ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER ?
School Social Work is a highly rewarding profession provided in a hostsetting of the public school system. The practice of School Social Work is a specialty within the profession of Social Work to provide broadbase services that increase student learning opportunities and academic achievement. The Washington State School Social Work Standards is the guide for School Social Work practice in our state. Also for your reference is a link to the NASW school social work standards.
School Social Workers are qualified to be hired at the elementary, ,or high school levels in the following positions based on the role and need of the individual school districts.
Truancy Specialist
Mental Health Specialist and Laision
Behavior Specialist
Student Assistant Specialist
Intervention/Alcohol and Drug Specialist
Family Resource Specialist
Family Advocate
Counselor
School Social Worker
Community Resource Specialist
Student Resource Specialist
Other postions
FAQ - How do I become a school social worker in Washington State? SSW Certification as of June 30, 2011
What changed?
The schools/colleges of social work in Washington are being deregulated. This means that programs preparing social workers will not need to meet all requirements of fully approved educator programs in order to prepare social workers to work in a school-based setting. This related WAC change took effect following the PESB Board meeting in May, 2011.
What does this mean for candidates currently in a school social work program?
Candidates will now apply at the Educational Service District (ESD) office for their certificate. They will need to present evidence of their MSW, a passing score on the PRAXIS II school social work exam, and completion of the 30-hour course in school law.
What does this mean for candidates considering a degree emphasis in school social work?
Schools of social work may continue to offer a degree emphasis in school-based practice as a part of their MSW program. Candidates should discuss their desired emphasis with a faculty advisor. Upon completion of the MSW, the candidate would apply for certification as a school social worker at the ESD office.
What does this mean for licensed school social workers transferring from another state?
A school social worker with at least 3 years experience in the role and appropriate certificate, if certification was required, from a state outside of Washington may apply for a Washington certificate under the reciprocity agreement by presenting evidence of their MSW, a passing score on the PRAXIS II school social work exam, and a background check.
What does this mean for a social worker (post MSW) interested in seeking school social work license?
After taking the required 30-hour course in school law, an MSW interested in practicing in schools may apply for a Washington certificate directly with an ESD office as described in the process above. Candidates may want to contact the Washington Association of School Social Workers for referral of a mentor and other opportunities for support during both the exploration of school-based practice and for the transition to employment in a school.
What do I do if I have a dated Residency Certificate?
At time of renewal, apply directly to an Educational Service District office for an Initial or Continuing ESA Certificate.
What do I do if I have an undated Residency Certificate?
Once employed for the 3rd contract year the certificate will become “dated.” At time of renewal apply directed to an ESD office for an Initial or Continuing ESA Certificate.
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If you are interested in the National Certificate refer to:
NASW Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) Certification.
How do I find out when jobs are posted?.
School Social Workers are qualified to be hired at the elementary, ,or high school levels in the following positions based on the role and need of the individual school districts.
Truancy Specialist
Mental Health Specialist and Laision
Behavior Specialist
Student Assistant Specialist
Intervention/Alcohol and Drug Specialist
Family Resource Specialist
Family Advocate
Counselor
School Social Worker
Community Resource Specialist
Student Resource Specialist
Other postions
FAQ - How do I become a school social worker in Washington State? SSW Certification as of June 30, 2011
What changed?
The schools/colleges of social work in Washington are being deregulated. This means that programs preparing social workers will not need to meet all requirements of fully approved educator programs in order to prepare social workers to work in a school-based setting. This related WAC change took effect following the PESB Board meeting in May, 2011.
What does this mean for candidates currently in a school social work program?
Candidates will now apply at the Educational Service District (ESD) office for their certificate. They will need to present evidence of their MSW, a passing score on the PRAXIS II school social work exam, and completion of the 30-hour course in school law.
What does this mean for candidates considering a degree emphasis in school social work?
Schools of social work may continue to offer a degree emphasis in school-based practice as a part of their MSW program. Candidates should discuss their desired emphasis with a faculty advisor. Upon completion of the MSW, the candidate would apply for certification as a school social worker at the ESD office.
What does this mean for licensed school social workers transferring from another state?
A school social worker with at least 3 years experience in the role and appropriate certificate, if certification was required, from a state outside of Washington may apply for a Washington certificate under the reciprocity agreement by presenting evidence of their MSW, a passing score on the PRAXIS II school social work exam, and a background check.
What does this mean for a social worker (post MSW) interested in seeking school social work license?
After taking the required 30-hour course in school law, an MSW interested in practicing in schools may apply for a Washington certificate directly with an ESD office as described in the process above. Candidates may want to contact the Washington Association of School Social Workers for referral of a mentor and other opportunities for support during both the exploration of school-based practice and for the transition to employment in a school.
What do I do if I have a dated Residency Certificate?
At time of renewal, apply directly to an Educational Service District office for an Initial or Continuing ESA Certificate.
What do I do if I have an undated Residency Certificate?
Once employed for the 3rd contract year the certificate will become “dated.” At time of renewal apply directed to an ESD office for an Initial or Continuing ESA Certificate.
===============================================================================
If you are interested in the National Certificate refer to:
NASW Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) Certification.
How do I find out when jobs are posted?.
- School District Job hotlines are found on their websites
- WEA's Joblink page which has information and links to each school districts' websites, Educational Service districts' websites and more.
- Job listings posted on Teachers-Teachers.com.
