Now in a new edition, this accessible, engaging textbook presents step-by-step guidelines and useful examples for each phase of practice, from assessment to intervention to evaluation. Its key focus remains on emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in making sound practice decisions. Eileen Gambrill - a pioneer of the evidence-based practice movement - skillfully shows students how to ask the right questions, search for reliable answers, and rigorously evaluate the results. Designed to equip students with vital practice knowledge and skills as well as an understanding of the larger picture in which social workers practice, this is much more than a "how-to" compilation. It establishes a sound conceptual framework that considers political, social, economic, empirical, and ethical issues, with equal attention to helping to solve client problems and bolster client strengths. Filled with practical advice, real-life scenarios, thought-provoking exercises, and straightforward guidance, this problem-solving practice guide prepares students to advocate for clients by being, above all, good decision makers.

Part I. Getting Oriented 1. Social work: An introduction 2. Clients and services 3. Values, ethics, and obligations Part II. Thinking about knowledge and how to get it 4. Different views of knowledge 5. Critical thinking: Values, knowledge, and skills Part III. Thinking about problems and causes 6. Competing views of problems and causes 7. Taking advantage of research findings about behavior and how it is influenced by the environment Part IV. A problem-solving practice model 8. Problem solving and decision making: Integral to helping clients 9. Evidence-based practice: A problem-solving process and philosophy 10. Posing questions and searching for answers 11. A bare-bones guide to critically appraising practice-related research Part V. Getting started 12. Contextual assessment 13. Beginning: A procedural guide 14. Engaging clients Part VI. Relationship skills 15. Interpersonal helping skills 16. Handling challenging social situations Part VII. Gathering and organizing information 17. Where to look: Deciding how to gather needed information 18. Observation: Learning to see 19. Reviewing resources and obstacles 20. Putting it all together Part VIII. Selecting plans and assessing progress 21. Selecting and Implementing service plans 22. Evaluating outcomes as integral to problem solving 23. Planning for endings Part IX. Intervention options 24. Education and skill building 25. Helping clients learn positive behavior change skills 26. Working with groups and families 27. Working with organizations and communities Part X. The long run 28. Maintaining skills and staying happy in your work References Index

Eileen Gambrill – Professor, School of Social Welfare, University of California, Berkeley