School-Based Therapist Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa
School-based therapist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa are offered by school districts, community mental health centers, and healthcare staffing organizations across Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport. Iowa's K-12 system relies on licensed therapists to meet growing student mental health needs, creating steady openings for internationally trained candidates with the right credentials and sponsorship support.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry is seeking a Social Work Specialist I / Therapist to join Iowa CONNECT, a new SAMHSA-funded program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis.
The Social Work Specialist I will provide specialized practice skills in psychiatry assessment, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, consultation, and program development, to aid in the early identification and intervention for young adults with emerging psychosis. This position is embedded within a supportive multidisciplinary team. The clinician will work closely with the Iowa CONNECT Project Director/psychiatrist, other therapists, Community Engagement Manager, Supported Employment and Education Specialist, trainees, and program staff. Specialized training and ongoing consultation in CHR-P assessment and intervention will be provided.
It is a hybrid position combining in-person and remote work within the state of Iowa. A work arrangement form will be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Patient care will be provided both in person and via telehealth and candidates should expect to be in office at least two days per week.
About Iowa CONNECT
Iowa CONNECT is a multidisciplinary specialty program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis, along with their families. The program emphasizes early identification, youth- and family-centered care, shared decision-making, culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice, and helping young people remain engaged in meaningful relationships, school, work, and community life. Team members receive specialized training and work closely together through regular case consultation and program meetings.
The University of Iowa offers comprehensive employee benefits, retirement options, paid leave, professional-development opportunities, and the resources and stability of a major academic medical center and public university. For more information about Why Iowa?, click here.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual psychotherapy to adolescents and young adults enrolled in Iowa CONNECT.
- Provide family-focused intervention, psychoeducation, support, and problem-solving with parents, caregivers, and other important supports.
- Conduct diagnostic and clinical assessments and participate in specialized CHR-P assessments, including training in approaches such as the SIPS/Mini-SIPS.
- Conduct ongoing assessment of symptoms, functioning, safety, substance use, family needs, and treatment goals.
- Develop individualized treatment plans using shared decision-making with youth and families.
- Provide evidence-informed interventions for CHR-P, including CBT-informed approaches, psychoeducation, coping and resiliency strategies, and intervention for co-occurring emotional or behavioral concerns.
- Provide family education regarding symptoms, treatment, communication, coping, and supporting the young person’s goals.
- Develop collaborative safety and wellness plans when indicated.
- Monitor symptoms and functioning over time and adjust treatment intensity as clinically appropriate.
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, primary-care clinicians, schools, community therapists, supported employment and education specialist, and other providers.
- Work closely with the Project Director/psychiatrist on assessment, treatment planning, medication-related coordination, safety concerns, and transitions in care.
- Serve as a consistent clinical point of contact for assigned participants and families.
- Support youth and families transitioning to first-episode psychosis services or other levels of care and help ensure continuity during transitions.
- Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultation, supervision, and ongoing specialized training.
- Collaborate with the Supported Employment and Education Specialist so that school, work, and functional goals are integrated into treatment planning.
- Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation.
- Participate in program evaluation, fidelity monitoring, and quality-improvement activities.
Classification Title: Social Work Specialist I, PD25
Department/Division: Psychiatry
Staff Type: Allied Health Professional
Pay Level: 73
Type of Position: 60-100%, Specified term, 12 months with possibility of extension
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree in social work.
- Current license to practice social work in Iowa (LMSW, LISW).
- At least one year of experience providing social work services to adolescents and their families.
- At least one year of experience providing individual psychotherapy.
- Experience working collaboratively with families or caregivers.
- Experience conducting clinical assessments and treatment planning.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Current valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the University Driving Policy Standards.
Desired Qualifications
- Two or more years of experience providing individual and family therapy.
- Experience working with young adults.
- Experience providing family therapy or structured family intervention.
- Experience with psychosis, early psychosis, clinical high risk for psychosis, serious mental illness, or coordinated specialty care.
- Experience using CBT or other structured evidence-based interventions.
- Experience conducting diagnostic or structured clinical assessments.
Application Process
In order to be considered, applicants must upload a Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Professional references will be required at a later time in the recruitment process.
For more information, contact lori-posey@uiowa.edu.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Behavioral Hlth Clinician
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
- Pay Level: 73
Contact Information
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Lori Posey
- Contact Email: lori-posey@uiowa.edu
INTRODUCTION
The University of Iowa Department of Psychiatry is seeking a Social Work Specialist I / Therapist to join Iowa CONNECT, a new SAMHSA-funded program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis.
The Social Work Specialist I will provide specialized practice skills in psychiatry assessment, individual psychotherapy, group therapy, consultation, and program development, to aid in the early identification and intervention for young adults with emerging psychosis. This position is embedded within a supportive multidisciplinary team. The clinician will work closely with the Iowa CONNECT Project Director/psychiatrist, other therapists, Community Engagement Manager, Supported Employment and Education Specialist, trainees, and program staff. Specialized training and ongoing consultation in CHR-P assessment and intervention will be provided.
It is a hybrid position combining in-person and remote work within the state of Iowa. A work arrangement form will be completed upon the start of employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.
Patient care will be provided both in person and via telehealth and candidates should expect to be in office at least two days per week.
About Iowa CONNECT
Iowa CONNECT is a multidisciplinary specialty program serving adolescents and young adults ages 12–25 who may be at clinical high risk for psychosis, along with their families. The program emphasizes early identification, youth- and family-centered care, shared decision-making, culturally responsive and trauma-informed practice, and helping young people remain engaged in meaningful relationships, school, work, and community life. Team members receive specialized training and work closely together through regular case consultation and program meetings.
The University of Iowa offers comprehensive employee benefits, retirement options, paid leave, professional-development opportunities, and the resources and stability of a major academic medical center and public university. For more information about Why Iowa?, click here.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide individual psychotherapy to adolescents and young adults enrolled in Iowa CONNECT.
- Provide family-focused intervention, psychoeducation, support, and problem-solving with parents, caregivers, and other important supports.
- Conduct diagnostic and clinical assessments and participate in specialized CHR-P assessments, including training in approaches such as the SIPS/Mini-SIPS.
- Conduct ongoing assessment of symptoms, functioning, safety, substance use, family needs, and treatment goals.
- Develop individualized treatment plans using shared decision-making with youth and families.
- Provide evidence-informed interventions for CHR-P, including CBT-informed approaches, psychoeducation, coping and resiliency strategies, and intervention for co-occurring emotional or behavioral concerns.
- Provide family education regarding symptoms, treatment, communication, coping, and supporting the young person’s goals.
- Develop collaborative safety and wellness plans when indicated.
- Monitor symptoms and functioning over time and adjust treatment intensity as clinically appropriate.
- Coordinate care with psychiatrists, primary-care clinicians, schools, community therapists, supported employment and education specialist, and other providers.
- Work closely with the Project Director/psychiatrist on assessment, treatment planning, medication-related coordination, safety concerns, and transitions in care.
- Serve as a consistent clinical point of contact for assigned participants and families.
- Support youth and families transitioning to first-episode psychosis services or other levels of care and help ensure continuity during transitions.
- Participate in weekly multidisciplinary team meetings, case consultation, supervision, and ongoing specialized training.
- Collaborate with the Supported Employment and Education Specialist so that school, work, and functional goals are integrated into treatment planning.
- Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation.
- Participate in program evaluation, fidelity monitoring, and quality-improvement activities.
Classification Title: Social Work Specialist I, PD25
Department/Division: Psychiatry
Staff Type: Allied Health Professional
Pay Level: 73
Type of Position: 60-100%, Specified term, 12 months with possibility of extension
Required Qualifications
- A Master's degree in social work.
- Current license to practice social work in Iowa (LMSW, LISW).
- At least one year of experience providing social work services to adolescents and their families.
- At least one year of experience providing individual psychotherapy.
- Experience working collaboratively with families or caregivers.
- Experience conducting clinical assessments and treatment planning.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and written communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Current valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the University Driving Policy Standards.
Desired Qualifications
- Two or more years of experience providing individual and family therapy.
- Experience working with young adults.
- Experience providing family therapy or structured family intervention.
- Experience with psychosis, early psychosis, clinical high risk for psychosis, serious mental illness, or coordinated specialty care.
- Experience using CBT or other structured evidence-based interventions.
- Experience conducting diagnostic or structured clinical assessments.
Application Process
In order to be considered, applicants must upload a Cover Letter and Resume (under submission relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position.
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification.
Professional references will be required at a later time in the recruitment process.
For more information, contact lori-posey@uiowa.edu.
Additional Information
- Classification Title: Behavioral Hlth Clinician
- Appointment Type: SEIU
- Schedule: Full-time
- Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
- Pay Level: 73
Contact Information
- Organization: Healthcare
- Contact Name: Lori Posey
- Contact Email: lori-posey@uiowa.edu
School-Based Therapist Job Roles in Iowa
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Search School-Based Therapist Jobs in IowaSchool-Based Therapist Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for school-based therapists in Iowa?
Iowa school districts including Des Moines Public Schools, Cedar Rapids Community School District, and Davenport Community Schools have historically hired therapists with visa sponsorship support. Healthcare staffing organizations that place licensed therapists in Iowa schools also sponsor eligible candidates. Sponsorship availability varies by employer budget and hiring need, so confirming directly with each employer's HR department is advisable before applying.
Which visa types realistically fit school-based therapist roles in Iowa?
School-based therapists in Iowa most commonly pursue H-1B visa sponsorship, as the role requires a qualifying degree in social work, counseling, or a related specialty field. The J-1 visa is another option through a designated exchange visitor sponsor, though the two-year home residency requirement may apply. For candidates already on F-1 OPT, the role can support work authorization if it relates directly to their degree field. Green card sponsorship through EB-2 or EB-3 is also possible with an employer willing to initiate the PERM process.
How to find school-based therapist visa sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate lists Iowa employers with verified visa sponsorship history for school-based therapist roles, letting you search specifically by state and role type rather than sorting through general job postings. Iowa's school districts and contracted mental health providers post openings at different times of year, with peak hiring before the fall semester. Using Migrate Mate helps you identify which Iowa employers have an active track record of sponsoring therapists rather than those who list sponsorship as a possibility without prior filings.
Which cities in Iowa have the most school-based therapist sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines, as Iowa's largest city and home to its largest public school district, generates the highest volume of school-based therapist openings with sponsorship potential. Cedar Rapids and Davenport also have active hiring pipelines through their respective school districts and community mental health organizations. Iowa City, anchored by the University of Iowa health system, produces graduate-trained therapists and supports related clinical placements that can lead to sponsored positions.
Are there Iowa-specific considerations for school-based therapist sponsorship candidates?
Iowa requires school-based therapists to hold a license issued by the Iowa Board of Behavioral Science or Iowa Board of Social Work, depending on their credential type. International candidates must confirm that their foreign degree meets Iowa's licensure equivalency standards before an employer can begin visa sponsorship. The University of Iowa and Iowa State University produce licensed social workers and counselors who compete for the same roles, so demonstrating clinical specialization in school settings strengthens candidacy with Iowa employers.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored school-based therapist jobs in Iowa?
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.