These Educational Staff Associate professionals are trained to provide valuable support services to Washington schools, and schools benefit from the services of each profession. This page contains resources for school leaders to thoughtfully make hiring decisions to serve their communities.

School Counselor
School Psychologist
School Social Worker

Each profession is defined in Washington law: 
RCW 28A.410.043: School counselor certification. 
RCW 28A.410.045: School psychologists and social workers. 

Additionally, ESA School Nurses provide essential services in Washington schools and are defined in Washington Law. 
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Seattle Public Schools: Hiring for Support Services Data-Driven decision making.  School Leader Guidance for ESA Support Staff Hiring School Counselor/School Social Worker	Seattle Public Schools:  Overlapping and Unique Roles of ESA Support Staff (School Social Worker and School Counselor)
Position Paper: School Social Workers' Role in Addressing Students' Mental Health Needs and Increasing Academic Achievement	SSWAA: ​Role of School Social Worker
Practice Document: Ethical Guidelines for School Social Workers	SSWAA:  ​School Social Worker Evaluation Tools
NATIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE MODEL	OSPI: School Social Work Certification in Washington State
Phi Delta Kappan: School Social Workers as Partners in the School Mission	The Children's Trust: School Social Workers and MTSS/RTI
Socialworklicensure.org School Social Worker	SSWAA: School-Based Mental Health Providers