School Social Worker Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
School Social Workers help students overcome barriers to learning through counseling, crisis intervention, and family support services. Most positions require a Master's in Social Work (MSW) and state licensing, making them eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship as a specialty occupation requiring advanced education in a specific field. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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Get Access To All JobsSchool Social Worker
Location: Unity Academy
FLSA Status: Exempt | Full-Time
Reports To: Academy Principal
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance, 401(k)
ABOUT GEE
Global Educational Excellence (GEE) operates a network of charter schools across Southeast Michigan focused on academic achievement and community. Our staff benefit from structured mentorship, weekly professional development, and a collaborative school culture.
Position Summary
The School Social Worker addresses the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students that affect their educational performance, serving as a bridge between the school, families, and community resources.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required
- Must hold a Limited License in Social Work (LLMSW) or full License in Social Work (LMSW) from LARA
- Must hold or be eligible for Michigan School Social Work approval (temporary 310 letter or full approval) from MDE
- Satisfactory criminal background check
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct social work evaluations for students referred for special education eligibility; provide recommendations at IEPT and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Develop IEP goals and provide direct social work services as specified in student IEPs
- Complete functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
- Serve as liaison between the school, families, and community service agencies; conduct home visits as needed
- Support crisis response planning and assist staff and families in managing trauma or acute situations
- Maintain confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and Michigan law
- Facilitate social skills groups and school-wide behavioral intervention strategies
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the role, including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and standing for extended periods. Work environment includes elevated noise levels.
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this role. It is not exhaustive. GEE reserves the right to amend responsibilities to meet organizational needs.
Global Educational Excellence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. #LPGEE
HOW TO APPLY
Global Educational Excellence (GEE)
2455 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
careers.gee-edu.com | hr@gee-edu.com | (734) 369-9500
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
School Social Worker
Location: Unity Academy
FLSA Status: Exempt | Full-Time
Reports To: Academy Principal
Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, supplemental insurance, 401(k)
ABOUT GEE
Global Educational Excellence (GEE) operates a network of charter schools across Southeast Michigan focused on academic achievement and community. Our staff benefit from structured mentorship, weekly professional development, and a collaborative school culture.
Position Summary
The School Social Worker addresses the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students that affect their educational performance, serving as a bridge between the school, families, and community resources.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) required
- Must hold a Limited License in Social Work (LLMSW) or full License in Social Work (LMSW) from LARA
- Must hold or be eligible for Michigan School Social Work approval (temporary 310 letter or full approval) from MDE
- Satisfactory criminal background check
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct social work evaluations for students referred for special education eligibility; provide recommendations at IEPT and multidisciplinary team meetings
- Develop IEP goals and provide direct social work services as specified in student IEPs
- Complete functional behavioral assessments (FBAs) and develop behavior intervention plans (BIPs)
- Serve as liaison between the school, families, and community service agencies; conduct home visits as needed
- Support crisis response planning and assist staff and families in managing trauma or acute situations
- Maintain confidential student records in compliance with FERPA and Michigan law
- Facilitate social skills groups and school-wide behavioral intervention strategies
Physical Requirements
Must be able to perform the physical demands of the role, including lifting, bending, stooping, squatting, and standing for extended periods. Work environment includes elevated noise levels.
This job description outlines the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this role. It is not exhaustive. GEE reserves the right to amend responsibilities to meet organizational needs.
Global Educational Excellence is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. #LPGEE
HOW TO APPLY
Global Educational Excellence (GEE)
2455 S. Industrial Hwy., Ann Arbor, MI 48104
careers.gee-edu.com | hr@gee-edu.com | (734) 369-9500
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 88+ School Social Worker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new School Social Worker roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding School Social Worker Jobs
Target school districts with existing visa programs
Large urban districts like NYC, LA, and Chicago regularly sponsor international educators. Search district websites for 'international teacher recruitment' or 'visa sponsorship' programs to identify employers experienced with immigration processes.
Emphasize your MSW degree requirement
School social work requires specialized graduate education that clearly meets H-1B specialty occupation standards. Highlight how your MSW directly relates to student mental health, crisis intervention, and educational support services.
Apply during peak hiring seasons
School districts typically hire social workers between March-August for fall positions. Submit applications early in this window when budgets are approved and positions are posted for the upcoming academic year.
Consider charter schools and private institutions
Charter schools and private schools often have more flexibility in hiring decisions and may be more willing to sponsor qualified international candidates, especially in high-need urban areas with social worker shortages.
Highlight bilingual or multicultural skills
Districts serving diverse populations highly value social workers who speak multiple languages or have experience with immigrant families. These specialized skills can make you a more attractive sponsorship candidate.
Research state licensing requirements early
Each state has different social work licensing requirements. Some accept international degrees with additional coursework, while others require degree evaluation. Start the licensing process before applying to demonstrate commitment and readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do school social workers qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, school social worker positions typically qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship because they require a Master's in Social Work (MSW), making them a specialty occupation. The role's requirements for advanced education in social work, counseling techniques, and student development clearly meet H-1B specialty occupation standards established by USCIS.
What degree do I need for H-1B sponsorship as a school social worker?
You need a Master's in Social Work (MSW) or equivalent from an accredited program. Some positions may accept a master's in counseling, psychology, or related field with social work experience. International degrees typically require credential evaluation through organizations like WES or ECE to demonstrate U.S. equivalency.
How to find School Social Worker jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find School Social Worker positions with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international professionals with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on public school districts, private educational institutions, and charter school networks that commonly sponsor H-1B, TN visa, and O-1 visas for qualified social workers. These organizations often have established processes for hiring international candidates with proper credentials.
Which school districts are most likely to sponsor visas?
Large urban districts with existing international recruitment programs are most likely to sponsor visas, including NYC Department of Education, Los Angeles Unified, and Chicago Public Schools. Districts in areas with social worker shortages, particularly those serving high-need populations, are also more open to sponsoring qualified international candidates.
Do I need state licensing before applying for jobs?
Requirements vary by state. Some districts will sponsor candidates who are license-eligible but not yet licensed, while others require active licensure before employment. Many states offer provisional or temporary licenses for qualified international candidates while they complete full licensing requirements, including supervised practice hours.
Can I work as a school social worker on other visa types?
Yes, if you have work authorization through other visas like E-3 visa (Australians), TN (Canadians/Mexicans), or O-1 (extraordinary ability). F-1 students can work in school social work roles through OPT or CPT programs. However, H-1B remains the most common sponsorship path for international school social workers.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored School Social Worker 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.