As societies grapple with the growing threat of radicalization and violent extremism, social workers are increasingly called upon to contribute to prevention and intervention efforts. The heart of Chap. 1 emphasizes the critical role the social work profession can play within efforts of countering violent extremism. With social workers and other mental health and human services practitioners in mind, this chapter offers a comprehensive introduction to the joining together of these two distant yet inherently interrelated fields: social work and countering violent extremism (CVE). After introducing the nexus of social work and CVE, this chapter highlights existing scholarly research as well as the possible tensions and opportunities that frequently arise in this work—namely, conflicting securitization logics of risk and the need for social work’s systems-focused, strengths-based, and trauma-informed value orientation that is grounded in client and community well-being. Drawing on comparative reflections from Germany, Canada, and other countries, the chapter argues that a systems-oriented, trauma-informed social work lens can re-align CVE practice with social-justice goals. By equipping readers with practical concepts and theoretical frameworks, this chapter offers insights into how social work’s guiding principles—ranging from multi-systemic case management to anti-oppressive reflexivity—and its systemic focus—especially on micro, meso, and macro spheres—can be mobilized to better understand radicalization processes, counter violent extremism, and promote community well-being.