Ruben Martin is a senior lecturer in social work at the University of Kent. Having obtained a professional social work qualification at Leicester University 40 years ago, he initially worked as a Probation Officer, and then as a social work lecturer from 1979 – 83 on a CQSW programme at Leicester Polytechnic. Moving to the Voluntary Sector he was for some years National Training Manager for the Salvation Army Social Services. He returned to lecturing on a DipSW programme in 1995 and has been a lecturer and tutor at the University of Kent since 2003, where he is currently director of studies for the BA (Hons) Social Work programme.
At a time of change and review within social care, it is relevant to explore traditional skills, knowledge and values associated with assessment in the context of changing practice. This book introduces and explores assessment in social work in a user-friendly, yet comprehensive way. The author reviews the interpersonal skills necessary for social work practice, applying them particularly to assessment and outlines fundamental knowledge and theoretical models that can inform assessment. The professional social work value base underpinning assessment and the power balance between assessor and the person being assessed are also taken into consideration.
