Clinical Social Work Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Clinical social work visa sponsorship is available through H-1B visa and O-1 visas, but roles must qualify as specialty occupations requiring a master's degree in social work (MSW). Most sponsored positions are in hospitals, community mental health centers, and federally funded programs. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Exam Type: Temporary Exempt (TEX) – Category (CAT) 17
Fill Type: Temporary Substitute/Backfill Exemption under Charter Section 10.104-17
The Human Resources Director may approve an appointment in increments of up to 1040 hours (six months); however, the appointment shall not exceed a maximum duration of 4160 hours (not to exceed two years by Charter requirement, or a total of four six-month increments).
- Per CSC Rule 114, Article VI, Sec. 114.26.7.
Application Opening – October 15, 2026
Application Deadline – The final day to apply is October 28, 2026
Salary Range: $105,612.00 - $128,362.00 Yearly
At the San Francisco Human Services Agency, we believe in a San Francisco where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential. We are comprised of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, and the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), and are united by our commitment to deliver essential services that support and protect people, families, and communities. From financial, nutritional and employment support to child and adult protective services, health care coverage, affordable childcare, and in-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities, our team lends support for all in need. Becoming a City employee means being a part of a team that cares about making a difference. Your work will shape both the present and future of San Francisco. When you work for the City, you’re choosing a job with purpose.
OUR COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY
As we work towards our vision of an inclusive San Francisco, we embrace our responsibility to root out systemic racism by creating services and a workforce which reflect the lived experiences and strengths of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a work environment where our differences are celebrated and everyone has what they need to thrive--no matter their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin.
Job Description
Under direction, the 2916 Social Work Specialist in the CAAP CHS Case Management Program provides case management services to eligible recipients of CAAP. They conduct assessments with clients, help clients navigate the application process for disability benefits, and refer clients to the appropriate community resources to support physical and mental well-being. The essential duties include, but are not limited to:
- Provide case management services to CAAP clients.
- Assess clients’ situation through conducting interviews, performing biopsychosocial assessments, collecting medical and psychiatric records, contacting physicians, psychologists and other community providers and evaluating all information to determine disabling conditions, substance use, mental health issues or other barriers to employment.
- Summarize clients’ functional limitations and make referrals to community services. Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives, and other stakeholders involved with client’s case.
- Educate and help clients navigate through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) application process for disability benefits.
- Serve as liaison with Social Security Administration, State Department of Social Security, and other governmental organizations. Maintain contact with disability examiners in order to fulfill requests for additional documentation.
- Utilizes clinical interview techniques that include the ability to establish rapport, to manage anxiety and other emotions that may occur when discussing sensitive issues and utilize de-escalation and crisis management techniques when indicated.
- Treat clients and staff with respect and dignity.
- Stays abreast of relevant federal, state, local and departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), and Immigration, and attends periodic seminars related to mental health, medical conditions, and drug addiction.
- Participate in weekly case presentations discussing client problems, diagnoses, and plans. Assist the training of new staff members.
Qualifications
Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; AND
Experience: Two (2) years of social casework or employment services experience with a public or private agency/organization.
Substitution for Education: Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two (2) years). Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.
Substitution for Experience: Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications requirements by the filing deadline unless otherwise noted.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- One (1) year working directly with clients with mental health and/or physical disabilities
The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Selection procedure:
The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements and assessment of candidates’ job-related knowledge, skills and abilities in an oral interview, which may include a written or performance exercise. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Note: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Where to apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process. Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110. Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Vanessa Quintano at vanessa.quintano@sfgov.org or by telephone at (415) 725-9517. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
Company Description
Exam Type: Temporary Exempt (TEX) – Category (CAT) 17
Fill Type: Temporary Substitute/Backfill Exemption under Charter Section 10.104-17
The Human Resources Director may approve an appointment in increments of up to 1040 hours (six months); however, the appointment shall not exceed a maximum duration of 4160 hours (not to exceed two years by Charter requirement, or a total of four six-month increments).
- Per CSC Rule 114, Article VI, Sec. 114.26.7.
Application Opening – October 15, 2026
Application Deadline – The final day to apply is October 28, 2026
Salary Range: $105,612.00 - $128,362.00 Yearly
At the San Francisco Human Services Agency, we believe in a San Francisco where everyone has the opportunity and support to achieve their full potential. We are comprised of the Department of Benefits and Family Support, and the Department of Disability and Aging Services (DAS), and are united by our commitment to deliver essential services that support and protect people, families, and communities. From financial, nutritional and employment support to child and adult protective services, health care coverage, affordable childcare, and in-home services for older adults and persons with disabilities, our team lends support for all in need. Becoming a City employee means being a part of a team that cares about making a difference. Your work will shape both the present and future of San Francisco. When you work for the City, you’re choosing a job with purpose.
OUR COMMITMENT TO RACIAL EQUITY
As we work towards our vision of an inclusive San Francisco, we embrace our responsibility to root out systemic racism by creating services and a workforce which reflect the lived experiences and strengths of the people we serve. We are committed to fostering a work environment where our differences are celebrated and everyone has what they need to thrive--no matter their race, age, ability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or country of origin.
Job Description
Under direction, the 2916 Social Work Specialist in the CAAP CHS Case Management Program provides case management services to eligible recipients of CAAP. They conduct assessments with clients, help clients navigate the application process for disability benefits, and refer clients to the appropriate community resources to support physical and mental well-being. The essential duties include, but are not limited to:
- Provide case management services to CAAP clients.
- Assess clients’ situation through conducting interviews, performing biopsychosocial assessments, collecting medical and psychiatric records, contacting physicians, psychologists and other community providers and evaluating all information to determine disabling conditions, substance use, mental health issues or other barriers to employment.
- Summarize clients’ functional limitations and make referrals to community services. Collaborate with physicians, psychologists, Social Security Administration (SSA) representatives, and other stakeholders involved with client’s case.
- Educate and help clients navigate through the Social Security Administration (SSA) and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI) application process for disability benefits.
- Serve as liaison with Social Security Administration, State Department of Social Security, and other governmental organizations. Maintain contact with disability examiners in order to fulfill requests for additional documentation.
- Utilizes clinical interview techniques that include the ability to establish rapport, to manage anxiety and other emotions that may occur when discussing sensitive issues and utilize de-escalation and crisis management techniques when indicated.
- Treat clients and staff with respect and dignity.
- Stays abreast of relevant federal, state, local and departmental policies, procedures, rules and regulations related to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants (CAPI), and Immigration, and attends periodic seminars related to mental health, medical conditions, and drug addiction.
- Participate in weekly case presentations discussing client problems, diagnoses, and plans. Assist the training of new staff members.
Qualifications
Education: Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university; AND
Experience: Two (2) years of social casework or employment services experience with a public or private agency/organization.
Substitution for Education: Additional experience as described above may be substituted for the required degree on a year-for-year basis (up to a maximum of two (2) years). Thirty (30) semester or forty-five (45) quarter units equal one year.
Substitution for Experience: Possession of a Master’s degree in Social Work or Counseling may be substituted for one (1) year of the required experience.
Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications requirements by the filing deadline unless otherwise noted.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
- One (1) year working directly with clients with mental health and/or physical disabilities
The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.
Verification of Education and Experience:
Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education verification is required, information on how to verify education requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.
Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Selection procedure:
The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements and assessment of candidates’ job-related knowledge, skills and abilities in an oral interview, which may include a written or performance exercise. Depending on the number of applicants, the Department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate qualifications of candidates. If this becomes necessary, only those applicants whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will be invited to continue in the selection process.
Note: Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About the Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Where to apply
All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process. Computers are available for the public (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday) to file online applications in the lobby of the Dept. of Human Resources at 1 South Van Ness Avenue, 4th Floor and at the City Career Center at City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Room 110. Ensure your application information is accurate, as changes may not be possible after submission. Your first and last name must match your legal ID for verification, and preferred names can be included in parentheses. Use your personal email address, not a shared or work email, to avoid unfixable issues. Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records.
Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the exam analyst, Vanessa Quintano at vanessa.quintano@sfgov.org or by telephone at (415) 725-9517. Your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
See all 434+ Clinical Social Work Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Clinical Social Work roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Clinical Social Work Jobs
Target employers with existing sponsorship history
Hospitals, VA medical centers, and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) sponsor clinical social workers most consistently. These organizations have established HR and legal processes for H-1B filings, making approval smoother and faster.
Confirm your MSW meets specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires the role to normally need at least a bachelor's in a specific field. Clinical social work positions requiring an MSW and state licensure satisfy this standard. Generalist roles without degree requirements may not qualify for H-1B sponsorship.
Factor in state licensure before your start date
Most sponsored clinical social work roles require state licensure (LCSW or equivalent) as a condition of employment. Start the licensing process early. Some states allow supervised hours under a provisional license while your H-1B petition is pending.
Understand the H-1B lottery timeline for your job search
H-1B registrations open in March for an October 1 start date. If you're not selected, cap-exempt employers like nonprofits and universities can file year-round. Plan your job search timeline around these windows to avoid employment gaps.
Ask about O-1 eligibility if you have specialized credentials
Clinical social workers with published research, clinical leadership roles, or national recognition may qualify for the O-1 visa. Unlike the H-1B, O-1 has no lottery, no annual cap, and can be filed at any time of year.
Clarify supervised hours and sponsorship timing with employers
Some clinical social work positions require post-MSW supervised hours before full licensure. Confirm whether the employer will sponsor your visa during this supervised period, as some prefer to wait until full licensure is obtained before filing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does clinical social work qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, clinical social work qualifies as a specialty occupation when the position requires a master's degree in social work (MSW) as a minimum. Roles in hospitals, mental health clinics, and healthcare systems that mandate an MSW meet USCIS criteria. Generalist or case management positions that accept any bachelor's degree are less likely to qualify.
Which employers are most likely to sponsor clinical social workers on an H-1B?
Nonprofit hospitals, VA medical centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and university-affiliated medical programs are the most consistent sponsors. These are cap-exempt or have dedicated immigration legal teams. Government-affiliated and academic medical employers can file H-1B visa petitions year-round outside the lottery. Browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to identify active opportunities.
Do I need to be licensed before my employer can file an H-1B petition?
Not necessarily, but it depends on the state and employer. Some states issue provisional licenses allowing supervised clinical hours before full LCSW licensure. Many employers will file the H-1B petition once you have a provisional license in hand. Full licensure is typically required before you can practice independently, so confirm the specific requirement with each employer.
Can I transfer my clinical social work license from another country to the U.S.?
Foreign social work credentials are not directly transferable. You'll need to have your MSW evaluated for equivalency by a credential evaluation service and then apply for state licensure, which typically requires passing the ASWB licensing exam. Requirements vary by state, so research the specific state where you plan to work before applying for sponsored positions.
What H-1B approval rates look like for social work roles?
USCIS approves the majority of H-1B petitions for clinical social work positions filed by established healthcare employers, particularly when the job description clearly specifies an MSW as required. Approval rates are lower for roles with vague degree requirements or employers with no prior sponsorship history. Working with an experienced immigration attorney and targeting employers with a strong sponsorship record improves outcomes significantly.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Clinical Social Work jobs?
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.