CWTAP Application Process for MSW students

Applications for the 3-year program are now closed for 2026. 

Advanced Standing Students: All applications must be complete and submitted by the application deadline - see the Important Dates box to the right. 

The first step is to apply to the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Once offered admission to the UWT, MSW program students will receive an email about an information session on the program and the process to apply. Note: You must have a valid driver license to work for the Department of Children, Youth and Families thus, students must also have one to be in the CWTAP program.

Applicants selected for an interview will be notified after the application deadline. 

All applicants must successfully complete a background check which includes a check of the Department of Children, Youth and Families' records regarding reports of child abuse and neglect. Applicants are potential DCYF employees and must also provide documentation verifying employment eligibility within the United States.

DCYF employees must obtain the approval of their local Regional Administrator to be considered for CWTAP (see below in the application packet forms).

Admittance Priorities:

Recruitment for and acceptance into the CWTAP program will be prioritized based on the criteria below. If you have questions about your eligibility, please reach out to CWTAP-Tacoma@uw.edu.

• DCYF & Tribal employees, 2+ years consecutive employment, no performance issues and recommended by Area Administrator or above
• DCYF & Tribal employees, no performance issues and recommended by Area Administrator or above
• Non-DCYF employees, prioritizing those with minimum qualifications of a Social Service Specialist 3 (SSS3)

Application Packet 

Advanced Standing program: Students will complete the steps below by the deadline in order to complete the application process - see the Important Dates box to the right. Applicants must attend the information meeting before applying.

Step 1: Prepare for your application

• Identify names and emails of 2 references, at least 1 professional
• Ensure your resume is current
• Download your UW Tacoma MSW admissions letter
• Write a two-page, double-spaced essay (following the AI statement below) on:
  
  • Non-DCYF-Employee MSW Program Applicant: "Why are you interested in working within the public child welfare system"
  • DCYF Employee Applicant: "Why are you interested in continuing to work within the public child welfare system"
• If you are a DCYF Employee, get a signed and approved Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) Employee Participation form
• Get clear scans of your driver's license and either your social security card or your passport (or you can bring them into the office for verification)

Step 2: Send the CWTAP letter of reference form to your references

• This form has specific questions for your references

Step 3: Complete the Application Form online and upload your documents

Step 4: Complete the following forms on DocuSign

• Employee Eligibility Verification (I-9) form
• Background Check Authorization form (no cost to the student)
• Mandated Reporting Expectations form

IMPORTANT: Your application is not considered complete until you have submitted the online Application Form, the DocuSign forms, and we have received both of your letters of reference

Statement on the use of AI

Applicants applying to CWTAP are expected to create and submit original application essays without the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) content generators, such as ChatGPT.  By submitting your application, you are confirming that except for minor editorial assistance, you wrote all your own application materials and understand the importance of academic and professional honesty and integrity.