Description

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Since its very inception, social work has been considered an organizationally based profession, with the majority of its workforce employed within formal organizations. Whether in nonprofit, for-profit, or governmental agencies, the practical realities of human service organizations are a central element of professional social work. This book explores the climate and culture of these agencies and provides essential information for surviving and thriving in this setting. It prepares students for their future careers so that they will feel empowered in their work and be able to fulfill their responsibilities toward organizational, community, and social change. Using real-life examples, the authors examine the internal structures of management, financing, and supervision and discuss common conflicts between agencies and professionals. The book's straightforward tone and practical advice make it an asset to anyone entering human service organizations.

About the Author

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Rich Furman, MFA, MSW, PhD, is full professor of social work at the University of Washington, Tacoma. Rich has 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker, organizational leader, therapist, coach and scholar. He is the author of over 15 books and 120 peer-reviewed articles, and recognized as one of the international leaders in expressive, arts-based qualitative methodologies. Margaret Gibelman was executive director of the Lupus Foundation of America and the National Association of School Psychologists and was the associate executive director of the Council on Social Work Education. Ren Winnett, MSW, LICSW, is a licensed clinical social worker at Multicare Health System in Washington and a lecturer at the University of Washington Tacoma.