J-1 Visa Counselor Jobs
Counselor roles in the United States are accessible to international exchange visitors through J-1 visa sponsorship, most commonly under the Trainee or Specialist program category. Designated sponsors issue the DS-2019 form, while your host employer provides the clinical or program setting. No lottery or annual cap applies.
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School Counselor Intern Grant Position for UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative
Role Mission:
Students and families are the most important stakeholders at IDEA Public Schools. The role of School Counselor Intern, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, co-leads the campus family engagement vision, social emotional learning program, and coordination of mental health and counseling supports for all scholars on the campus.
Our key tenets of family engagement, social emotional learning, and student social emotional support are implemented through the role of the School Counselor Intern, with guidance from the campus assigned School Counselor, to ensure all staff are building authentic relationships with students and families. Data maintenance and analysis is an integral component of effective school-based intervention implementation. The School Counselor Intern will assist the campus assigned School Counselor to direct and hold all campus team members accountable to fulfill their role.
When the work is lead effectively, the entire school staff is clear on their roles in supporting students and families, has the data needed to drive action, inspired, and supported to engage with students and parents in a meaningful way which would result in meeting the goal for all students to have the academic and social skills they need to achieve their goal of going to and through college. Through this work, School Counselor Interns, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, ensure our schools are a place where students feel safe physically and emotionally safe and therefore can learn, grow, and succeed in and outside of the classroom.
- Fall 26-27 Opening
- Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm fulfil the required intern hours in 1 UTRGV semester, as set by UTRGV School Counselor Program in collaboration with the UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative Grant
This is a UTRGV MHS-DGP grant funded position and funding may be extended. A grant-funded position has no guarantee of ongoing and indefinite employment. All duties and responsibilities tied to this position are allowable and allocable to the grant.
Location:
Rio Grande Valley Region: This is a part-time on-site position located in Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, or who are willing to relocate.
Travel Expectations:
Travel is expected. As part of this role, the Social Worker Intern will serve campuses across the Rio Grande Valley and must maintain a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. This role qualifies for mileage reimbursement. 20%-30% of travel shall be expected.
What You Bring - Competencies
Qualifications
Education: Working to obtain Master's degree in School counseling through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Experience: Previous experience in a school or school setting
* License or Certification: Working to Obtain TX School Counselor Certificate or Mental Health Provider License through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Knowledge and Skills:
Proven track record of success
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage student behavior
Belief in and alignment with IDEA’s mission and values is non-negotiable
* Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
What You’ll Do - Accountabilities
90% Student Persistence
Co-Leads the execution of the school vision for retaining all students at the school by directing and managing all stakeholders at the campus in their roles and responsibilities in family engagement and student persistence.
Provides individual/group counseling for at-risk students and refers students who need intense or specialized services campus-based Licensed Mental Health Provider and/or outside agencies.
Co-Leads the planning of and execution of student and family engagement events that are aligned to the school’s culture, community and family needs and promotes the authentic relationship building between the school and the family.
Co-Partners with the grade level teams to help identify and coordinate intervention for at-risk students with responsibility and accountability structures for Grade Level Admin, API’s, GTLs and Teachers.
Leads parent conversations and problem solves to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families in collaboration with campus lead team.
Maintain knowledge of community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs.
Directs implementation of state mandated guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising meetings with students to address social-emotional issues and provide campus-based supports.
90% New Student Persistence
Directs and manages through influence all campus team members to their role in family engagement to retain new students from year to year.
Co-Lead the planning and execution of specific new parent events to welcome the new parents to the campus and helps them integrate and get acclimated to the campus culture and expectations with campus lead team.
* Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising sessions with new students to build community and sense of belonging.
90% of assigned teachers use Move This World curriculum with fidelity (as defined by students interact with video program 3 days a week)
Co-Lead teacher and campus training on Move This World curriculum and implementation expectations.
Identify and utilize best practice strategies to invest and create a culture of excitement around the integration of an SEL curriculum in the daily schedule.
Conduct regular rotating co-observations of Move This World blocks using observation rubric. Provide teachers feedback on observation rubric at least 1x/month.
Co-Conduct BOY and EOY assessment on SEL competencies, school climate, safety, and sense of belonging. Review data and create action steps to address campus needs.
Campus earns an “A” on School Counselor Report Card
Collaborates with key stakeholders to meet district expectations for successful implementation of district family engagement and social emotional learning priorities
Co-Facilitates Family Engagement Events
Meets parent and student completion expectations in Fall and Spring survey administrations
Co-Facilitates bullying prevention month and mental health awareness month activities
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally)
Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
* Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a grant funded position in collaboration with the UTRGV Project – Mental Health Initiative.
Application process:
Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more about IDEA
At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
Description
School Counselor Intern Grant Position for UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative
Role Mission:
Students and families are the most important stakeholders at IDEA Public Schools. The role of School Counselor Intern, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, co-leads the campus family engagement vision, social emotional learning program, and coordination of mental health and counseling supports for all scholars on the campus.
Our key tenets of family engagement, social emotional learning, and student social emotional support are implemented through the role of the School Counselor Intern, with guidance from the campus assigned School Counselor, to ensure all staff are building authentic relationships with students and families. Data maintenance and analysis is an integral component of effective school-based intervention implementation. The School Counselor Intern will assist the campus assigned School Counselor to direct and hold all campus team members accountable to fulfill their role.
When the work is lead effectively, the entire school staff is clear on their roles in supporting students and families, has the data needed to drive action, inspired, and supported to engage with students and parents in a meaningful way which would result in meeting the goal for all students to have the academic and social skills they need to achieve their goal of going to and through college. Through this work, School Counselor Interns, with the assistance of the campus assigned School Counselor, ensure our schools are a place where students feel safe physically and emotionally safe and therefore can learn, grow, and succeed in and outside of the classroom.
- Fall 26-27 Opening
- Monday – Wednesday 8:30 am – 4:30 pm fulfil the required intern hours in 1 UTRGV semester, as set by UTRGV School Counselor Program in collaboration with the UTRGV Project MHS-DGP: A Mental Health Initiative Grant
This is a UTRGV MHS-DGP grant funded position and funding may be extended. A grant-funded position has no guarantee of ongoing and indefinite employment. All duties and responsibilities tied to this position are allowable and allocable to the grant.
Location:
Rio Grande Valley Region: This is a part-time on-site position located in Rio Grande Valley. Preference will be given to candidates who live in the Rio Grande Valley, or who are willing to relocate.
Travel Expectations:
Travel is expected. As part of this role, the Social Worker Intern will serve campuses across the Rio Grande Valley and must maintain a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. This role qualifies for mileage reimbursement. 20%-30% of travel shall be expected.
What You Bring - Competencies
Qualifications
Education: Working to obtain Master's degree in School counseling through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Experience: Previous experience in a school or school setting
* License or Certification: Working to Obtain TX School Counselor Certificate or Mental Health Provider License through UTRGV School Counseling Program
Knowledge and Skills:
Proven track record of success
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage student behavior
Belief in and alignment with IDEA’s mission and values is non-negotiable
* Ability to adjust and adapt to a multitude of situations in the school environment
What You’ll Do - Accountabilities
90% Student Persistence
Co-Leads the execution of the school vision for retaining all students at the school by directing and managing all stakeholders at the campus in their roles and responsibilities in family engagement and student persistence.
Provides individual/group counseling for at-risk students and refers students who need intense or specialized services campus-based Licensed Mental Health Provider and/or outside agencies.
Co-Leads the planning of and execution of student and family engagement events that are aligned to the school’s culture, community and family needs and promotes the authentic relationship building between the school and the family.
Co-Partners with the grade level teams to help identify and coordinate intervention for at-risk students with responsibility and accountability structures for Grade Level Admin, API’s, GTLs and Teachers.
Leads parent conversations and problem solves to ensure we are meeting the needs of our students and families in collaboration with campus lead team.
Maintain knowledge of community agencies as a resource to meet student and school needs.
Directs implementation of state mandated guidance lessons to all students to develop life skills, promote good character, and develop resilience.
Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising meetings with students to address social-emotional issues and provide campus-based supports.
90% New Student Persistence
Directs and manages through influence all campus team members to their role in family engagement to retain new students from year to year.
Co-Lead the planning and execution of specific new parent events to welcome the new parents to the campus and helps them integrate and get acclimated to the campus culture and expectations with campus lead team.
* Conducts individual and group check-ins and advising sessions with new students to build community and sense of belonging.
90% of assigned teachers use Move This World curriculum with fidelity (as defined by students interact with video program 3 days a week)
Co-Lead teacher and campus training on Move This World curriculum and implementation expectations.
Identify and utilize best practice strategies to invest and create a culture of excitement around the integration of an SEL curriculum in the daily schedule.
Conduct regular rotating co-observations of Move This World blocks using observation rubric. Provide teachers feedback on observation rubric at least 1x/month.
Co-Conduct BOY and EOY assessment on SEL competencies, school climate, safety, and sense of belonging. Review data and create action steps to address campus needs.
Campus earns an “A” on School Counselor Report Card
Collaborates with key stakeholders to meet district expectations for successful implementation of district family engagement and social emotional learning priorities
Co-Facilitates Family Engagement Events
Meets parent and student completion expectations in Fall and Spring survey administrations
Co-Facilitates bullying prevention month and mental health awareness month activities
Physical Requirements:
Must be able to sit for extended periods of time without being able to leave the work area.
Must be able to climb ladders or scaffolding, or climb and work in overhead areas
Must be able to work in a confined space or to crawl or move about on hands and knees.
Must be able to lift and carry or otherwise move 20 pounds (regularly/occasionally)
Physical ability to work around small children including sitting, standing, running and climbing stairs.
Must be able to lift and carry small children up to 40 pounds in case of emergency.
* Must be able to work in indoor and outdoor environments, including in times of excessive heat or cold
What We Offer:
Compensation & Benefits:
This is a grant funded position in collaboration with the UTRGV Project – Mental Health Initiative.
Application process:
Submit your application online through Jobvite. Please note that applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
Learn more about IDEA
At IDEA the Staff Experience Team uses our Core Values to promote human connection and a culture of integrity, respect, and belonging for all Team and Family members. Learn more about our Commitment to Core Values here: https://ideapublicschools.org/our-story/#core-values
See all J-1 Visa Counselor Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as a Counselor
Match your credentials to the right J-1 category
Counselors working in clinical, school, or rehabilitation settings may qualify as a Trainee or Specialist depending on degree level and field experience. Confirm which category your background fits before approaching host employers, since the DS-2019 is category-specific.
Document your licensure and supervised hours early
Many host organizations require proof of counseling licensure or supervised clinical hours before initiating the DS-2019 process. Gather your license certificate, transcripts, and any credential evaluation for international degrees before the first interview.
Search roles on Migrate Mate to find J-1-aligned host employers
Not every counseling employer is familiar with the DS-2019 process. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. organizations that have actively hosted J-1 visa exchange visitors in counseling and related behavioral health roles.
Ask whether the host has a designated sponsor relationship
Your host employer does not issue the J-1 visa directly. Ask during the offer stage whether they work with a designated sponsor such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE, or whether you will need to secure a sponsor independently before starting.
Clarify the two-year home residency requirement upfront
Counselors sponsored under certain J-1 categories, particularly those funded by a government or receiving specialized training, may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement. Confirm this before accepting an offer, since it affects future visa options including H-1B visa and green card pathways.
Align your training plan with the DS-2019 timeline
Designated sponsors require a signed training or exchange plan before issuing the DS-2019. Work with your host employer to finalize the objectives, duration, and supervision structure at least six to eight weeks before your intended start date.
Counselor J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category applies to counselors?
Most counseling professionals enter as a Trainee if they hold a relevant degree and have fewer than five years of post-degree experience, or as a Specialist if they bring recognized expertise in a specific counseling discipline. Current graduate students completing a practicum or internship may qualify under the Intern category instead. Your designated sponsor confirms which category applies based on your background.
Who actually sponsors the J-1 visa for a counselor position?
The J-1 visa sponsor is a U.S. Department of State-designated organization, not your employer. Organizations such as Cultural Vistas or CIEE issue the DS-2019 form and act as the legal program sponsor. Your host employer, such as a hospital, school, or nonprofit counseling center, provides the work setting but is not the visa sponsor in the legal sense.
How do I find counseling employers open to hosting J-1 exchange visitors?
Most counseling job postings do not advertise J-1 compatibility because the arrangement depends on whether the employer has an existing relationship with a designated sponsor. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on U.S. employers and counseling roles that align with exchange visitor programs, which shortens the time spent filtering unresponsive leads.
Does the two-year home residency requirement affect counselors on J-1?
It can. Counselors whose J-1 program is funded by a government agency or who receive graduate medical or specialized training may be subject to the two-year home residency requirement under INA Section 212(e). This requires returning to your home country for two years before applying for H-1B, L-1 visa, or immigrant visa status. A waiver is available in specific circumstances, including a no-objection statement from your home country or a request from a U.S. government agency.
Can a counselor on J-1 status bring family members to the United States?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you on J-2 dependent visas for the duration of your program. J-2 holders are eligible to apply for work authorization through USCIS, which is separate from your own J-1 status. Your designated sponsor will issue DS-2019 forms for each dependent as part of the program enrollment process.