International Applicants
We have proudly trained and employed internationals from all over the world since 1988 and recognize our international staff as a vital component of our diverse workforce. If you want to obtain training for eighteen months through our International Exchange Visitor Program, already have experience and want us to sponsor your visa, or are a student seeking an internship or part-time or summer employment, we offer many options.
Resources and support provided to assist you during your cultural adjustment to living in New York include:
- Survival Manual to Living in New York
- Cultural and agency orientation upon arrival
- Emergency support 24/7
- Housing (when available)
- Support from other internationals
- Health care coverage for trainees from the day you begin, and for experienced professionals after our ninety-day orientation
- Ongoing training and supportive supervision
- Free attendance to YAI/NIPD Network conferences and workshops
- Access to our Education and Training Department’s free videos and training manuals
- Participation in agency events: Staff Recognition Day, agency parties, retreats, celebrations, and fundraisers
International Exchange Visitor Training Program
This program is ideal if you are considering a career in the social/human services field and have little to no experience, have a related degree and need to obtain some practical training to increase your career prospects in your home country, or have related experience and want exposure to cutting-edge training, systems, and practices in the field of developmental disabilities.
In 1988, the United States Information Agency (USIA) designated YAI/NIPD Network as the sponsor of an International Exchange Visitor Program for practical training in the care and habilitation of individuals with developmental and learning disabilities. This program makes it possible for qualified internationals to live and train for eighteen months on a J-1 visa at one of YAI/NIPD Network's award-winning programs in the greater New York City area.
International Internships (minimum 3 months)
If you are a college student living outside of the U.S. and pursuing a degree related to the social/human service field, you must obtain a visa from your college or university, or independently. A placement will be considered for a minimum of three months. For example, you could intern as a Residential Counselor in a group home or as a Teacher in a classroom over the summer period.
Part-time and Summer Employment Opportunities
If you are an international student in the U.S. on an F1 or J1 visa, your college will allow you to work twenty hours per week during the school term and full-time during the summer with the following conditions:
- Your degree must be related to social/human services.
- Your visa must specify that you can work off campus. Otherwise, you will need written permission from your college to work off campus.
If you live outside of the U.S., there are two options for you to gain practical, hands-on experience during the summer:
- Work for three months as a residential counselor in a group home or teacher in a classroom in the greater New York City area, or obtain your own J1 3-month visa.
- Work in a sleep-away summer camp in the beautiful Catskill Mountains in upstate New York or Pennsylvania. Visa provided by camp.
Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.)
If you are an international student in the U.S. seeking an Optional Practical Training (O.P.T.) year after you graduate to gain related experience in the social/human services field, opportunities include:
- Residential Group Home Counselor
- Lead Teacher
- Job Coach
- Group Home Supervisor or Assistant Group Home Supervisor
- Group Home Psychologist or Assistant Group Home Psychologist
- Social Worker
Opportunities for Experienced Professionals
If you are an experienced professional seeking an employer to sponsor you for a work visa, you may be qualified for a variety of employment opportunities. To qualify, you must have at least a Bachelor's or Master's degree plus two years' related experience in social/human services. Some positions require more experience. Options Include:
- Group Home Supervisor or Assistant Group Home Supervisor
- Group Home Psychologist or Assistant Group Home Psychologist
- Service Coordinator/Case Manager
- Social Worker
Click here to submit your resume.
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