H-1B Visa Youth Counselor Jobs
H-1B visa sponsorship for Youth Counselor roles is achievable when the position is structured around degree-level clinical or social science duties. Employers in residential treatment, community mental health, and school-based programs regularly file LCAs for counselors holding bachelor's or master's degrees in psychology, social work, or counseling.
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Get Access To All JobsFor over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Program Overview:
Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Behavioral Youth Counselor, also known as a Teacher Counselor:
- Teaches youth necessary life skills and provides for their daily physical care
- Assists in treatment planning for each youth
- Participates in youth transports to various locations (including but not limited to doctors' appointments, court dates, community outings, home passes, etc.)
- Participates in recreation therapy sessions with their assigned group of youth
- Helps youth develop and implement positive coping skills using therapeutic interventions
- Facilitates group therapy sessions to support youth building life skills, social skills, moral reasoning skills, and anger control skills
- Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
- The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
- Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
- Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
- Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
Schedule:
This position works on a non-traditional schedule and requires flexibility as it includes evening and weekend shifts. Behavioral Youth Counselors follow a Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday rotation, generally working between 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The weekend day may include a 16-hour shift based on campus staffing models. All staff are required to work at least 40 hours per week, with overtime at time and a half for additional hours. Specific campus schedules and rotation details will be discussed with the hiring manager in the interview process, and any adjustments for training or coverage will be communicated ahead of time.
Compensation:
Average annual salary ranges from $54,000 to $64,000, depending on schedule and hours worked. Time-and-a-half pay is provided for worked holidays.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (required)
- Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families (strongly preferred)
- Experience working with youth (required)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Basic computer knowledge
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
-
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
For over 35 years, Youth Villages has transformed the lives of children and families nationwide through innovative, research-based programs focused on preserving and restoring families.
As a national leader in children’s mental and behavioral health, we serve more than 47,000 youth, young people, and their families annually across 29 states and Washington, D.C. Our proven treatment models drive long-term success in child welfare, juvenile justice, and mental health systems. At Youth Villages, we do what works — partnering with others to expand our impact and advocate for meaningful, lasting change.
We're seeking purpose-driven individuals who are passionate about making a difference. With a dedicated team of more than 5,000 staff, Youth Villages is committed to investing in and supporting our employees by offering opportunities to build a fulfilling career through professional growth, personal development, and a mission that matters— helping children and families live successfully.
Program Overview:
Youth Villages' residential programs in Tennessee and Georgia provide safe, nurturing environments for youth ages 6 to 17 with complex behavioral and mental health challenges. These programs are offered across three types of facilities—secure facilities, open campuses, and group homes—each designed to meet the individual needs of youth exhibiting a range of referral behaviors, including aggression, self-harm, suicidal ideations, and problem sexual behavior.
Our residential campuses deliver an intensive treatment program that strikes a unique balance between structure and freedom, all while preparing youth for continued success outside of a residential setting. A key focus is to help each youth step down to the least restrictive treatment option possible by developing the skills they need to thrive in less structured environments through trauma-informed care, clinical interventions, life skills building, and recreation therapy (in selection locations). Most youth also attend fully accredited schools located on our campuses, ensuring their educational progress continues alongside therapeutic support.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The Behavioral Youth Counselor, also known as a Teacher Counselor:
- Teaches youth necessary life skills and provides for their daily physical care
- Assists in treatment planning for each youth
- Participates in youth transports to various locations (including but not limited to doctors' appointments, court dates, community outings, home passes, etc.)
- Participates in recreation therapy sessions with their assigned group of youth
- Helps youth develop and implement positive coping skills using therapeutic interventions
- Facilitates group therapy sessions to support youth building life skills, social skills, moral reasoning skills, and anger control skills
- Completes daily documentation (such as contact notes, milieu notes, and precautionary notes) in an electronic medical record system (EMR)
- Performs other duties as assigned
Additional Information:
- The supervision and treatment of youth requires prolonged periods of walking, standing, running, climbing stairs, and physical agility.
- Applicants must be able to participate in physical interventions when necessary and frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, occasionally more than 100 pounds.
- Applicants are required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and CPR trainings and pass an agility and strength evaluation.
- Applicants must possess a current, valid driver’s license.
Schedule:
This position works on a non-traditional schedule and requires flexibility as it includes evening and weekend shifts. Behavioral Youth Counselors follow a Sunday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Saturday rotation, generally working between 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM. The weekend day may include a 16-hour shift based on campus staffing models. All staff are required to work at least 40 hours per week, with overtime at time and a half for additional hours. Specific campus schedules and rotation details will be discussed with the hiring manager in the interview process, and any adjustments for training or coverage will be communicated ahead of time.
Compensation:
Average annual salary ranges from $54,000 to $64,000, depending on schedule and hours worked. Time-and-a-half pay is provided for worked holidays.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree (required)
- Experience working with at-risk youth and/or families (strongly preferred)
- Experience working with youth (required)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Basic computer knowledge
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
Youth Villages Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug Coverage and Vision
- 401(k)
- Time off:
-
- 2 week paid vacation (full-time) / 1 week paid vacation (part-time)
- 12 paid sick days per year
- 11 paid holidays
- Paid Parental Leave
- Mileage & Cell Phone Reimbursement (when applicable)
- Tuition reimbursement and licensure supervision
- Growth & development through continuous training
- Clinical and administrative advancement opportunities
Benefits are excluded for variable status employees.
Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.
See all H-1B Visa Youth Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Youth Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Youth Counselor
Align your credentials to specialty occupation requirements
Youth Counselor roles qualify as specialty occupations when tied to a specific degree field like psychology, social work, or counseling. Pull the O*NET profile for your SOC code before applying to confirm the degree requirement language matches your transcript.
Target employers with LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to identify agencies and treatment centers that have already filed certified LCAs for counseling roles. Prior filings signal that HR and legal teams understand the H-1B visa process, reducing friction during your offer negotiation.
Verify your worksite coverage before accepting an offer
Each worksite location requires its own certified LCA. If the role involves rotating between school campuses, group homes, or outpatient clinics, confirm your employer will file separate LCAs for each site before your start date.
Get your license transfer started immediately
Many states require a licensed professional counselor or social worker credential to supervise youth clients. Start your state licensure transfer or reciprocity application the moment you have a job offer, since delays can push your start date past your I-129 timeline.
Request premium processing if your start date is firm
Youth Counselor positions often have program-year start dates tied to school calendars or grant cycles. USCIS premium processing accelerates the I-129 adjudication to 15 business days, giving you a decision before a fixed program launch.
Confirm your wage tier using the OFLC Wage Search
DOL prevailing wages for counseling roles vary significantly by SOC code and county. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your exact worksite zip code to verify your offered salary meets at least the Level I prevailing wage before the LCA is filed.
H-1B Visa Youth Counselor: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Youth Counselor role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
It depends on how the position is structured. When an employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in psychology, social work, counseling, or a directly related field as a minimum requirement for the role, it qualifies as a specialty occupation. Positions that accept any bachelor's degree or list the degree as preferred rather than required will face USCIS scrutiny. The job description and educational requirement language in the LCA and I-129 are both reviewed.
Which types of employers most commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Youth Counselors?
Residential treatment centers, community mental health agencies, school districts, nonprofit family service organizations, and behavioral health hospital systems are the most active sponsors. These employers regularly file LCAs because their funding structures and licensing requirements already mandate degree-level clinical staff. You can browse verified sponsoring employers directly on Migrate Mate to target organizations with an established H-1B filing track record.
How long does H-1B status last for a Youth Counselor position?
USCIS grants initial H-1B status for up to three years, with one extension available for a total maximum of six years. Continued employment with the same employer allows extensions in three-year increments within that cap. If your employer begins a PERM labor certification during that window, additional extensions beyond six years may be available under AC21 portability rules.
What happens if my Youth Counselor role requires me to work at multiple school or clinic sites?
Each worksite requires its own certified LCA posted for ten consecutive business days before DOL submission. If your program operates across several campuses or partner agencies, your employer must file a separate LCA for each physical location. A single certified LCA does not cover worksites that were not listed at the time of filing, so confirm the worksite list with HR before the I-129 is submitted.
Does my state counseling license affect my H-1B petition for a Youth Counselor job?
Yes. USCIS reviews whether the role requires a state license as part of the specialty occupation analysis. If your position requires a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or similar credential to legally practice, you'll need to show that license is in hand or obtainable before your start date. Some employers file the I-129 with a letter confirming you're actively pursuing licensure, but approval is not guaranteed under that approach.