Social Worker ESA

The School Social Work ESA Certification is a Washington State credential that qualifies social workers to provide professional services in K–12 schools. With this certification, you can work directly with students, families, and school teams to support mental health, social-emotional learning, crisis intervention, attendance, special education, and overall student well-being.

Requirements include an MSW degree or current enrollment in an MSW program, transcripts, and optional letters of recommendation. Requirements for current PLU students are unofficial transcripts.

No. Prior experience is helpful but not required. The program provides foundational preparation for entering school-based practice.

Yes. Completion of the coursework and practicum fulfills the requirements needed to apply through the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI).

Roles include School Social Worker, MTSS/Behavior Specialist, Attendance/Intervention Coordinator, Mental Health Specialist, and other student support positions.

Yes. The ESA often increases employability and may contribute to higher salary placement depending on district policies.

Though regular FAFSA is not applicable to this program, applicants are welcome to use personal loans through their own financial institutions if they wish.

It is an intensive eight-week class program (June through July)

Students attend four two-hour virtual synchronous classes each week from 5–7 pm, plus one asynchronous day dedicated to self-paced learning and assignments.

Instruction is live and interactive. One dedicated asynchronous day each week allows flexibility for independent coursework.

Materials include a required textbook and professor-provided online readings, articles, and other digital resources.

You’ll need a computer, webcam, and a reliable internet connection to attend synchronous virtual classes.

Yes. Evening virtual classes and one asynchronous day are intentionally designed to support students who are working full-time.

Students receive advising, access to writing and academic support services, and mentorship from faculty experienced in school social work.

Students are graded on a 4.0 academic scale. Participation is mandatory, as class discussions are integral to the coursework and learning process.

Because of the limited duration of the certification, attendance is mandatory to receive certification.

After students complete and pass the eight-week certification course, the PLU Education Department will submit students’ applications on their behalf to OPSI. Students should receive notification from OPSI of their certification electronically.