Green Card Social Work Jobs
Social work roles at hospitals, nonprofits, and government agencies can qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship through PERM labor certification. Employers must document recruitment efforts before filing, and MSW-holders often qualify under EB-2 advanced-degree pathways. Understanding how licensure requirements interact with sponsorship timelines gives you a real edge.
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Get Access To All JobsCounty of Santa Cruz
INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR:
SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR II
FAMILY & CHILDRENS SERVICES /ADULT
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Supplemental Questionnaire Required
Open and Promotional
Job # 26-SN8-01
Salary: $9,034 – 11,424 / Month
Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
THE JOB: Under general direction, plan, organize, supervise and review the work of social workers; and perform other work as required. The supervisor will be responsible for formulating and carrying out the most responsible and difficult casework; overseeing interagency coordination around complex cases; providing consultation to social workers in the areas of abuse and neglect of children or dependent adults; developing controls to accomplish work within framework of established laws, policies, procedures and priorities; reviewing and approving case summaries and service plans; assisting subordinates in developing and improving social work skills; scheduling emergency coverage and providing back-up response as needed; evaluating potential clients for program eligibility and making difficult decisions to accept and/or terminate clients from the program. THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WITH THE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION. The list established will be used to fill the current vacancy and it may also be used to fill other vacancies during the life of the eligible list.
County Equity Statement
Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.
Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.
THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENT TO A MASTER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK OR A MASTER’S DEGREE FROM A TWO-YEAR COUNSELING PROGRAM FROM AN ACCREDITED COLLEGE, AND TWO YEARS OF SOCIAL CASEWORK EXPERIENCE COMPARABLE TO A SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Special Requirements: Positions in this class require a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods, and casework management and organization; community resources; interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology; the scope and nature of current problems in the field of social work; the principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms; social casework objectives, principles and methods of the particular area of specialization, such as child and adult abuse, placement or long term care management of the frail and elderly, or the provision of services to criminal justice system involved youth, adults, or their families. Working knowledge of the functions of public social service agencies; the laws, policies and procedures of County social service programs; and the principles of supervision and training.
Ability to: Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff performing the most difficult, sensitive and complex casework services; assess employee development and provide training in casework techniques and practices; establish and maintain effective working relations with others; evaluate case problems and provide leadership and consultation to social workers in the development and implementation of case plans; understand, interpret and apply regulations and departmental policies and procedures; coordinate and integrate the work of subordinates; plan, schedule and conduct individual and group meetings; and prepare and present effective written, statistical and oral reports.
THE EXAMINATION: Your application and supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental questionnaire. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants. If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental questionnaire. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. Applications will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.
Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.
To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.
Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
ANNUAL LEAVE - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Available for vacation and/or sick leave.
HOLIDAYS - 14 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security.
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
DISABILITY INSURANCE - Employees in the General Representation Unit participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. This program is funded 100% by employee payroll deductions.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”
H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
Note: Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
County of Santa Cruz
SS/mg 9/26 LIVE Here WORK Here PLAY Here
County of Santa Cruz
INVITES YOU TO APPLY FOR:
SOCIAL WORK SUPERVISOR II
FAMILY & CHILDRENS SERVICES /ADULT
PROTECTIVE SERVICES
Supplemental Questionnaire Required
Open and Promotional
Job # 26-SN8-01
Salary: $9,034 – 11,424 / Month
Closing Date: Friday, September 25, 2026
THE JOB: Under general direction, plan, organize, supervise and review the work of social workers; and perform other work as required. The supervisor will be responsible for formulating and carrying out the most responsible and difficult casework; overseeing interagency coordination around complex cases; providing consultation to social workers in the areas of abuse and neglect of children or dependent adults; developing controls to accomplish work within framework of established laws, policies, procedures and priorities; reviewing and approving case summaries and service plans; assisting subordinates in developing and improving social work skills; scheduling emergency coverage and providing back-up response as needed; evaluating potential clients for program eligibility and making difficult decisions to accept and/or terminate clients from the program. THE CURRENT VACANCY IS IN THE HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WITH THE ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES DIVISION. The list established will be used to fill the current vacancy and it may also be used to fill other vacancies during the life of the eligible list.
County Equity Statement
Equity in action in Santa Cruz County is a transformative process that embraces individuals of every status, providing unwavering support, dignity, and compassion.
Through this commitment, the County ensures intentional opportunities and access, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and belong.
THE REQUIREMENTS: Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:
TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE EQUIVALENT TO A MASTER’S DEGREE IN SOCIAL WORK OR A MASTER’S DEGREE FROM A TWO-YEAR COUNSELING PROGRAM FROM AN ACCREDITED COLLEGE, AND TWO YEARS OF SOCIAL CASEWORK EXPERIENCE COMPARABLE TO A SENIOR SOCIAL WORKER IN SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Special Requirements: Positions in this class require a valid California Class C Driver License or the employee must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the appointing authority.
Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of social casework objectives, principles and methods, and casework management and organization; community resources; interviewing techniques and problem solving methodology; the scope and nature of current problems in the field of social work; the principles of human behavior and development and psychological defense mechanisms; social casework objectives, principles and methods of the particular area of specialization, such as child and adult abuse, placement or long term care management of the frail and elderly, or the provision of services to criminal justice system involved youth, adults, or their families. Working knowledge of the functions of public social service agencies; the laws, policies and procedures of County social service programs; and the principles of supervision and training.
Ability to: Plan, organize, supervise and evaluate the work of subordinate staff performing the most difficult, sensitive and complex casework services; assess employee development and provide training in casework techniques and practices; establish and maintain effective working relations with others; evaluate case problems and provide leadership and consultation to social workers in the development and implementation of case plans; understand, interpret and apply regulations and departmental policies and procedures; coordinate and integrate the work of subordinates; plan, schedule and conduct individual and group meetings; and prepare and present effective written, statistical and oral reports.
THE EXAMINATION: Your application and supplemental questionnaire will be reviewed to determine if you have met the education, experience, training and/or licensing requirements as stated on the job announcement. If you meet these criteria and are one of the best qualified, you may be required to compete in any combination of written, oral and/or performance examinations or a competitive evaluation of training and experience as described on your application and supplemental questionnaire. You must pass all components of the examination to be placed on the eligible list. The examination may be eliminated if there are ten or fewer qualified applicants. If the eligible list is established without the administration of the announced examination, the life of the eligible list will be six months and your overall score will be based upon an evaluation of your application and supplemental questionnaire. If during those six months it is necessary to administer another examination for this job class, you will be invited to take the examination to remain on the eligible list.
HOW TO APPLY: Apply online at www.santacruzcountyjobs.com or mail/bring an application and supplemental questionnaire to: Santa Cruz County Human Resources Department, 701 Ocean Street, Room 510, Santa Cruz, CA 95060. For information, call (831) 454-2600. Hearing Impaired TDD/TTY: 711. Applications will meet the final filing date if received: 1) in the Human Resources Department by 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date, 2) submitted online before midnight of the final filing date.
Women, people of color and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you have a disability that requires test accommodation, please call (831) 454-2600.
To comply with the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, Santa Cruz County verifies that all new employees are either U.S. citizens or persons authorized to work in the U.S.
Some positions may require fingerprinting and/or background investigation.
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:
ANNUAL LEAVE - 22 days first year, increasing to 37 days after 15 years of service. Available for vacation and/or sick leave.
HOLIDAYS - 14 paid holidays per year.
BEREAVEMENT LEAVE - 3 days paid in California, 5 days paid out-of-state.
MEDICAL PLAN - The County contracts with CalPERS for a variety of medical plans. For most plans, County contributions pay a majority of the premiums for employees and eligible dependents.
DENTAL PLAN - County pays for employee and eligible dependent coverage.
VISION PLAN - County pays for employee coverage. Employee may purchase eligible dependent coverage.
RETIREMENT - Pension formula 2% at age 60 or 2% at age 62 as determined based on provisions of the CA Public Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013(PEPRA). Pension benefit determined by final average compensation of three years. County participates in Social Security.
LIFE INSURANCE - County paid $20,000 term policy. Employee may purchase additional life insurance.
DISABILITY INSURANCE - Employees in the General Representation Unit participate in the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. This program is funded 100% by employee payroll deductions.
DEPENDENT-CARE PLAN - Employees who make contributions for child or dependent care may elect to have their contributions made utilizing “pre-tax dollars.”
H-CARE PLAN - Employees who pay a County medical premium may elect this pre-tax program.
HEALTH CARE FLEXIBLE SPENDING ALLOWANCE (HCFSA) - Employees may elect this pre-tax program to cover qualifying health care expenses.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION - A deferred compensation plan is available to employees.
Note: Provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
County of Santa Cruz
SS/mg 9/26 LIVE Here WORK Here PLAY Here
See all 79+ Green Card Social Work Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Green Card Social Work Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Green Card Sponsorship in Social Work
Align your MSW with EB-2 requirements
An MSW from a regionally accredited program generally satisfies the EB-2 advanced-degree requirement. Confirm your transcript shows the degree conferral date and major field, since USCIS reviewers use those details to classify the petition correctly.
Target employers with PERM filing history
Hospitals, county human services departments, and federally funded nonprofits file PERM most often for social workers. Search OFLC disclosure data by SOC code 21-1020 to see which agencies have certified applications in your target state.
Check state licensure before the PERM clock starts
Many PERM job descriptions require a state clinical license such as LCSW or LMSW. If your license is pending, clarify with the employer whether the offer letter will list licensure as a condition of employment or a requirement at time of filing.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring employers fast
Filtering job postings by green card sponsorship history saves weeks of manual research. Migrate Mate surfaces social work roles at employers with active PERM and I-140 filing records so you can focus your applications where sponsorship is already established.
Understand the PERM prevailing wage before negotiating
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your specific job zone and location. Run your role through the OFLC Wage Search before your offer conversation so you can identify whether the posted salary meets the certification threshold.
Plan for concurrent filing if your priority date allows
If your country of birth is not subject to EB-3 backlog and the employer has an approved I-140, you may file I-485 adjustment of status concurrently with the I-140 petition. Confirm current Visa Bulletin dates with USCIS before your employer submits the I-140.
Green Card Social Work: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a social work job qualify for EB-2 or EB-3 sponsorship?
Most social work positions qualify for EB-3 as skilled workers requiring a bachelor's or master's degree. Clinical roles that specifically require an MSW often qualify for EB-2 under the advanced-degree category. The classification depends on how the employer drafts the minimum requirements in the PERM job description, so that language matters more than your actual credentials.
How does green card sponsorship differ from H-1B for social workers?
The PERM green card process leads to permanent residency rather than a temporary status, and EB-3 has no annual cap lottery. H-1B visa requires a cap registration each spring and grants only three-year increments. Green card sponsorship involves a longer PERM recruitment phase, often six to twelve months before the I-140 is filed, but the outcome is permanent status rather than a renewable nonimmigrant visa.
Which employers sponsor social workers for green cards?
Use Migrate Mate to search for social work roles filtered by employers with PERM filing history. Hospitals with integrated behavioral health teams, county departments of social services, Veterans Affairs facilities, and large nonprofit service providers are the most active sponsors. Government agencies at the state and federal level often qualify as Schedule A or cap-exempt employers, which can streamline the PERM process.
Does my state clinical license affect the PERM filing timeline?
Yes. If the job description lists a state license such as LCSW or LMSW as a requirement, USCIS and DOL expect the requirement to reflect what is standard in the field, not a condition tailored to exclude U.S. workers. If you hold the license in one state but the job is in another, confirm reciprocity or endorsement timelines before the employer finalizes the PERM prevailing wage request.
Can my employer start PERM before my OPT or H-1B expires?
Yes, and starting early is strongly recommended. PERM labor certification alone can take six to eighteen months, and the I-140 adds additional processing time on top of that. Employers can begin PERM recruitment while you are still in valid status on OPT or H-1B, since PERM approval only establishes a priority date and does not itself grant any immigration benefit.