Book excerpt: How has the identity of social work and social workers developed over time? What is the nature of contemporary social work compared with other helping professions? How does American social work compare with social work in other countries? Where do the core values of American social work fit into an international perspective? How can students and practitioners improve their practice and increase social progress? What Is Professional Social Work? gives social workers and other mental health professionals a clear and internationally grounded discussion of the place of social work in multiprofessional care. Filled with practical and accessible tools, this book offers new ways to consider and value a social worker's specific professional identity within the complex environment of professional practice. Social work educators can use this new book in capstone courses, field work seminars, social work practice courses, courses on international social work, and even introduction to social work and social welfare. Malcolm Payne connects the argument of Modern Social Work Theory and Teamwork in Multiprofessional Care with the analytical perspective and case studies in this book.