The Survival Guide for Newly Qualified Social Workers in Adult and Mental Health Services : Hitting the Ground Running

The complete guide to making the transition from student to newly qualified adult or mental health social worker (NQSW). It covers everything you need to know to meet the requirements of NQSW status, and guides you through the challenges and hurdles. Strategies on staying motivated, managing stress and developing support networks are included.

Formal education has finally ended, you''ve passed your exams and you''re getting started as a newly qualified social worker (NQSW). As you make the transition from student to fully fledged practitioner, you''ll soon discover a whole host of challenges as you hit the ground running in your new career.This handbook will guide you through the initial hurdles you will face in this transitional phase, helping you to fully understand your role and how to meet the requirements of NQSW status. The book explores the practicalities of starting work in a new organisation and the professional demands particular to adult and mental health services, such as working jointly with other professions and maintaining your professional identity. A range of strategies are provided for staying motivated, managing stress and developing support networks. The authors also explore the role of supervision and critical reflection, and give advice on continuing professional development.This survival guide is an essential support to students, newly qualified social workers, practice educators and post-qualification practitioners specialising in adult and mental health services.