The book endeavours to fulfil the requirements of students at the Bachelors and Masters level in social work. It introduces readers to the social work profession, basic concepts in social work, social work education and its relation with other disciplines; theories in social work; methods recognized in social work; roles and functions of a professional social worker, and genesis of social work education as a discipline in India and other parts of the world. It is a text book designed keeping in mind the requirements of the students in Indian Universities and colleges. It is hoped that the book shall serve as a guide to young budding social work practitioners and students of social work and social work educators. The text book provides an overview of various aspects of social work profession.