The textbook "Foundations of Social Work" lays down an organized presentation of the fundamental ideas, principles, techniques and the professional aspects of social work. This educational source is developed to provide students with a broad understanding of social work as a profession working on the well-being of individuals, families, groups, communities and society at large. The textbook provides an introduction to the characteristics of the profession, the values, principles and history of social work, the relations between social work and the social sciences, and the main methods of social work (casework, group work, community organizing, social action, social welfare administration, and social work research). In addition, it identifies current social issues and discusses how professionals can address some of these issues by reducing social inequality and by addressing vulnerabilities, exclusions and changes in community needs. Furthermore, the textbook addresses specific skills and competences that are expected from social workers such as professionalism, ethics, communication, assessment, interventions and reflection. The emphasis of the textbook is placed upon the necessity of respecting the density of the human being and promoting social justice, equality, participation, self-empowerment, and diversity. It also emphasizes the importance of continuing professional education through social work education, field experience, supervision, professional associations and continuous training. Finally, the textbook incorporates realistic views and illustrations in order to allow students to make connections between theory and reality in their future social work practices.
Dr. Vilas Nabhaji Ghode
Dr. Vilas Nabhaji Ghode is a Professor at Bhaiyyaji Pandharipande Institute of Social Work, Hanuman Nagar, Nagpur. He is a Professor of Social Work with 25 years of teaching experience at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He holds a Ph.D. in Social Work, along with M.Phil., M.S.W., M.A., B.S.W. and other academic qualifications, and has qualified UGC-NET and SET. He has extensive experience in research supervision, academic guidance and Ph.D. supervision, and has successfully guided five Ph.D. students. He is presently a member of the Social Work Board of Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj Nagpur University and serves as the Treasurer of the Maharashtra Association of Social Educators (MASWE). He is also a life member of the National Association of Professional Social Workers in India (NAPSWI) and is associated with several other professional and academic organizations. Dr. Ghode has authored a book and contributed research papers and chapters to edited books. He has participated in numerous national and international conferences, seminars and workshops. He has served on various university, examination, academic and administrative committees. He has also contributed significantly to NSS activities and community development programmes. His professional achievements include the Best NSS Programme Officer Award and the Best Teacher (Social Work) Award, along with other national and international honours. He has actively undertaken social extension activities, including blood donation camps, NSS village camps, tree plantation drives, cleanliness campaigns, awareness programmes and health camps.
Mr. Suhanand Dhok
Mr. Suhanand Atmaram Dhok is an Assistant Professor at Savitri Jyotirao Social Work College, Yavatmal, Maharashtra, serving since December 2019. He holds an MSW in Social Work (Medical & Psychiatry) from RTMNU, Nagpur, and a B.A. degree with subjects including Sociology and Political Science. He qualified the UGC-NET in Social Work in 2018. He is a Life Member of the Maharashtra Association of Social Work Education (MASWE). He has participated in several faculty development programmes, including training in research methodologies, AI-assisted research, and educational technology. His academic interests include Social Work Education, Artificial Intelligence, research methodology, sustainable development, and contemporary social issues. He has participated in numerous national and international conferences, seminars, workshops, and webinars related to higher education and social work. He has published research papers on Social Work Education, Artificial Intelligence, sustainable development, social issues, and the role of social work in contemporary society. He has also contributed chapters to edited book.
