This text investigates the critical intersection between academic social work theory and the practical application of skills during a student's initial field placement. The authors, Julie M. Birkenmaier and Marla Berg-Weger, leverage their extensive experience in social work education to provide a structured framework for students. By aligning practice behaviors with established core competencies, the book serves as a bridge for students navigating the transition from classroom instruction to real-world clinical or community settings.

The text is regarded as a standard, practical resource for undergraduate and graduate social work students entering their first field placements. Its focus on linking theory to practice makes it a functional tool for both students and field instructors in academic settings.