Social Work Practice: A Critical Thinker's Guide

by Eileen Gambrill

Now in a new edition, this accessible, engaging textbook presents step-by-step guidelines and useful examples for each phase of practice, from assessment to intervention to evaluation. Its key focus remains on emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in making sound practice decisions.
Eileen Gambrill - a pioneer of the evidence-based practice movement - skillfully shows students how to ask the right questions, search for reliable answers, and rigorously evaluate the results. Designed to equip students with vital practice knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of the
larger picture in which social workers practice, this is much more than a "how-to" compilation. It establishes a sound conceptual framework that considers political, social, economic, empirical, and ethical issues, with equal attention to helping to solve client problems and bolster client
strengths. Filled with practical advice, real-life scenarios, thought-provoking exercises, and straightforward guidance, this problem-solving practice guide prepares students to advocate for clients by being, above all, good decision makers.

Genres: Social Work

864 pages, Hardcover

First published August 1, 1996

About the author

Eileen Gambrill is professor of the graduate school at the School of Social Welfare. Her research interests include professional ethics and education; evidence-based practice; professional decision making; social learning theory; behavioral methods; evaluation of practice; and social skills training.

Dr. Gambrill is a grantee of the University of Bristol's Benjamin Meeker Fellowship as well as a two-time recipeint of the Pro Humanitate Award, which is bestowed by the North American Resource Center for Child Welfare. She has also served as a visiting scholar at the University of Oxford and Tel Aviv University.

Additionally, Dr. Gambrill has been editor-in-chief of Social Work Research and Abstracts as well as of Journal of Social Work Education, and she currently sits on the editorial boards of several journals. Dr. Gambrill is also a licensed psychologist.