Social Work Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the largest markets for social work visa sponsorship jobs in the U.S., with major employers including county health departments, Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and nonprofit networks concentrated in Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. Demand is driven by the state's large Medi-Cal population, extensive community mental health infrastructure, and university-affiliated hospital systems.
Find Social Work JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 18+ Social Work Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
See all Social Work Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Social Work Jobs in California with Visa Sponsorship.
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
Social Work Job Roles in California
See all Social Work Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Social Work Jobs in CaliforniaSocial Work Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for social workers in California?
County departments of mental health and social services are among the most active sponsors in California, alongside large health systems such as Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Nonprofit organizations like Sutter Health affiliates and community behavioral health agencies also sponsor, though visa sponsorship is less common at smaller nonprofits than at hospital systems or government-affiliated employers.
Which visa types are most common for social work roles in California?
The H-1B visa is the most common visa for licensed clinical social workers in California, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a master's degree in social work. Some positions at nonprofit and government-affiliated employers may qualify for cap-exempt H-1B filings, which avoid the annual lottery. The O-1 visa is an option for social workers with exceptional recognition in research or clinical practice.
How to find social work visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to search visa sponsorship social work jobs filtered to California. The platform indexes roles from employers with a documented history of H-1B sponsorship, so you can focus on positions where sponsorship is a realistic possibility. Filtering by California and the social work category surfaces county health systems, hospital networks, and nonprofit employers actively hiring international candidates.
Which cities in California have the most social work sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles County consistently has the highest volume of social work sponsorship opportunities in California, driven by its Department of Mental Health and large hospital networks. San Francisco and the broader Bay Area follow, with roles concentrated at UCSF Health and community mental health centers. San Diego and Sacramento also generate steady demand, particularly in county behavioral health and refugee resettlement services.
Are there state-specific considerations for social work sponsorship jobs in California?
California requires Licensed Clinical Social Workers to hold an LCSW credential issued by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. International candidates should confirm their foreign master's degree meets California's educational equivalency requirements before applying, as some degrees may require evaluation. California's prevailing wage requirements under H-1B rules are enforced at the county level, meaning wage thresholds vary between Los Angeles, San Francisco, and inland regions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored social work jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.