State of Michigan OPT Eligible Jobs USA
The State of Michigan hires OPT students across public administration, policy analysis, IT, engineering, and environmental services. As a large government employer with statewide operations, it offers OPT-friendly roles that can transition into long-term sponsorship, making it a practical target for F-1 graduates pursuing public sector careers.
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The employee will be responsible for a variety of job functions related to offenders, coaching to help those under supervision address their needs and learn new skills that lead to a more prosocial lifestyle and ultimately protection of the public. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the preparation of background reports on offenders convicted in Circuit Court which will be utilized to determine sentences; supervision of offenders placed on community supervision through Court ordered probation or parole from a state correctional facility. The employee will be required to supervise a caseload of offenders, which may include but is not limited to: sex offenders, offenders placed on a variety of electronic monitoring devices including Global Positioning System (GPS), gender specific, mentally ill, Interstate Compact, or other specialized caseloads as designated by the Deputy Director of Field Operations. The employee may be assigned to act as an embedded agent assigned to a local law enforcement agency, an Institutional Parole Agent, or an Internet Crimes Against Children Agent (ICAC). The employee will follow policy, procedures, Director Office Memorandums (DOM) and Guiding Principles of the Department of Corrections in order to meet the goals of the Department.
This is a position in which the incumbent has regular unsupervised access to and direct contact with probationers, or parolees, and is a DART (Drug/Alcohol Test Designated) position in accordance with Civil Service Rules. Some positions assigned as Institutional Parole Agents may have regular unsupervised access to and direct contact with prisoners more than 50% of the time. Considerable independent judgement is required to carry out assignments that have significant impact on services or programs.
This position will be located at the location below:
Washtenaw Probation
101 E. Huron Street, Room B-25
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
View job specification here (Download PDF reader).
View position description here (Download PDF reader).
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, education psychology, family relations, human services, or theology.
Experience
Parole/Probation Officer 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Parole/Probation Officer 10
One year of professional experience working with adult offenders equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer 9.
Parole/Probation Officer P11
Two years of professional experience working with adult offenders equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer, including one year equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Parole/Probation Officer 9
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections' experience.
OR
Education level typically acquired through the completion of high school and one year as an Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor 11 or Corrections Shift Supervisor 11; or, two years as a Corrections Field Services Assistant E10, Corrections Medical Unit Officer E10, Corrections Resident Representative E10, Corrections Security Representative E10, Corrections Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9.
Additional Requirements and Information
- Ability to conduct investigations, evaluate findings, and prepare reports.
- Ability to work under stress and hazardous situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
- Ability to operate a computer and maintain good computer skills.
- Ability to write grammatical and accurate reports.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have possession of a valid driver’s license and the availability of an automobile for business.
- Agents must have a good driving record. Agents must own or have access to an automobile which is properly registered and insured.
All required documents must be attached and submitted at the time of application for further consideration. Applications must be submitted through NEOGOV to be considered.
Interested applicants who are attaching transcripts must attach a copy of your official college transcripts indicating the specific type of degree earned and the conferred/graduation date. More information regarding what constitutes an official transcript can be found here. (un-official or web based transcripts will not be accepted)
If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please call the Office of Career Services toll free at 1-800-788-1766.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
* REQUIRED INFORMATION: Employment in the state classified service demands a high degree of loyalty and imposes high ethical standards on employees to ensure the integrity of state government and maintain effective services. All employees must meet these ethical standards and all appointing authorities are obligated to enforce these ethical standards.*
As part of this effort all employees are required to report any possible conflict of interest, please review the information and be prepared to respond to questions related to the information in your application. Ethical Standards and Conduct (Note: you do not need to fill out the form)
New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator (Download PDF reader) for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Job Description
The employee will be responsible for a variety of job functions related to offenders, coaching to help those under supervision address their needs and learn new skills that lead to a more prosocial lifestyle and ultimately protection of the public. These responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the preparation of background reports on offenders convicted in Circuit Court which will be utilized to determine sentences; supervision of offenders placed on community supervision through Court ordered probation or parole from a state correctional facility. The employee will be required to supervise a caseload of offenders, which may include but is not limited to: sex offenders, offenders placed on a variety of electronic monitoring devices including Global Positioning System (GPS), gender specific, mentally ill, Interstate Compact, or other specialized caseloads as designated by the Deputy Director of Field Operations. The employee may be assigned to act as an embedded agent assigned to a local law enforcement agency, an Institutional Parole Agent, or an Internet Crimes Against Children Agent (ICAC). The employee will follow policy, procedures, Director Office Memorandums (DOM) and Guiding Principles of the Department of Corrections in order to meet the goals of the Department.
This is a position in which the incumbent has regular unsupervised access to and direct contact with probationers, or parolees, and is a DART (Drug/Alcohol Test Designated) position in accordance with Civil Service Rules. Some positions assigned as Institutional Parole Agents may have regular unsupervised access to and direct contact with prisoners more than 50% of the time. Considerable independent judgement is required to carry out assignments that have significant impact on services or programs.
This position will be located at the location below:
Washtenaw Probation
101 E. Huron Street, Room B-25
Ann Arbor, MI 48107
View job specification here (Download PDF reader).
View position description here (Download PDF reader).
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, correctional administration, criminology, psychology, social work, counseling and guidance, child development, sociology, school social work, social work administration, education psychology, family relations, human services, or theology.
Experience
Parole/Probation Officer 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Parole/Probation Officer 10
One year of professional experience working with adult offenders equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer 9.
Parole/Probation Officer P11
Two years of professional experience working with adult offenders equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer, including one year equivalent to a Parole/Probation Officer 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Parole/Probation Officer 9
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of Department of Corrections' experience.
OR
Education level typically acquired through the completion of high school and one year as an Assistant Resident Unit Supervisor 11 or Corrections Shift Supervisor 11; or, two years as a Corrections Field Services Assistant E10, Corrections Medical Unit Officer E10, Corrections Resident Representative E10, Corrections Security Representative E10, Corrections Transportation Officer E10, Resident Unit Officer E10, or Special Alternative Incarceration Officer E10; or, three years as a Corrections Medical Officer E9 or Corrections Officer E9.
Additional Requirements and Information
- Ability to conduct investigations, evaluate findings, and prepare reports.
- Ability to work under stress and hazardous situations.
- Ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Ability to maintain favorable public relations.
- Ability to operate a computer and maintain good computer skills.
- Ability to write grammatical and accurate reports.
- Ability to operate a motor vehicle and have possession of a valid driver’s license and the availability of an automobile for business.
- Agents must have a good driving record. Agents must own or have access to an automobile which is properly registered and insured.
All required documents must be attached and submitted at the time of application for further consideration. Applications must be submitted through NEOGOV to be considered.
Interested applicants who are attaching transcripts must attach a copy of your official college transcripts indicating the specific type of degree earned and the conferred/graduation date. More information regarding what constitutes an official transcript can be found here. (un-official or web based transcripts will not be accepted)
If you have questions or need assistance uploading and/or attaching your documents, please call the Office of Career Services toll free at 1-800-788-1766.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
* REQUIRED INFORMATION: Employment in the state classified service demands a high degree of loyalty and imposes high ethical standards on employees to ensure the integrity of state government and maintain effective services. All employees must meet these ethical standards and all appointing authorities are obligated to enforce these ethical standards.*
As part of this effort all employees are required to report any possible conflict of interest, please review the information and be prepared to respond to questions related to the information in your application. Ethical Standards and Conduct (Note: you do not need to fill out the form)
New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator (Download PDF reader) for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Job Roles at State of Michigan
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding State of Michigan OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target agencies with recurring OPT hires
State of Michigan's largest hiring volume tends to sit in IT, environmental regulation, and transportation. Focus your search on departments like EGLE, MDOT, and DTMB, where technical degree requirements align directly with OPT-eligible specializations and budget cycles support year-round recruitment.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting
STEM OPT's 24-month extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. State agencies are federally required to use E-Verify, so Michigan state positions generally qualify, but confirm enrollment with HR before signing any offer to protect your extension eligibility.
Align your OPT start date with hiring timelines
State government hiring moves slower than private sector, often running eight to twelve weeks from posting to offer. Submit your OPT application to USCIS early enough that your EAD arrives before your intended start date, since government onboarding won't hold a start date for pending authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified OPT employers
Searching broadly wastes time. Use Migrate Mate to filter Michigan public sector employers by OPT hiring history and active job openings, so you're targeting agencies that have already demonstrated a pattern of hiring F-1 students rather than cold-applying and educating HR from scratch.
Frame your specialization using O*NET job zones
Government job descriptions often use occupation codes internally. Cross-reference your degree and role title against O*NET to identify the correct SOC classification, then use that language in your application materials so hiring managers and HR can immediately confirm your OPT authorization covers the posted position.
Ask directly about H-1B sponsorship during interviews
State of Michigan sponsors EB-2, EB-3, and TN visas, which signals a willingness to invest in long-term immigration support. Ask recruiters during interviews whether the agency has filed H-1B petitions for current employees, so you understand the realistic path beyond your OPT period before accepting an offer.
State of Michigan OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does State of Michigan sponsor OPT visas?
State of Michigan doesn't sponsor OPT itself, USCIS grants OPT authorization directly to F-1 students, not through employer petition. What Michigan state agencies do is hire students who already hold a valid OPT EAD. Because state agencies are federally required to use E-Verify, they also meet the enrollment requirement for STEM OPT extensions.
Which departments at State of Michigan typically hire OPT students?
OPT hires at State of Michigan are most common in technically specialized departments: the Department of Technology, Management and Budget for IT roles, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy for environmental and engineering positions, and the Department of Transportation for civil and infrastructure work. These agencies post roles that directly align with STEM and business degree requirements typical of OPT-eligible candidates.
How do I confirm my OPT EAD covers a State of Michigan role before I apply?
Check that your OPT authorization covers the specific SOC occupation code tied to the posted position. Use O*NET to match your degree field to the role's job zone and occupation category. If the role's duties fall within your authorized field of study, your OPT EAD covers it. When in doubt, ask HR to confirm the SOC code before submitting your application.
How do I find State of Michigan jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by OPT hiring history and active openings, letting you focus on Michigan state agencies that have already hired F-1 students. You can also search Michigan's official state job portal directly, filtering for positions that list a bachelor's degree in a technical field as a minimum requirement, which typically signals OPT eligibility for that role.
Does State of Michigan sponsor H-1B visas after OPT ends?
State of Michigan has sponsored EB-2 and EB-3 immigrant visas, which indicates a willingness to invest in long-term immigration pathways for employees. H-1B visa sponsorship at state government employers varies by agency budget and legal department capacity. Ask specifically about prior H-1B filings during your interview process so you have a realistic picture of what support is available after your OPT period expires.
How does State of Michigan hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. State of Michigan 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 State of Michigan's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.