7 Best Books for Newly Qualified Social Workers: Essential Reads for Success and Growth

As a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW), the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) period can be a daunting and challenging time, especially when you do not have access to the right resources. Knowing where to find the best books for newly qualified social workers could help make your ASYE more enjoyable.

Trying to find the right resources can be overwhelming and you may end of wasting a lot of time (time that you do not have).

These recommendations are books I have used and whilst this is subjective, I think they are great resources for all newly qualified social workers.

The recommended books below still help me in my role after I completed my ASYE.

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I have separated these into seven different articles, although you will find some overlap.

  1. Recommended Books for Preparing to Study Social Work
  2. Recommended Books for Student Social Workers
  3. Recommended Books for Newly Qualified Social Workers
  4. Recommended Books when working with Adults
  5. Recommended Books for Direct Work with Children
  6. Recommended Books for Practice Educators
  7. Recommended Books for Approved Mental Health Practitioners

Recommended Books for Newly Qualified Social Workers

Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Equality, Diversity and Social Justice

I have read many of Neil Thompson’s books and he explains things in a simple manner. His book on Anti-discriminatory Practice is one of the key social work resource I will recommend for students. In fact, it was one of the first books I bought as a student social worker, and it was indispensable as a Newly Qualified Social Worker.

Thompson addresses the common concepts and issues across the various forms of discrimination. He explains why the development of anti-discriminatory practice is so vital and examines the steps that need to be taken towards constructing a social work practice based on principles of anti-discrimination and the promotion of equality.

I have applied how the Thompson’s PCS model helps with understanding discrimination at both the Personal, Cultural and Structural levels in Society in my article on How to Promote Anti-discriminatory Practice in 3 Simple Ways (with practical examples). Don’t forget to check it out.

Anti-Discriminatory Practice

Theory and Practice: A Straightforward Guide 

Laid out in an easy-to-use format, this Theory and Practice book by Siobhan Maclean and Rob Harrison provides a straightforward guide for newly qualified social workers.

When preparing my ASYE portfolio, I found it useful referring to this book when completing my reflecting logs and case studies.

I purchased this book while studying for my social work degree and it turned out to be my go-to resource for all information social work theory related. You will get basic information around theories and practice, however, you can then find information online to gain a deeper understanding around that theory.

If there is only ONE book, I have to recommend buying as a NQSW it’s this one!

Theory and Practice in Social Work

The Social Worker’s Guide to the Care Act 2014

In adult social care, the most significant piece of legislation is the Care Act 2014. The Social Worker’s Guide to the Care Act 2014 presents information from the act and statutory guidance in a way that enhances understanding of the legislation.

It refers to many relevant case scenarios and how to use professional judgement, an important skill in social work practice.

It highlights considerations to make during first contact, eligibility, charging and financial assessment. It provides social workers with a framework to better understand the legal structure within Adult Social Services.

This book will give you a solid foundation to kick-start your career in Adult Social Services without a doubt!

Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work

The bread and butter of your role as a social worker in children’s services are assessments. Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work book covers everything you need to know to write your assessments with confidence.

You will find comprehensive information on report writing, genograms, chronologies, eco maps, critical analysis, information gathering and how to stay organised as a social worker.

Information is laid out and logically. I will highly recommend this book to anyone starting out in children’s services. I work in adult social care, but I still refer to this book occasionally for assessment tips.

If you want to get up to speed with your assessment writing, then this is it!

Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work

Making Report Writing Easy: Mental Capacity Assessments: A simple and practical guide based on the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Making Report Writing Easy guide provides a step-by-step process of how to complete capacity assessments using the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and its Code of Practice. Health and social care workers will find this very useful.

It is informative and easy to use and provides a clear description of the requirements when using the 2 – stage test to ensure that assessments are legal, strengths based and person-centred.

This guide describes how to assess capacity, and what a good assessment of capacity should look like. It also provides sample questions to ask based on the specific decision to be made.

This Simple Guide to Report Writing will be a vital resource for any health and social care professional working with individuals who may lack capacity to make specific decisions.

Mental Capacity Assessment Guide

Newly Qualified Social Workers: A Practice Guide to the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment

The NQSW Practice Guide addresses the transition from being a student to practicing very well.

With its down to earth practical guidance, you will find a lot of useful information to help you manage your work-load and help you develop your skills further.

Newly Qualified Social Workers Guide

The Child’s World, Third Edition: The Essential Guide to Assessing Vulnerable Children, Young People and their Families

The Child’s World book is comprehensive and jargon free. It helped me understand assessments in children’s services much better.

It provides accessible information on best practice for assessing the needs and strengths of vulnerable children and their families.

What I like book about this book is the fact that it lays bare the challenges that practitioners routinely face and offers suggestions on how to address them – and the established areas for assessment of children’s developmental needs, parenting ability and motivation, and socioeconomic factors.

Social workers guide to the care act 2014

Conclusion

So there you have it. The best books for newly qualified social workers, in my opinion. Don’t waste another moment without grabbing a copy of at least one of these recommended books.

I hope this article has been helpful. Please let me know if you have questions in the comments section below.

7 Best Books for Newly Qualified Social Workers

  1. Anti-Discriminatory Practice: Equality, Diversity and Social Justice
  2. Theory and Practice: A Straightforward Guide for Social Work Students
  3. The Social Workers Guide to the Care Act 2014
  4. Writing Analytical Assessments in Social Work
  5. Making Report Writing Easy
  6. Newly Qualified Social Workers : A Practice Guide
  7. The Child’s World

READ NEXT:

  1. Recommended Books when working with Adults
  2. Recommended Books for Student Social Workers
  3. Recommended Books for Direct Work with Children

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Recommended books for newly qualified social workers
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