How to Be a Social Worker

Developing Your Professional Identity

Textbook

How to Be a Social Worker

Developing Your Professional Identity

Textbook

Paperback ~~$61.99~~ $55.79 Hardback ~~$200.00~~ $180.00 Ebook (Epub & Mobi) $55.79 Ebook (PDF) $55.79

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Available on 03 Sep 2026

$55.79

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Description

When studying social work, it can be difficult to find the time to step back and think about what it actually means to be a social worker. Now in its third edition, How to Be a Social Worker critically examines the knowledge base of social work and encourages you to explore how your own values and experience combine to shape your personal social work identity.

This book will deepen your sociological understanding of social work themes and contexts while further examining what it means to develop a professional identity in practice. Inspiring reflexive thinking throughout, it will equip you with the tools to actively apply theory to practice and consider the ways your social work identity can be maintained when working alongside other professional groups.

New to this edition:
- Addresses pressing themes and issues in contemporary practice, such as understanding new forms of inequality in a changing world
- Expands coverage of approaches in practice, including task-centred, relationship-based, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approaches
- Introduces new discussions which explore how to navigate technological change including AI, working in varying organisational contexts, bureaucracy, burnout and self-care, spirituality and grief and loss
- Offers guidance on working with reluctant service users and challenging professional situations

Encompassing a wide range of skills-based topics and supported by new practical exercises and case studies, this introductory textbook is the perfect companion for students and newly qualified practitioners.

Chapter One - The Social Work Self: Developing your Identity
Chapter Two - Human Development
Chapter Three - Communication Skills
Chapter Four - Social Work Theory
Chapter Five - Everyday Ethics
Chapter Six - Practice Learning in Organisational Settings
Chapter Seven - Research in Social Work
Chapter Eight - 'Doing' Social Work: Constituting the Professional Self
Index

Product details

Published	03 Sep 2026
Format	Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition	3rd
Pages	272
ISBN	9781350541931
Imprint	Bloomsbury Academic
Publisher	Bloomsbury Publishing

What does it mean to be a social worker? Through engaging activities and discussions, social work students are encouraged to reflect on this question. This book examines professional identity formation within the context of an adaptable and changing career and consider how readers may develop their own social work self.

Alexandra Summer, Programme Leader of PGDip Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship), University of Sunderland, UK
An important text for social work students who will benefit from its accessible layout and insightful and engaging content, including social work knowledge, ethics, skills, placements and research mindedness. Engaging exercises and case studies encourage students to apply their learning to a diverse range of scenarios, aiding active engagement throughout.

David Hambling, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Gloucestershire, UK
A handy companion for any social work student about to go on placement or any new student wanting a clear account of the social work context. The theoretical framework summaries and the understanding of social work as a value-based profession provides clarity on complex issues.

Patricia Muncey, Manager, Field Education, Adelaide University, Australia