Certification as a School Social Worker

Certification of school social workers in the State of Washington is the responsibility of the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI). The UW School of Social Work (SSW) works in conjunction with OSPI to offer information and assistance to our MSW students and others who may be interested in becoming certified as a school social worker. The UW School of Social Work is one of 3 state–approved educational programs for preparation as a school social worker. (The others are Walla Walla College and Eastern Washington University).

In Washington, school social workers are part of a group of specialists that serve students in K-12 schools. This group includes school social workers, school counselors, school psychologists and others. All are certified as Educational Staff Associates (ESA’s) . Certification of ESA’s in the State of Washington is the responsibility of the Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI).

The UW School of Social Work reviews completed application packets and recommends approval for initial certification as a school social worker to the UW College of Education and Office of Superintendent for Public Instruction (OSPI). In the School of Social Work, the Continuing Education Office (CE) serves as the administrative home for maintaining applicant files and providing information regarding the state requirements.

Currently, certification as a school social worker in the state of Washington requires the following:

• MSW degree from an accredited college or university
• Successful completion of graduate level coursework on school social work
• Successful completion of supervised field/practicum experience that meets criteria established by the WAC which is 180-78A-319.
• Successful completion of school social worker exam
• Criminal background check and fingerprinting
• Completion and submission of all required School of Social Work and OSPI forms and fees

More information can be found at:

www.k12.wa.us/certification/ESA/ESAinformation.aspx