This book focuses on the contributions of organized labor in the development and evolution of workplace human services in America and eight countries around the world. Beginning with an overview of labor-sponsored social service programs, it showcases the achievements by major trade unions in the arena of human services, from inception to present.

The textbook concludes with a summary chapter which conceptualizes and summarizes current achievements and forecasts the future role of the labor movement in the delivery of workplace human services in the United States and abroad. It will be of use to those involved in the labor movement as well as practitioners in the fields of social work, human services, and labor and industrial relations.

This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health.

Online and Distance Social Work Education: Current Practice and Future Trends provides a comprehensive presentation on the evolution, current status and future direction of distance learning and online education in the social work profession. Documenting the current state-of-the-art, this book demonstrates the power of distance learning and online technology and addresses future trends in web-based social work education. Written by widely recognized experts, the chapters represent an authoritative statement of the present state-of-the-art in the application of technology to contemporary social work education. The insights of these experts will be of great interest to students and faculty in the 798 accredited social work programs in the United States. They are creating a revolution in the profession which will forever change the nature of education for professional practice. Authored by widely recognized educators on the cutting edge of technological innovation, this text will be relevant to social work students and educators in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral programs in the USA and internationally. The chapters in this book were originally published in the Journal of Teaching in Social Work.

This book focuses on the contributions of organized labor in the development and evolution of workplace human services in America and eight countries around the world. Beginning with an overview of labor-sponsored social service programs, it showcases the achievements by major trade unions in the arena of human services, from inception to present. The textbook concludes with a summary chapter which conceptualizes and summarizes current achievements and forecasts the future role of the labor movement in the delivery of workplace human services in the United States and abroad. It will be of use to those involved in the labor movement as well as practitioners in the fields of social work, human services, and labor and industrial relations. This book was published as a special issue of the Journal of Workplace Behavioral Health.

This book focuses on the present development, gradual evolution, and current status of social work continuing education. The contributors demonstrate the rapidly growing importance of continuing education (CE) in the social work profession; look closely at present trends; and address the emerging pedagogical issues that will likely frame the future. The rapid expansion of CE offerings is partly stimulated by CE now being a licensure renewal requirement across the United States, which quite clearly is having a central impact in expanding the demand for CE education and lifelong learning for professional practice. Relevant for social work students, graduates and educators, in the USA and abroad, this book represents an authoritative statement, authored by widely recognized educators and practitioners who are on the forefront of continuing education and lifelong learning. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Teaching in Social Work.

This book focuses on the present development, gradual evolution, and current status of social work continuing education. The contributors demonstrate the rapidly growing importance of continuing education (CE) in the social work profession; look closely at present trends; and address the emerging pedagogical issues that will likely frame the future. The rapid expansion of CE offerings is partly stimulated by CE now being a licensure renewal requirement across the United States, which quite clearly is having a central impact in expanding the demand for CE education and lifelong learning for professional practice. Relevant for social work students, graduates and educators, in the USA and abroad, this book represents an authoritative statement, authored by widely recognized educators and practitioners who are on the forefront of continuing education and lifelong learning. This book was originally published as a special issue of the Journal of Teaching in Social Work.

For more than twenty years Sheila H. Akabas and Paul A. Kurzman have written extensively about workers and work organizations, and given leadership to the occupational social welfare movement worldwide. Recognized as leaders in their field, Akabas and Kurzman offer an invaluable and comprehensive look at the innovative ways in which management, labor organizations, government, and social workers can better respond to the needs of workers, their families, and communities.

The authors consider the social, psychological, and economic conditions in the world of work; the domino impact of unemployment upon individuals, families, organizations, and communities; and the inadequacy of insurance, benefit and support systems, intended to respond to personal and systematic crises. They also provide case histories that illustrate how collaboration among management, labor, social work, and government opens new options for workers, their families, and those seeking entry into the workplace.

The authors' discussion provides contemporary illustrations of evidence-based best practices that respond to the needs of the modern workplace. They analyze the barriers to entry into the workforce; the tension between work and family obligations; the sometime unsupportive nature of many jobs and settings; and work implications for persons with chronic or acute illnesses. In the concluding chapter, the authors assess current trends as they offer an optimistic review of the possibilities and positive future potential represented by career counseling, pre-retirement preparation, disability management, executive coaching, manpower programming, and managed care.

Throughout the book, Akabas and Kurzman include case studies to illustrate innovative practice and provide study questions for each chapter.

Sheila H. Akabas and Paul A. Kurzman present a comprehensive look at the ways in which management, labor organizations, government, and the social work profession can better respond to the needs of workers and their families and communities. Focusing on the social, psychological, and economic conditions of the workplace, this volume addresses the domino impact of unemployment; the inadequacy of insurance, benefit, and support systems; barriers to entering the workforce; the conflict between work and family obligations; the sometimes unsupportive nature of many jobs and settings; and the difficulties faced by people with chronic or acute illnesses. In conclusion, the authors assess current trends and consider the future possibilities of career counseling, pre-retirement preparation, disability management, executive coaching, manpower programming, and managed care. Case studies and study questions accompany each chapter.