School Social Worker Jobs for OPT Students
School Social Worker jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in social work, counseling, or a related field. Most positions require state licensure, which can take time to obtain, so starting the licensure process early alongside your OPT application is essential for a smooth transition into the role.
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School Social Worker
One City Schools is Growing! Join our Dream Team! We are seeking to hire an experienced, inspiring, nurturing, fun, thoughtful and detailed-oriented professional to serve as a School Social Worker on our Family and Community Initiatives team. This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and an unbelievable opportunity to help redefine public education in Wisconsin, while doing something exceptional for children.
Our School Social Worker will help parents, students and school staff identify needs that interfere with learning, and work with students and families to get the services they need. They must be effective at working with teachers, young children, and collaborating with a dynamic school leadership team, other team members, parents, service providers, volunteers and partners.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Positions will remain open until filled
All new One City team members participate in a fun, informative and engaging New Employee Orientation and significant professional development in our school design, two generation strategy and social work model. They will work in partnership with our other School Social Worker, support students and families in our schools, and report to One City's VP of Family and Community Initiatives.
BACKGROUND ON ONE CITY SCHOOLS
One City Schools is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that provides high quality educational opportunities for young children. Our mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation. Our vision is of a Greater Madison community where there are no persistent achievement and opportunity gaps, and where all children are prepared to contribute and succeed as adults. To this end, One City’s goal is to ensure young children are prepared to read, compute and succeed at grade level by the time they reach first grade. More importantly, we aim to partner with families and the broader community to cultivate children who become free, global and deep thinkers, curious learners, effective problem solvers, humanitarians, happy people and young people who care about the world around them.
In Fall 2022, One City will operate three schools: One City Preschool, an accredited 5-star preschool serving children ages 2 and 3, One City Expeditionary Elementary School, a public charter elementary school that will enroll children in 4K through fifth grade (growing from 4K through fourth grade currently), and One City Preparatory Academy, a public secondary school that will enroll children in Grades 6, 9, and 10 initially then will grow to Grades 6-12 by 2024.
One City Preschool is accredited by the City of Madison and was awarded 5 (of 5) stars through Wisconsin's YoungStar Child Care Rating System. Our Preschool was awarded Best of Madison in Child Care in 2018.
One City Elementary School (OCES) is a unique, two-generation public school, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, that provides a tuition-free education to children in grades 4K through Grade 4 at 1707 W Broadway on the border of Madison and Monona and works directly with families to ensure children are learning, inspired and making solid progress. We have a longer school year (219 days vs 180 days in traditional public schools) and a longer school day (8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily), including 90-minute co-curricular learning academies in Sports, Fitness, STEM and Creative and Performing Arts. OCES is an EL Education Network School, offering the highly regarded Expeditionary Learning curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our 4K program is built exclusively around the AnjiPlay program from Anji, China. AnjiPlay will also serve as a supplement to children in Kindergarten and above as well.
One City Preparatory Academy (OCPA) is a unique 6th-12th grade school that combines the features of an EL Education Network School and an Early College and Career Model. OCPA will offer the highly regarded Expeditionary Learning curriculum in sixth through eighth grades and a blended high school, college, and career experience in high school. It is also a unique, two-generation public school, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, that provides a tuition-free education to children, and works directly with families to ensure children are inspired, learning, growing, and achieving to their full potential. OCPA begins its first year of operation in September of 2022 with sixth grade, ninth grade, and tenth grade while One City Elementary School (Grades 4K-5) will enter its fifth year.
In Fall of 2021, we moved into our permanent home, a $12 million facility located at 1707 W. Broadway in Monona, Wisconsin, a small city located on the South Side of our capital city. This 13.5 acre campus includes a 157,000 school facility that will serve 888 K - 12 scholars by 2024. The master campus plan includes a new 140,000 square foot athletic center with a high school/college-sized indoor soccer field, two high school/college sized basketball courts, weight training and cardio rooms, locker rooms, and underground access to our school facility. Our campus also includes a wooded nature area for science and outdoor learning, and outdoor play space. The campus is situated just 5 blocks from Lake Monona, just north of Lake Waubesa, and 10 minutes from downtown Madison.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Social Worker is important to ensuring high levels of student achievement and success at One City. They work with general and special education students, and their families, to resolve social, emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with students’ educational success and development. We do this through:
- assessment
- consultation with school staff and community providers
- development and implementation of behavior management plans
- providing indirect and direct services
Overall, One City’s School Social Worker will help to bridge school, home and community to help students achieve to their full potential.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES:
- Develop and implement intervention and prevention programs that assist in the reduction of at-risk students, including implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) utilizing evidenced-based interventions;
- Participate on problem-solving teams to support student success and collaborate with community agencies to promote accessibility of services to the school community and inclusion of student families;
- Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline;
- Personalize student supports through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available;
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents and the school community for the purpose of fostering individual student success and growth while engaging the families in the therapy program;
- Support the professional development of colleagues through referrals, collaboration with outside services, and linking services and intervention strategies to the classroom to enhance the student’s overall educational development;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, parents, organizational partners, service providers and volunteers;
- Participate in various meetings for the purpose of addressing student goals and needs, and to meet laws/policies;
- Maintain and submit information/records including student progress for all students;
- Maintain consistent attendance, and implement and comply with One City’s policies and procedures;
- Advocate for One City’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility;
- Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students;
- Perform related duties as assigned by the administration in accordance with school district policies and procedures; and attend Professional Development with One City's education partners, as necessary.
PROFESSIONALISM
- Model appropriate behavior rooted in One City’s Habits of Character: integrity, self-respect, compassion, perseverance and a willingness to encourage and allow students to take risks;
- Maintain appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance & appropriate use of planning time;
- Build and maintain strong relationships with our instructional, student support, and school leadership teams;
- Strive to communicate the positive aspects of One City to the public in word and deed;
- Help maintain a clean and orderly educational environment and facility, and at all times shows grace and support when engaging children, parents and guests who utilize or visit One City; and
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong commitment to the mission, vision, goals and objectives of One City, and to working with young children from diverse racial/cultural populations and their families.
- Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children ages 18 and under, and their families, is required.
- Valid Wisconsin Certification, or eligible for certification. One City will help you secure your certification, if hired.
- Knowledge of subject matter/course content and resources relevant to assignment.
- Knowledge of and skills in using effective strategies and practices specific to various challenges and disabilities.
- Knowledge of and skills in administering, scoring and interpreting relevant assessments.
- Knowledge and understanding of child development and communication development.
- Skills in managing and promoting positive student behavior and using data to assess, monitor, and inform instruction for student growth; skills and abilities in organization, time management, and record keeping.
- Ability to operate a computer and the skills to learn and utilize software and other technology in instruction.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals in a team setting.
- Ability to interact positively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and administrators.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Success working in an urban setting with students from diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Excellent judgment, growth mindset, communication and creative problem-solving skills.
- Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive.
- Understands challenges and opportunities in a start-up public charter school environment.
- Ability to regularly and routinely lift and push at least 50 pounds.
- Completion of a background check required.
COMPENSATION AND EVALUATION
One City offers salaries and wages that are competitive within our local market and area public schools, as well as comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees. Compensation includes:
- Minimum $50,000+, depending knowledge, experience and demonstrated impact on student achievement and children's success
- Generous time-off program, including 18 Days of PTO and holidays, spring break and winter break (same dates as the Madison Metropolitan School District); Although we have a longer school year, between scheduled breaks and PTO, staff receive nearly 60 days off
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental and vision)
- Comprehensive professional development
- 401K with employer match of 5.9%
- Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
- Your age-eligible child automatically admitted to One City Schools
- Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
- Investment in Professional Growth and Development
- Employee Assistant Plan
Compensation will be consistent with One City’s approved compensation plan as stipulated by the Board of Directors.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
One City is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all team members and applicants, and to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

School Social Worker
One City Schools is Growing! Join our Dream Team! We are seeking to hire an experienced, inspiring, nurturing, fun, thoughtful and detailed-oriented professional to serve as a School Social Worker on our Family and Community Initiatives team. This is a full-time position with comprehensive benefits, competitive pay and an unbelievable opportunity to help redefine public education in Wisconsin, while doing something exceptional for children.
Our School Social Worker will help parents, students and school staff identify needs that interfere with learning, and work with students and families to get the services they need. They must be effective at working with teachers, young children, and collaborating with a dynamic school leadership team, other team members, parents, service providers, volunteers and partners.
DEADLINE TO APPLY:
Positions will remain open until filled
All new One City team members participate in a fun, informative and engaging New Employee Orientation and significant professional development in our school design, two generation strategy and social work model. They will work in partnership with our other School Social Worker, support students and families in our schools, and report to One City's VP of Family and Community Initiatives.
BACKGROUND ON ONE CITY SCHOOLS
One City Schools is a Wisconsin-based nonprofit organization that provides high quality educational opportunities for young children. Our mission is to seed a new model of public education that ensures young children are on track to succeed in a college or career preparatory program from birth through high school graduation. Our vision is of a Greater Madison community where there are no persistent achievement and opportunity gaps, and where all children are prepared to contribute and succeed as adults. To this end, One City’s goal is to ensure young children are prepared to read, compute and succeed at grade level by the time they reach first grade. More importantly, we aim to partner with families and the broader community to cultivate children who become free, global and deep thinkers, curious learners, effective problem solvers, humanitarians, happy people and young people who care about the world around them.
In Fall 2022, One City will operate three schools: One City Preschool, an accredited 5-star preschool serving children ages 2 and 3, One City Expeditionary Elementary School, a public charter elementary school that will enroll children in 4K through fifth grade (growing from 4K through fourth grade currently), and One City Preparatory Academy, a public secondary school that will enroll children in Grades 6, 9, and 10 initially then will grow to Grades 6-12 by 2024.
One City Preschool is accredited by the City of Madison and was awarded 5 (of 5) stars through Wisconsin's YoungStar Child Care Rating System. Our Preschool was awarded Best of Madison in Child Care in 2018.
One City Elementary School (OCES) is a unique, two-generation public school, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, that provides a tuition-free education to children in grades 4K through Grade 4 at 1707 W Broadway on the border of Madison and Monona and works directly with families to ensure children are learning, inspired and making solid progress. We have a longer school year (219 days vs 180 days in traditional public schools) and a longer school day (8:00 am to 4:30 pm daily), including 90-minute co-curricular learning academies in Sports, Fitness, STEM and Creative and Performing Arts. OCES is an EL Education Network School, offering the highly regarded Expeditionary Learning curriculum in kindergarten through eighth grade. Our 4K program is built exclusively around the AnjiPlay program from Anji, China. AnjiPlay will also serve as a supplement to children in Kindergarten and above as well.
One City Preparatory Academy (OCPA) is a unique 6th-12th grade school that combines the features of an EL Education Network School and an Early College and Career Model. OCPA will offer the highly regarded Expeditionary Learning curriculum in sixth through eighth grades and a blended high school, college, and career experience in high school. It is also a unique, two-generation public school, authorized by the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents, that provides a tuition-free education to children, and works directly with families to ensure children are inspired, learning, growing, and achieving to their full potential. OCPA begins its first year of operation in September of 2022 with sixth grade, ninth grade, and tenth grade while One City Elementary School (Grades 4K-5) will enter its fifth year.
In Fall of 2021, we moved into our permanent home, a $12 million facility located at 1707 W. Broadway in Monona, Wisconsin, a small city located on the South Side of our capital city. This 13.5 acre campus includes a 157,000 school facility that will serve 888 K - 12 scholars by 2024. The master campus plan includes a new 140,000 square foot athletic center with a high school/college-sized indoor soccer field, two high school/college sized basketball courts, weight training and cardio rooms, locker rooms, and underground access to our school facility. Our campus also includes a wooded nature area for science and outdoor learning, and outdoor play space. The campus is situated just 5 blocks from Lake Monona, just north of Lake Waubesa, and 10 minutes from downtown Madison.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Social Worker is important to ensuring high levels of student achievement and success at One City. They work with general and special education students, and their families, to resolve social, emotional and behavioral challenges that interfere with students’ educational success and development. We do this through:
- assessment
- consultation with school staff and community providers
- development and implementation of behavior management plans
- providing indirect and direct services
Overall, One City’s School Social Worker will help to bridge school, home and community to help students achieve to their full potential.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLES:
- Develop and implement intervention and prevention programs that assist in the reduction of at-risk students, including implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) utilizing evidenced-based interventions;
- Participate on problem-solving teams to support student success and collaborate with community agencies to promote accessibility of services to the school community and inclusion of student families;
- Prioritize student safety through consistent implementation of the Student Code of Conduct and school wide systems of management and discipline;
- Personalize student supports through mastery and innovative use of curriculum supplements and technology resources, as available;
- Communicate and collaborate effectively with parents and the school community for the purpose of fostering individual student success and growth while engaging the families in the therapy program;
- Support the professional development of colleagues through referrals, collaboration with outside services, and linking services and intervention strategies to the classroom to enhance the student’s overall educational development;
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with school staff, parents, organizational partners, service providers and volunteers;
- Participate in various meetings for the purpose of addressing student goals and needs, and to meet laws/policies;
- Maintain and submit information/records including student progress for all students;
- Maintain consistent attendance, and implement and comply with One City’s policies and procedures;
- Advocate for One City’s vision and commit to our district’s common themes of equity, cultural competence, high expectations, developmental appropriateness, attention to individual students (including those with special needs), appropriate use of technology, and student assumption of responsibility;
- Exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and exercise sound, professional judgment especially in interactions with administration, colleagues, families, and students;
- Perform related duties as assigned by the administration in accordance with school district policies and procedures; and attend Professional Development with One City's education partners, as necessary.
PROFESSIONALISM
- Model appropriate behavior rooted in One City’s Habits of Character: integrity, self-respect, compassion, perseverance and a willingness to encourage and allow students to take risks;
- Maintain appropriate work habits, including regular and punctual attendance & appropriate use of planning time;
- Build and maintain strong relationships with our instructional, student support, and school leadership teams;
- Strive to communicate the positive aspects of One City to the public in word and deed;
- Help maintain a clean and orderly educational environment and facility, and at all times shows grace and support when engaging children, parents and guests who utilize or visit One City; and
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong commitment to the mission, vision, goals and objectives of One City, and to working with young children from diverse racial/cultural populations and their families.
- Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with children ages 18 and under, and their families, is required.
- Valid Wisconsin Certification, or eligible for certification. One City will help you secure your certification, if hired.
- Knowledge of subject matter/course content and resources relevant to assignment.
- Knowledge of and skills in using effective strategies and practices specific to various challenges and disabilities.
- Knowledge of and skills in administering, scoring and interpreting relevant assessments.
- Knowledge and understanding of child development and communication development.
- Skills in managing and promoting positive student behavior and using data to assess, monitor, and inform instruction for student growth; skills and abilities in organization, time management, and record keeping.
- Ability to operate a computer and the skills to learn and utilize software and other technology in instruction.
- Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with other professionals in a team setting.
- Ability to interact positively and effectively with parents, students, staff, and administrators.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Success working in an urban setting with students from diverse racial, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Excellent judgment, growth mindset, communication and creative problem-solving skills.
- Energetic, flexible, collaborative and proactive.
- Understands challenges and opportunities in a start-up public charter school environment.
- Ability to regularly and routinely lift and push at least 50 pounds.
- Completion of a background check required.
COMPENSATION AND EVALUATION
One City offers salaries and wages that are competitive within our local market and area public schools, as well as comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees. Compensation includes:
- Minimum $50,000+, depending knowledge, experience and demonstrated impact on student achievement and children's success
- Generous time-off program, including 18 Days of PTO and holidays, spring break and winter break (same dates as the Madison Metropolitan School District); Although we have a longer school year, between scheduled breaks and PTO, staff receive nearly 60 days off
- Comprehensive health benefits (medical, dental and vision)
- Comprehensive professional development
- 401K with employer match of 5.9%
- Voluntary Benefits (Supplemental Life, Accident, Short Term Disability, etc.)
- Your age-eligible child automatically admitted to One City Schools
- Life Insurance and Long-term Disability
- Investment in Professional Growth and Development
- Employee Assistant Plan
Compensation will be consistent with One City’s approved compensation plan as stipulated by the Board of Directors.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
One City is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all team members and applicants, and to maintaining a work environment in which everyone is treated with respect and dignity.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in School Social Worker
Start your state licensure process immediately
Most states require a Licensed School Social Worker credential before you can be hired. Licensure applications take weeks to months. Filing before your OPT start date ensures you're ready to accept an offer without delays holding up your work authorization clock.
Highlight your CSWE-accredited degree explicitly
Employers reviewing OPT candidates want confirmation your degree meets specialty occupation standards. Stating your degree is from a CSWE-accredited program signals professional credibility and helps HR confirm your background aligns with the role's educational requirements.
Frame your bilingual skills as a direct service asset
School districts serving multilingual student populations actively prioritize bilingual social workers. If you speak a language common among students in the district, lead with that. It repositions your international background from a complexity to a competitive advantage worth sponsoring.
Contact district HR departments directly about OPT hiring
Many school districts don't advertise whether they accept OPT candidates on job postings. A brief, professional email to the HR coordinator asking about their process for F-1 students can open a conversation before you formally apply and saves time on unresponsive listings.
Apply early in the school hiring cycle
School districts recruit heavily between January and April for fall positions. Applying outside this window significantly reduces your options. Aligning your OPT start date with the spring hiring cycle gives you the best chance of securing a full-year contract before the school year begins.
School Social Worker jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a School Social Worker role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes. School social work qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires at minimum a master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program. USCIS recognizes positions requiring a specific degree in a directly related field as specialty occupations, which supports OPT eligibility and future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work as a School Social Worker on STEM OPT extension?
Social work degrees are not on the STEM designated degree program list, so a standard MSW does not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You would be limited to the initial 12-month OPT period. If you hold a dual degree that includes a STEM-designated program, consult your DSO about whether the STEM extension applies to your specific situation.
Where can I find School Social Worker jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Browsing School Social Worker roles on Migrate Mate surfaces positions where employers are open to OPT candidates, saving you time screening out listings that won't consider international students.
Do I need state licensure before I can start working on OPT as a school social worker?
In most states, yes. School districts require candidates to hold or be eligible for a state school social work license or certification before they can be hired. The requirements and timelines vary by state, but most involve submitting transcripts, passing an exam, and completing a background check. Starting this process before your OPT authorization begins is strongly advisable.
Will school districts sponsor H-1B visas after my OPT period ends?
Some public school districts do sponsor H-1B visas, particularly larger urban districts with dedicated HR teams experienced in immigration paperwork. Nonprofit and government employer status can also make certain districts cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without competing in the annual lottery. It's worth asking about this directly during the interview process.
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