Social Work Assistant Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Social Work Assistant positions can qualify for H-1B visa, E-3 visa, and TN visa sponsorship when they require specialized knowledge and a social work degree. Most roles focus on case management, client support, and program coordination within healthcare, nonprofit, or government settings. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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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
See all 178+ Social Work Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Social Work Assistant roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Social Work Assistant
Emphasize specialized social work functions
Highlight case management, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and program evaluation skills. Employers need to justify why the role requires social work expertise beyond general administrative tasks.
Target healthcare and behavioral health employers
Hospitals, mental health clinics, and substance abuse treatment centers frequently sponsor visas. These settings have clear regulatory requirements for social work credentials and specialized knowledge.
Highlight your BSW or MSW degree alignment
USCIS requires the role to specifically need social work education. Emphasize coursework in human behavior, social policy, research methods, and field practicum that directly applies.
Document clinical or specialized training
Certifications in trauma therapy, substance abuse counseling, or specialized populations strengthen your case. These demonstrate the advanced knowledge required for H-1B specialty occupation standards.
Research state licensing requirements
Many states require social work licensing even for assistant roles. If the position requires state licensure, this strengthens the argument for specialized education requirements.
Consider nonprofit and government sectors
Public agencies, nonprofits, and federally funded programs often have H-1B cap exemptions. These employers may have more flexibility with visa sponsorship timelines and costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Social Work Assistant jobs qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship?
Yes, when the role requires specialized social work knowledge and a bachelor's degree in social work or related field. USCIS evaluates whether the position involves case management, treatment planning, or program coordination that requires social work education. Generic administrative or clerical tasks typically don't qualify.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a Social Work Assistant?
Most successful cases require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW). Related degrees in psychology, counseling, or human services may qualify if the role specifically requires that educational background. The job duties must align with your degree specialization for USCIS approval.
How to find Social Work Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Social Work Assistant jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international candidates with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on healthcare facilities, community organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations that commonly hire Social Work Assistants. These employers often sponsor H-1B visa, TN visa, or O-1 visas for qualified international social work professionals with relevant education and experience.
Which visa types work best for Social Work Assistant positions?
H-1B is most common for specialized social work roles. Canadians and Mexicans may qualify for TN status under the 'Social Worker' category if they have the required degree. Australians can use E-3 visas when the position meets specialty occupation standards and requires social work education.
Do employers commonly sponsor visas for Social Work Assistant roles?
Healthcare systems, mental health clinics, and government agencies sponsor more frequently than private practice or small nonprofits. Employers must justify the specialized nature of the work. Roles requiring state licensure or clinical skills have better sponsorship prospects than purely administrative positions.
What if my Social Work Assistant role doesn't require a specific degree?
If job postings say 'bachelor's preferred' or 'any degree,' visa sponsorship becomes difficult. You need the employer to document why social work education is specifically required for the role's responsibilities. Consider targeting positions that explicitly require BSW or MSW degrees.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Social Work Assistant 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.