Summary
Contents
Subject index
Complexity lies at the heart of social work practice and this book is designed to help students and newly-qualified social workers plan for and manage complex cases in an increasingly complex environment. Split into two parts, this book reflects the journey of qualifying social work students from preparation for practice in an educational context to learning ‘on the job’ through working with service users in practice settings, and eventually assuming a more senior role in management, administration and training. Key topics covered in the chapters include, managing volatility and uncertainty; making judgements and decisions; building and maintaining relationships; using reflection and supervision; working interprofessionally; managing risk; exploring cause and effect.
Introduction: What is Complexity?
Introduction: What is Complexity?
Chapter Summary
This introductory chapter will define and explain the concept of complexity. It starts with a discussion of what makes social work complex and the difference between complex and complicated problems. Characteristics of complex systems are then explained along with some of the main principles of complexity theory. The links between concepts of complexity and risk are discussed. The chapter concludes with a précis of the structure and layout of the book.
Introduction
Social workers are constantly aware of complexity. Their professional remit, after all, is the messy reality of life. To practise as a social worker is to deal with the uniquely problematic interface between each individual and the world around them. Most social workers would say their work ...
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