J-1 Visa Clinical Social Work Jobs
Clinical Social Work positions in the U.S. are accessible to international professionals through the J-1 visa Trainee and Research Scholar program categories, which require a designated State Department sponsor to issue your DS-2019 form. Finding a host employer willing to coordinate with a sponsor organization is where J-1 sponsorship for this field begins.
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305 Caledonia Clinic
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
First Shift (United States of America)
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
Master’s Level Internship Program Overview: 2026 - 2027 Academic Year
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services offers a one-year Master’s Level Internship Program for students in Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work. This program is designed to support emerging clinicians as they transition from academic training into professional practice through structured, supervised clinical experiences across the behavioral health continuum.
Program Structure
The internship follows a developmental learning model that allows interns to progress at an individualized pace through four stages:
- Stage 1: Organizational and departmental onboarding
- Stage 2: Supervisor-led sessions with intern observation
- Stage 3: Intern-led sessions with supervisor observation
- Stage 4: Increased independence with ongoing supervisory oversight
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Interns may be placed in a variety of clinical settings based on program availability, educational requirements, and career interests, including: Inpatient and Outpatient Services, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Residential Care, Child & Adolescent Services, Psychological Assessment & Testing, School-Based Counseling (K–12), Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Urgent Care and Crisis Services.
Learning Environment
Interns are integrated into interdisciplinary teams and supported through a structured training environment that includes scheduled didactic learning and exposure to Pine Rest leadership and clinical professionals. The program emphasizes professional development, ethical practice, and preparation for post-graduate clinical roles.
Why Apply to the Pine Rest Internship Program?
- Supervised clinical hours structured to meet graduate program requirements
- Progressive learning model that supports skill development from observation to greater clinical independence
- Diverse clinical exposure across multiple levels of care and specialty populations
- Interdisciplinary team experience within a large, well-established behavioral health system
- Strong preparation for post-graduate practice, licensure, and early career success
- Supportive learning environment focused on ethical, person-centered, and recovery-oriented care
Master's Level Intern – Outpatient Clinical Therapist
What Will you Do?
As an Intern at Pine Rest, you’ll be part of a tight-knit team that believes in the healing power of your expertise and compassion. The Intern – Clinical Outpatient Therapist is responsible to be a student intern who provides assessment, counseling, treatment and gives referrals and advocacy services for patients under the supervision of a licensed professional. Is also responsible for upholding the highest quality care, keeping with all standards and bylaws set by government agencies as well as Pine Rest. Intern - Clinical Outpatient Therapist Intern must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.
Our Interns are driven to make an impact in the lives of those we serve and are motivated by the healing they witness first-hand each day. They are dedicated to excellent customer service, enthusiastic about the care we offer, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse workplace.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participates in the interviewing of persons served and assessing them through mental status as well as reviewing records obtained from other patient care staff.
- Selects and completes appropriate therapeutic interventions based upon clinical knowledge base and educational background (to include individual, group, family, experiential, and evidence based models).
- Collaborates with other treatment team members regarding patients’ progress through interdisciplinary team meetings, record review, and informal discussions.
- Ensures that medical record documentation protocols are complied with. Ensures that persons’ served progress notes are entered into the medical records on a timely basis and in accordance with established organizational and departmental procedures.
- May coordinate services and community resources as needed and assist persons served in obtaining them.
- Participates regularly in departmental and staff meetings. Serves on programs or organizational committees as required and as time and workload allow.
- Maintains all Michigan licensure requirements.
- Builds knowledge of current trends and developments in treatment and counseling through the use of appropriate professional literature, medical workshops and publications. Fulfills continuing education requirements as per PRCMHS departmental policies.
- Participates in education and training programs for persons served, families, or community groups.
- May conduct research.
- May be required to support and promote a recovery focused environment and person-centered approach within the program.
What Does the Role Require?
Education/Experience:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s level program in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work.
Notice:
Pine Rest 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.
All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.
NOTICE: Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.
Cost Center
305 Caledonia Clinic
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Work Shift
First Shift (United States of America)
Who Are We?
We at Pine Rest believe in the power of healing and that everyone in our community has the right to expert care for mental health and substance use disorders. We are much more than just the third largest non-profit behavioral health system in the country, our 220-acre main campus, and our network of clinical sites across Michigan. We are a tight-knit community of healers who witness the impact of our life-changing work each day.
Each day, we are closing the gaps in access to care. We are innovating through leading-edge research, testing, programs, and treatment modalities that others replicate across the country. Our services include a state-of-the-art psychiatric urgent care center and a soon-to-be-built pediatric behavioral health center, outpatient, inpatient, partial hospitalization (day programs), assessment and testing, residential, addiction treatment and specialty services such as crisis response, employee assistance programs, forensic psychiatry and psychology, and neuromodulation. On-the-job educational programs for nurses, psychologists, advanced practice providers, psychiatrists, and chaplains are equipping the next generation of care providers.
We are passionate about serving and are honored to be a part of this incredible work.
Master’s Level Internship Program Overview: 2026 - 2027 Academic Year
Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services offers a one-year Master’s Level Internship Program for students in Counseling, Psychology, and Social Work. This program is designed to support emerging clinicians as they transition from academic training into professional practice through structured, supervised clinical experiences across the behavioral health continuum.
Program Structure
The internship follows a developmental learning model that allows interns to progress at an individualized pace through four stages:
- Stage 1: Organizational and departmental onboarding
- Stage 2: Supervisor-led sessions with intern observation
- Stage 3: Intern-led sessions with supervisor observation
- Stage 4: Increased independence with ongoing supervisory oversight
Clinical Placement Opportunities
Interns may be placed in a variety of clinical settings based on program availability, educational requirements, and career interests, including: Inpatient and Outpatient Services, Partial Hospitalization Programs, Residential Care, Child & Adolescent Services, Psychological Assessment & Testing, School-Based Counseling (K–12), Substance Use Disorder Treatment, and Urgent Care and Crisis Services.
Learning Environment
Interns are integrated into interdisciplinary teams and supported through a structured training environment that includes scheduled didactic learning and exposure to Pine Rest leadership and clinical professionals. The program emphasizes professional development, ethical practice, and preparation for post-graduate clinical roles.
Why Apply to the Pine Rest Internship Program?
- Supervised clinical hours structured to meet graduate program requirements
- Progressive learning model that supports skill development from observation to greater clinical independence
- Diverse clinical exposure across multiple levels of care and specialty populations
- Interdisciplinary team experience within a large, well-established behavioral health system
- Strong preparation for post-graduate practice, licensure, and early career success
- Supportive learning environment focused on ethical, person-centered, and recovery-oriented care
Master's Level Intern – Outpatient Clinical Therapist
What Will you Do?
As an Intern at Pine Rest, you’ll be part of a tight-knit team that believes in the healing power of your expertise and compassion. The Intern – Clinical Outpatient Therapist is responsible to be a student intern who provides assessment, counseling, treatment and gives referrals and advocacy services for patients under the supervision of a licensed professional. Is also responsible for upholding the highest quality care, keeping with all standards and bylaws set by government agencies as well as Pine Rest. Intern - Clinical Outpatient Therapist Intern must demonstrate excellent customer service and have enthusiasm about the program and the Pine Rest organization.
Our Interns are driven to make an impact in the lives of those we serve and are motivated by the healing they witness first-hand each day. They are dedicated to excellent customer service, enthusiastic about the care we offer, and foster a sense of belonging and empowerment in a diverse workplace.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities:
- Participates in the interviewing of persons served and assessing them through mental status as well as reviewing records obtained from other patient care staff.
- Selects and completes appropriate therapeutic interventions based upon clinical knowledge base and educational background (to include individual, group, family, experiential, and evidence based models).
- Collaborates with other treatment team members regarding patients’ progress through interdisciplinary team meetings, record review, and informal discussions.
- Ensures that medical record documentation protocols are complied with. Ensures that persons’ served progress notes are entered into the medical records on a timely basis and in accordance with established organizational and departmental procedures.
- May coordinate services and community resources as needed and assist persons served in obtaining them.
- Participates regularly in departmental and staff meetings. Serves on programs or organizational committees as required and as time and workload allow.
- Maintains all Michigan licensure requirements.
- Builds knowledge of current trends and developments in treatment and counseling through the use of appropriate professional literature, medical workshops and publications. Fulfills continuing education requirements as per PRCMHS departmental policies.
- Participates in education and training programs for persons served, families, or community groups.
- May conduct research.
- May be required to support and promote a recovery focused environment and person-centered approach within the program.
What Does the Role Require?
Education/Experience:
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Master’s level program in Counseling, Psychology, or Social Work.
Notice:
Pine Rest 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.
All new employees are subject to a criminal background check and education verification which may include sending a copy of your high school diploma, GED, or college transcripts.
NOTICE: Successful completion of a drug screen prior to employment is also part of our background process.
See all J-1 Visa Clinical Social Work Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Clinical Social Work Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship in Clinical Social Work
Verify your LCSW credential transfers correctly
Licensure requirements for clinical social workers vary by state, and your foreign credential may need evaluation before a host employer can justify your training plan. Research state-specific licensure boards early so your DS-2019 training objectives align with what that state recognizes.
Target host employers with structured supervision capacity
J-1 Trainee programs for clinical social work require a written training plan and an on-site supervisor. Hospitals, community mental health centers, and university counseling programs are more likely to have the supervision infrastructure that designated sponsors require before issuing a DS-2019.
Search for J-1-friendly roles on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers and clinical social work roles that align with J-1 sponsorship pathways. Filtering by employer type helps you prioritize organizations already familiar with hosting international exchange visitors.
Confirm whether your field triggers the two-year rule
Many clinical social work J-1 participants are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement, particularly if funded by a government or if your home country has designated your field as needed. Check your DS-2019 and J-1 visa stamp for the 212(e) notation before accepting an offer.
Align your training plan with your program category
Designated sponsors such as CIEE or Cultural Vistas will only issue a DS-2019 if your proposed activities match a recognized J-1 category. Trainee is for post-degree professionals within five years of graduation; Research Scholar fits academic or clinical research roles at universities or research hospitals.
Get a written host agreement before approaching a sponsor
Designated sponsor organizations require documented commitment from your host employer before processing your DS-2019. Secure a formal offer letter or memorandum of understanding from the employer first, then initiate the DS-2019 application through an appropriate sponsor.
Clinical Social Work J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to clinical social workers?
Most clinical social work professionals qualify under the J-1 Trainee category, which covers post-degree professionals within five years of graduation who are gaining practical training in their field. If your role involves clinical research at a university hospital or academic institution, the Research Scholar category may apply instead. Your designated sponsor determines which category fits your specific situation and training objectives.
Who actually sponsors a J-1 visa for a clinical social work position?
The visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not the hiring employer. Organizations such as CIEE, Cultural Vistas, or AIPT issue the DS-2019 form and oversee program compliance. Your host employer, the hospital or mental health agency where you will work, coordinates with the sponsor but is legally separate from the sponsoring organization that holds your J-1 status.
How do I find clinical social work employers open to hosting J-1 exchange visitors?
Use Migrate Mate to search for U.S. clinical social work roles and employers that align with J-1 sponsorship pathways. Because not every employer is familiar with the host organization obligations, filtering by employer type, such as hospital systems, university counseling centers, or community mental health agencies, helps you prioritize organizations with relevant experience hosting international exchange visitors.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect clinical social workers on J-1 visas?
It can. Clinical social workers whose J-1 program is funded by their home government, or whose home country lists social work as a field in shortage, are typically subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under INA 212(e). This means you must return home for two years before changing to H-1B visa or permanent resident status unless you obtain a waiver. Your DS-2019 and visa stamp will indicate whether 212(e) applies to you.
What documentation does a host employer need to support a J-1 Trainee application in clinical social work?
The designated sponsor will require a detailed training plan from the host employer that outlines your learning objectives, supervision structure, and how the program differs from ordinary employment. The host employer must also demonstrate that the training cannot be obtained in your home country and that the experience is primarily educational rather than filling a labor need. A formal offer letter and evidence of supervision capacity are typically required before the DS-2019 is issued.