Occupational Social Work Today

This much-needed volume presents the state of the art in the field of occupational social work. The seven chapters provide an in-depth discussion of the essential skills needed and current issues that are encountered by occupational social workers in diversified occupational settings including private industry, union based programs, human resource management, career consultation, managed health care, and occupational health and safety. The book also provides a historical context and a conceptualization of the still evolving field of occupational social work.Occupational Social Work Today is a timely and informative volume for social work students as well as experienced social work practitioners who are interested in moving into the arena of occupational social work.BACKCOVER COPY Social workers have expanded their interest and presence in the past two decades in response to the enormous changes in the world of work. Whether as counselors, advocates, mediators, consultants, teachers, trainers, or program planners, their roles are essential for tackling the complex needs of today's workplace. This much-needed volume presents the state of the art in the field of occupational social work. Experts address the essential skills needed and current issues that are encountered by occupational social workers in diversified occupational settings including private industry, union-based programs, human resource management, career consultation, managed health care, and occupational health and safety. Occupational Social Work Today explores the various services provided by occupational social workers, focusing on their valuable skills and their roles in the workplace.Employees of today must often overcome a number of obstacles in their personal and family life to be effective and productive on the job. In addition, rapidly changing economic, political, social, demographic, and legal forces have compelled employers to provide a growing number of programs and services for those who are or have been employed, as well as for employees'family members. Occupational Social Work Today illustrates how social workers use their specialized knowledge, skills, and values to provide services, programs, and policy directions for workers and work organizations in many capacities--particularly employee assistance programs, health promotion, and affirmative action; and briefly focusing on child and elder care, career development and training, pre- and post-retirement planning, and relocation assistance. Occupational Social Work Today is a timely and informative volume for social work students as well as experienced social work practitioners who are interested in moving into the arena of occupational social work.