Leadership With Impact ― Preparing Health and Human Service Practitioners in the Age of Innovation and Diversity

Leadership with Impact offers new ways of thinking and approaching complex problems through a conceptual and practical leadership approach founded on innovation and diversity. The authors introduce a leadership framework called I.D.D.E.A.--"Innovation, Design, Diversity, Execution, and Assessment"--through which health and human service practitioners can easily design, implement, and evaluate innovative programs to help vulnerable populations and promote organizational and social change. Innovative leaders (also referred to as "social architects" in the text) will have the opportunity to explore complex social issues with an innovative lens and build solutions with the use of the latest evidence, technology, and collaborative practices. Additionally, chapters highlight Leadership Profiles and Case Scenarios comprised of current health and human service leader interviews of their perspectives and problem-solving situations. The content is responsive to social justice issues, prompting innovative leaders to be cognizant of diversity and learning how to recognize and apply culturally proficient practices in the workplace. Finally, the book offers assessment tools for the leader/practitioner to be mindful of their own engagement with others and evaluate their sustainable efforts.

Juan Carlos Araque, PhD, is Clinical Associate Professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, where he teaches graduate courses for the Master of Social Work (MSW) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) Programs. Dr. Araque has over 20 years of experience working in the fields of leadership, community development, diversity, violence prevention, education, and positive youth development. He has authored a number of peer-reviewed studies and publications.

Eugenia L. Weiss, PsyD, LCSW, is Clinical Associate Professor in the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California and Director of the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the Orange County Academic Center. For over 18 years, Dr. Weiss maintained a psychotherapy practice (including organizational consulting and work with employee assistance programs) serving the Latino/a population and military and veteran families. She is the author and co-author of multiple peer-reviewed journal publications and co-author/co-editor of several books.