention, exercises that allow them to apply what they read, and scenarios that bring the concepts to life. Foundational in coverage, and thoughtful in approach The Social Work Practitioner is well-suited to introductory courses in the field, as well as those in social or human services.

Allison Sinanan earned her master's degree in social work at Adelphi University and her Ph.D. at Fordham University. She is currently an associate professor of social work at Stockton University in New Jersey, where she teaches courses on introduction to social work, theory and methods practice, race, ethnicity, and diversity, and effects of media on children. In addition, Dr. Sinanan currently serves as the coordinator of undergraduate social work program. Dr. Sinanan's interests include examining child maltreatment recurrence and examining the oppression of and discrimination against minority populations. Her clinical experience centers on working with children and adolescents in both individual and group settings.