Introduction to Social Work: A Look Across the Profession
by James Langford, Craig Keaton (eds. Regina T. Praetorius, Jessica R. Williams, Emily E. Clarke) · University of Texas at Arlington – Mavs Open Press
Free open textbook from the University of Texas at Arlington (Mavs Open Press, 2022, CC BY-NC). Short chapters cover US social work history, ethics, diversity, poverty, generalist practice, and work with children, older adults, disability, mental health, and health care. A full-scope survey of the profession that maps the fields of practice before the learner commits to the paid canonical texts.
More resources on Social Work
Modern Social Work Theory (5th Edition)
Critical survey of the main practice theories: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, systems and ecological, strengths, solution and narrative, empowerment and advocacy, critical, feminist, anti-oppressive, and eco practice. Compares each theory's strengths and limits for practice.
Direct Social Work Practice: Theory and Skills (11th Edition)
Standard MSW practice textbook (Cengage Empowerment Series, 11th ed., 2023). Follows the helping process from engagement and multidimensional assessment through goal setting, intervention, and termination, with interviewing skills, case vignettes, and ethical and anti-oppressive practice.
Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
University of Michigan School of Social Work course of four modules, about 12 hours. Covers social work roles across settings, core frameworks such as person-in-environment and strengths-based practice, the field's history, and its link to social justice. Includes practitioner interviews that show how the frameworks are used in practice. Free to audit.
NASW Code of Ethics
The National Association of Social Workers' full Code of Ethics (2021 revision). Sets out the profession's mission, six core values, ethical principles, and detailed standards covering responsibilities to clients, colleagues, practice settings, the profession, and society.