Explore the diverse and rewarding career paths in social work, featuring over 101 job descriptions, professional insights, emerging trends, and educational tips.
The fourth edition highlights essential skills, job outlooks, and self-assessment tools to help readers determine if social work is the right path for them. With a focus on social justice, communication, creativity, and intervention strategies, the textbook inspires readers to find a career that aligns with their strengths and values. This guide offers a comprehensive look into the diverse and rewarding world of social work. Unlock your free eBook with your print purchase—accessible anytime on Springer Publishing Connect!
What’s New:
New chapter on well-being and sustainability in social work practice
Spotlights that highlight diverse voices, including Black, Latino, Queer, younger professionals, students, and more
Fresh data on employment outlooks and salary trends across careers
Updated content on social work post-COVID, including new challenges and roles
New and emerging careers added: environmental social work, podcasting, crisis teams
Key Features:
Over 100 career profiles, updated spotlights, and new self-care content that reflect a wide range of paths and real-world relevance
Helps readers identify best-fit careers, build confidence, and prepare for professional success in and beyond the classroom
Includes self-assessments, case studies, job outlooks, and student spotlights that engage learners and support skill application
Provides academic insight blended with lived experience, student input, and a commitment to justice and innovation
Ann Obermann, PhD, MSSW, BSSW, LCSW, is a professor of social work at Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, Colorado.
Kristin Lindsay Danhoff, PhD, MSW, BA, is an associate professor in the Department of Social Work at the Metropolitan State University of Denver.
Jessica A. Ritter, PhD, MSSW, BSW, is a full professor of social work at the Metropolitan State University of Denver in Denver, Colorado.
Contributors
Preface
Instructor Resources
SECTION I. THE PROFESSION OF SOCIAL WORK
Chapter 1. What Is Social Work?
Chapter 2. Got Social Work?
Chapter 3. Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Education and Licensure for Social Workers
Chapter 4. Being Well in a Profession of Well-Being
SECTION II. CAREERS IN SOCIAL WORK
Chapter 5. Social Work Careers in Child Welfare
Chapter 6. Social Work Careers in School-Based Settings
Chapter 7. Social Work Careers With Older Adults
Chapter 8. Social Work Careers in Healthcare
Chapter 9. Social Work Careers in Mental Health and Substance Use Services
Chapter 10. Social Work Careers in Crisis Intervention
Chapter 11. Social Work Careers in Criminal Justice and the Legal Arena
Chapter 12. Social Work Careers in International Practice and Human Rights
Chapter 13. Social Work Careers in Poverty and Housing Insecurity
Chapter 14. Social Work Careers in Advocacy and the Political Arena
Chapter 15. Social Work Careers in Community Practice
Chapter 16. Social Work Careers in Leadership
Chapter 17. Social Work Careers in Research and Academia
Chapter 18. New Directions in Social Work Practice
