Dr. Ellen Fink-Samnick is a leader in case management and ethics in practice. Her depth of knowledge informs her latest book, The Ethical Case Manager: Tools and Tactics. This is a reference text that is immediately relevant to current social work practice. Although the book essentially focuses on the process and practice of case management, I would recommend this text to anyone seeking to refine their perspective on ethical best practice regardless of career or the population they are serving. In my role as a clinical professor, and as a former hospital social worker, the work resonates with me as an essential framing of ethical practice. I recommend this work as a useful component of social work student preparation prior to entering the profession.
Fink-Samnick states in her preface, “Effective case management intervention and treatment planning takes the largest lens possible.” The deeper the knowledge case managers have about ethical decision-making in the diverse, high-stakes practice environment, the better equipped we are to demonstrate best practice. Her statement reminds me of all those moments when social workers are in the midst of intervention, when we often are required to make timely decisions on recommendations. The best social workers aren't reactive; they are focused and informed on multiple systems levels.
To that end, this is first and foremost a book that is grounded on the complicated nature of ethical decision-making. Important categories are outlined and discussed in detail—bioethics, professional ethics, and organizational ethics. These categories are then considered in the context of absolute and approximate ethics, and within the continuum of the larger context of moral dilemma. These passages are not esoteric. The detailed focus on practice is a quality that consistently anchors the entirety of the text.
Additionally, Fink-Samnick applies an emphasis on interdisiplinary roles. Social workers must anticipate and appreciate the need for interdisciplinary teamwork. Pharmacists, occupational therapists, nurses, counselors, and social workers are often sharing and engaging in client-centered care with a variety of providers using the “case manager” moniker.
This use of the “case manager” title is not specific to one profession or educational background. Fink-Samnick provides a concise overview of the nature of credentialing and licensing across states and jurisdictions, and how this disjointed approach can be confusing to both clients and providers. Again, in my experience, this understanding of credentialing is important for new social workers entering the field.
It bears repeating: with so much important content to be found here, the organization of subjects and case scenarios is well done. It has been a pleasure for me to refer to this text for guidance in practice and presentations. These qualities make this text an easy recommendation for a go-to reference.
Reviewed by Stephen Cummings (he, his, him), MSW, ACSW, LISW, MSW Program Director, Clinical Associate Professor, Social Work, University of Iowa.