Social work is a complex and demanding area of professional practice, requiring practitioners to be flexible and reflective, as well as confident and clear. Based on his extensive experience of training, education and consultancy, Neil Thompson provides a fresh and contemporary introduction that is sharply focused on the essential aspects of modern-day social work. The book addresses a wide range of issues and strategies for practice in an inviting and accessible style. Highly structured and easy to navigate, its four parts address in turn the role of the social worker as problem solver, thinker, manager and professional. The material successfully blends theory and practice and is particularly enriched by: a- clear and digestible explanations a- regular real-life examples to illustrate key points a- cameos of social workers' own experiences a- a range of reflective questions and activities to aid learning and application a- detailed suggestions for further reading. Social workers at all levels of training and development will find this book a strong foundation for rising to the professional challenges of their chosen career. It will stand new students in good stead for facing the many complexities involved in practice. It will also prove an important refresher and source of reference for qualified professionals.