Days in the Lives of Social Workers: 58 Professionals Tell Real-Life Stories From Social Work Practice

by Linda May Grobman (Editor)

Edited by the founder of The new social worker magazine, the 54 contributions in this collection share the experiences of social workers serving children and youth, criminals, the mentally ill, older adults, veterans, and the community. The third edition adds chapters on working with Russian immigrants, the Commissioned Corps, and summer camp. No index is provided. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Genres: Social Work, Nonfiction, School, Social Science, Social Justice

448 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Linda May Grobman is the founder, publisher, and editor of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine at http://www.socialworker.com. Linda also is the creator and editor of the DAYS IN THE LIVES OF SOCIAL WORKERS book series.

Reviews

[Red Haircrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a reality many professions share, that on a daily basis you face some of the most terrible, frustrating and heartbreaking cases which involve people who are not just numbers on a list, or manila folders full of painful photos, reports and notations, yet you still have to struggle to keep your own balance and life, to take care of your own children and loved ones. Social workers have tremendously overloaded schedules and often have been subjected to abuse when one of their "cases" slips through the cracks: a child dies or is killed, an elderly couple starved by their adult children, or a gay teen, leaving an emotionally abusive family, is lost on the streets, but every single day they try to make a difference for so many who have no one else looking out for them.

This is in important book if for nothing else, if a reader actuals places themselves in someone else's shoes, whether it's the victims or the social worker, more people might have empathy for others which can help prevent some of the problems which are rampage in society. Some people may not be able to handle the brutal honesty in these stories from professionals, but they should ask themselves why. Collected in a straight-forward manner, this book has a fine list of sources and organizations into which one can become involved.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me some great perspectives on the wide range of social work. It was nice to read about days in the lives of different professionals and helped me affirm that I am on the right track! I recommend it for anybody considering the profession.

[Marthe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massively interesting and an affirmation of my interest in social work. It's nice to see the diverse experiences of social workers, and inspiring to read that this book helps shape the views and thoughts of (aspiring) social workers.

[Jennifer Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

"While the broadness of social work is what brings many people into the profession, at times it can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we have Linda May Grobman to help social workers navigate their careers through the eyes of those with real-life experience. The 5th edition of Days in the Lives of Social Workers includes traditional and non-traditional career paths that offer a practical and realistic snapshot of the diverse fields of social work. An added bonus is the updated list of professional organizations, web resources, and social media, blogs and podcasts. This is a must-have for social workers at any stage in their career!"

Jennifer Luna, MSSW
Director of Social Work Career Services
The University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up while making the decision to go back to school and work towards being a social worker. I thought the varying types of jobs described was helpful, although they weren't all geared to the types of social work I'm interested in but that's super personal. I know there's a second book but I couldn't get my hands on it. I think this is definitely worth picking up if you're considering social work or a related field to get a feel for some of the options the degree can open you up to.

[Right-Er · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read an ARC of Remy C. Garner 's "For All The Good They Do", and although it's written as fiction, it sounded more like truth on every page. So I went out searching for others in the same vein and truly enjoyed the many anecdotes in Grobman's work. Those books are similar and should help others in this noble career path.

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as part of a class assignment and absolutely loved it. The anthology collection of shorts is told from the perspective of the social worker . It is a very transparent look at on the job social workers experience.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Varied collection of social work narratives; would have appreciated more depth in each one though

[Paulette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to the field of social worker and encouraged me to pursue my MSW

[Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book to be informative and a good read.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for someone considering social work, not great (but still good!) for those already practicing. Helped me get reenergized, just in time for Social Work Month.

[Heidi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book helped me decide to go to graduate school in social work.

[Cindy Mansfield · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book for lay people interested in the daily work and struggles of social workers and for people interested in pursuing the field themselves.

[Carrie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am looking into social work as a career. This book is very helpful so far in presenting the many different roles a social worker can play.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/11484997

[Hanzykh]

koment

[Dana Wong · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely gave me a better insight on social work. I gave it three stars because some of the stories were hard to read.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some chapters were better than others, but the goods one were very good.

[Gavin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uneven in places due to the various writing styles - one or two vignettes fall flat - but a great look at the variety o the field and recommended for that alone.

[Katlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great for beginning social workers who would like to explore their options and callings.