Becoming A Social Worker For Dummies (eBook)

Dr. Yodit Betru, a licensed clinical social worker, has practiced in various settings, including schools, shelters, jails, child welfare agencies, and private and public mental health agencies. Currently, she's a college professor and director of the master of social work program at the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in trauma, race-based stress, and homelessness. She maintains a small private counseling practice and serves on the boards of community organizations aiding women, children, and families.

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Social Work 5

Chapter 1: Seeing What Social Work Is All About 7

Chapter 2: Studying for a Career in Social Work and Choosing a Specialty 25

Chapter 3: Looking at the Helping Side of Social Work 47

Chapter 4: Navigating Race, Class, and Inequality Issues 67

Chapter 5: Supporting LGBTQIA+ Individuals 87

Chapter 6: Empowering Other Vulnerable Populations 105

Part 2: Exploring the Various Specialties in Social Work 127

Chapter 7: Assisting with Mental Health and Wellness 129

Chapter 8: Providing Trauma-Informed Care 149

Chapter 9: Helping People Overcome Substance Use and Addiction 171

Chapter 10: Adding Support in Health-Care Settings 197

Chapter 11: Working with Kids in Schools 211

Chapter 12: Community Organizing, Development, and Activism 235

Chapter 13: Enhancing Leadership Roles in Organizations 253

Chapter 14: Going Broad with Global Social Work 267

Part 3: Life in the Trenches 287

Chapter 15: Starting Your Life as a Social Worker 289

Chapter 16: Facing Tough Situations 303

Chapter 17: Exploring Professional Development 321

Part 4: The Part of Tens 333

Chapter 18: Ten Famous, Fabulous Social Workers 335

Chapter 19: Ten Jobs You Didn't Know Social Workers Could Do 341

Chapter 20: Ten Ways You Can Take Care of Yourself as a Social Worker 347

Index 357