The Social Work Interview

This essential guide provides a comprehensive framework for mastering the social work interview, offering practical strategies for engaging with diverse clients across both routine and exceptional circumstances. It breaks down the complex dynamics of professional conversations into actionable techniques for building rapport, gathering information, and navigating sensitive topics. The text serves as a foundational resource for developing the core communication skills necessary for effective client engagement and assessment in social work practice. Its systematic approach makes the nuanced art of interviewing accessible and teachable for those entering the field.

What sets this work apart is its balance of theoretical depth with immediately applicable methods, addressing everything from standard intake interviews to high-stakes crisis interventions. New practitioners will find it an indispensable roadmap for developing professional competence, while experienced social workers can use it to refine their techniques and approach challenging cases with greater confidence. The guidance offered here fundamentally shapes how helping professionals connect with and understand the people they serve, making it a timeless reference for meaningful client interaction.