Boundary Spanning : An Ecological Reinterpretation of Social Work Practice in Health and Mental Health Systems

An understanding of the most important laws and ethical issues that have shaped the profession is essential for the effective practice of social work. Thus this comprehensive approach to health and mental health care for social workers centers on ethical and legal issues. The book includes critical information regarding the systems and organizations in which social workers practice; the nature of the relationship between social workers and clients/consumers/communities; planning, contracting, and strategizing functions; intervention techniques using advocacy, brief work, case management, and group work; and evaluation. Armed with this knowledge, social workers have the ability to intervene as advocates as well as to evaluate their work and their clients' progress. The Boundary-spanning Approach To Health-related Social Work Extends Over Previously Drawn Barriers In Order To Afford Social Workers A Greater Scope Of Understanding, Greater Latitude In Interventions, And Greater Access To Organizations And Systems. This Book Was Written Because Toba Schwaber Kerson Believes That Boundary Spanning In All These Areas Is Critical To Social Worker's Abilities To Help Their Clients/patients/consumers Reach Their Goals. The Book Includes Critical Information Regarding The Nature Of The Relationship Between Social Workers And Clients/consumers/communities: Planning, Contracting, And Strategizing Functions: Intervention Techniques Using Advocacy, Brief Work, Case Management, And Group Work: And Evaluation. Armed With This Knowledge, Social Workers Have The Ability To Intervene As Advocates As Well As To Evaluate Their Work And Their Clients' Progress.--jacket. Introduction: Boundaries And Barriers -- Developing An Ecological Perspective -- Legal And Ethical Issues -- The Place Of The Social Worker In Health And Mental Health Systems -- The Power Of The Relationship Between The Social Worker And The Client System -- The Nature And Tools Of Assessment -- Social Work Interventions: Planning, Contracting, Setting Goals, Developing Objectives, Strategizing, And Working In Teams -- Social Work Practice Interventions: Advocacy, Brief Work, Case Management, And Work With Groups -- The Evaluation Of Social Work Practice In Health And Mental Health Systems. Toba Schwaber Kerson. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [405]-436) And Indexes.