Rutgers University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Rutgers University, one of the largest public research universities in the U.S., actively hires F-1 students on OPT across research, technology, administrative, and academic support roles. Its size and institutional infrastructure make it a reliable destination for OPT students seeking experience in higher education.
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Position Details
Recruitment/Posting Title Mental Health Specialist II - Part Time: 6p - 2:30a (Fri & Sat)
Job Category Staff & Executive - Healthcare
Department 988 Chat & Text Backup
Overview
Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care (UBHC), established in 1971, offers a full continuum of evidence based behavioral health and addiction services for children, adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout New Jersey. UBHC’s 1,060 experienced behavioral health professionals and support staff are dedicated to treatment, prevention, and education.
UBHC, one of the largest providers of behavioral health care in the country, has a budget of $260 million and has 15 sites throughout New Jersey. Services are readily accessible and include: inpatient, outpatient, partial hospitalization, screening, crisis stabilization, family/caregiver support, community outreach and case management, supportive housing, supported employment, prevention and consultation, employee assistance programs, and a licensed therapeutic school from preschool through high school. Specialty services include the New Jersey suicide prevention helpline and peer help lines for police, veterans, active military, teachers, mothers of special needs children and child protective service workers.
In FY2016, UBHC treated 16,199 consumers, had 24,502 admissions, and touched the lives of 19,441 individual callers through peer support. In addition, UBHC is the primary mental health training resource for the New Jersey departments of Human Services, Children and Families, and Corrections, delivering 16,000 trainings each year.
Posting Summary
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, is seeking a Mental Health Specialist II (Part Time: 6p – 2:30a Fri & Sat) for the 988 Lifeline Services within Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care.
Performs functions in support of the Unit’s mission providing streamlined, prompt, and “customer friendly” services to clients of the 988 Lifeline Services. Receives telephone, chat and/or text requests for service, undertakes assessment of the service need of the client and responds by offering support and appropriate referrals or disposition. Demonstrates competency in recognizing the unique needs of clients and applying relevant assessment and support skills with regard to a wide range of issues.
Among the key duties of this position are the following:
- Interacts with client in a therapeutic manner.
- Participates in ensuring that all service requests are handled in an effective and “client friendly” manner.
- Assesses service requests/referrals and responds in accordance with prescribed procedures.
- Assesses client’s condition in order to make/authorize an appropriate disposition.
- Assumes overall responsibilities for completion of all request and documentation for disposition.
- Documents assessments, interventions, and interactions with clients in a timely manner and in accordance with established policies.
FLSA Nonexempt
Grade 187
Salary Details
$28.30 per hour
Minimum Salary 28.300
Mid Range Salary 28.800
Maximum Salary 29.660
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university’s broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:
- Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
- Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
- Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
- Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
- Life insurance coverage
- Employee discount programs
Position Status Part Time
Working Hours 16 per week
Standard Hours 40.00
Work Arrangement
This position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement.
Union Description Teamsters 97/Ineligible
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility None
Minimum Education and Experience
Four (4) years of relevant full-time paid experience (part time and/or per diem experience may be substituted for the fulltime equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree in a relevant mental health, social, or human services field.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
- This position demands standing, walking throughout the program space.
- Lifting up to 20 lbs.
- Handles phone requests under time and decision-making pressure.
- Generally pleasant working conditions in a clean, well-lighted, and quiet to moderately loud setting.
- Crisis intervention is a common occurrence.
Posting Number 26ST1004
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS)
Home Location Campus Off Campus
City Remote
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.
Immunization Requirements
Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate’s offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- Do you have four (4) years of full-time paid experience in an appropriate mental health or human service field or a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant mental health or human service field?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm – 2:30am?
- Yes
- No
- Are you able to work Holidays?
- Yes
- No
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume/CV
Optional Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Job Roles at Rutgers University
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Rutgers University OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target research and administrative roles first
Rutgers hires OPT students most consistently in research coordination, IT support, and administrative functions tied to its academic departments. Focusing your search on these role types puts you in front of hiring managers already experienced with OPT timelines and EAD documentation requirements.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Rutgers participates, but confirm enrollment applies to the specific hiring department or entity before accepting an offer, since large universities sometimes operate through distinct legal entities that maintain separate E-Verify accounts.
Align your application to Rutgers hiring cycles
Rutgers follows an academic hiring calendar, with many roles posted in late summer and early spring ahead of semester starts. Applying during these windows increases your chances because departments are actively staffing and have budget authorization already in place for new hires.
Document your degree-to-role match clearly
OPT employment must be directly related to your field of study. When applying at Rutgers, frame your resume and cover letter to make the connection between your degree and the specific role explicit, since HR teams at large universities process high volumes and may not infer the relationship on their own.
Use Migrate Mate to identify Rutgers H-1B history
If your goal is OPT-to-H-1B conversion at Rutgers, use Migrate Mate to review its verified H-1B filing history by department and role. This tells you which teams have sponsored before, so you can target roles with a realistic path beyond your OPT authorization period.
Report employment changes to your DSO promptly
Any change in employer, role, or work location during OPT must be reported to your Designated School Official within the USCIS-required reporting window. At Rutgers, internal transfers between departments also require updated reporting, so treat any role change as a new employment record.
Rutgers University OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rutgers University sponsor OPT visas?
Rutgers University doesn't sponsor OPT directly. OPT is work authorization granted by USCIS to eligible F-1 students. Rutgers hires students who already hold a valid OPT EAD, and does not file a petition on your behalf. For STEM OPT extension, Rutgers participates in E-Verify, which is the employer requirement USCIS mandates for the 24-month extension.
Which roles and departments at Rutgers University typically hire OPT students?
Research departments, IT services, administrative offices, and academic support units at Rutgers have historically been active in hiring OPT students. Roles in data analysis, lab coordination, software development, and program administration tend to align well with the degree-to-role requirement that OPT employment mandates under USCIS rules.
How do I confirm my OPT employment at Rutgers is compliant?
Your OPT job must be directly related to your field of study and at least 20 hours per week. You're responsible for reporting your employment to your DSO within the required USCIS window. Use Migrate Mate to cross-check that your role and department match Rutgers' H-1B visa filing history if your longer-term goal includes visa sponsorship after OPT ends.
How do I navigate the STEM OPT extension process at Rutgers University?
Your DSO at your home institution initiates the STEM OPT extension by issuing a new I-20. Rutgers, as your employer, must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your Form I-983 training plan. You file the extension with USCIS at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Rutgers HR and your DSO coordinate the employer-side requirements together.
Does working at Rutgers University improve my H-1B sponsorship prospects?
Rutgers has an established track record of sponsoring H-1B visas for employees in research, technology, and professional staff roles. Starting on OPT and demonstrating strong performance gives you time to build a relationship with your department and position yourself for H-1B sponsorship before your OPT period ends. Verify current H-1B filing patterns by role through USCIS public disclosure data.
How does Rutgers University hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Rutgers University can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Rutgers University's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.