Becoming a Caseworker Book

Acknowledgments and Dedication     v
Introduction to Casework     vii
The Many Roles of Caseworkers     viii
Overview of Book     ix
Becoming a Caseworker     1
The Historical Roots of Casework     4
What is Social Work?     5
Outlook and Earnings for Caseworkers     6
What Caseworkers Do and Where They Do It     12
Skills and Procedures of Casework     23
Overview     23
Initial Request for Services     24
Preparing for the Initial Interview     25
The Waiting Room     26
The First Interview     27
Skills Used in the First Interview     33
Contracting     37
Rapport     38
Cultural Sensitivity and Awareness     42
Skills of Effective Communication     44
Barriers to Change     52
Record-Keeping Procedures     63
Special Areas of Social Work Knowledge     75
Public Health     76
Levels of Healthcare Services     85
Illness Prevention and Health Promotion     92
Health Policy Issues     93
Public Child Welfare     99
Child and Adolescent Service System Program (Systems of Care)     112
Child and Adolescent Mental Health     113
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)     119
Public Housing and Assistance     120
Additional Resources on the Web     123
Educational Programs     127
Job Outlook Opportunities     127
Choosing the Right Program     129
Degree Programs in Human Services and Social Work     130
Certificate Programs     132
Choosing the Right Institution     133
Curriculum Content of Human Services Programs     139
Social Work Programs     141
Licensing     145
List of Professional Organizations     159
Resources     165
Helpful Websites     167
Print Resources     168
Sample Announcements for Casework Examinations and Open Positions     169
Sample Degree Curricula     179
References     187