OPT Addiction Counselor Jobs
Addiction Counselor jobs on OPT typically require a bachelor's or master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related behavioral health field. Most roles are at hospitals, nonprofits, and community health centers. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this field, so a 12-month OPT timeline is standard for most candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsWho we are:
Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County's leading behavioral health organizations specializing in treatment for all types of substance use disorders including alcohol, opiates, depressants and stimulants. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome addiction in order to restore their lives and ultimately strengthen our communities. Liberation provides services for youth, adults and families that include two inpatient treatment programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient services, health education for older adults and people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, treatment and resources for adolescents and their families, education and prevention efforts in the community, and permanent supportive housing for families. In operation since 1971, the agency has sites in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport and served more than 2,400 individuals in our last fiscal year.
Our Mission:
Liberation Programs' mission is to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services to help individuals and their families impacted by substance use and mental health conditions to foster hope and maintain wellness.
Liberation Programs is hiring a Part-Time Weekend Counselor for our men's residential treatment program in Stamford, CT.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide culturally competent, engaging counseling services, focused on helping individuals recover.
- Connect individuals with wraparound support services in the community.
- Provide a full-range of supportive SUD services including brief individual counseling, intensive counseling, care coordination, and consultations to support strength-based discharge planning and continuity of care.
- Engage family members in the recovery experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- CT State licensure REQUIRED, as an LCSW, LADC, LPC or LMFT.
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a mental health related field such as Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, with course work and experience in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) and Medicated Assisted Treatment/Recovery.
- Prefer experience providing evidenced-based SUD services in an inpatient or outpatient setting based on program of interest, including trauma-sensitive therapeutic interventions and Medicated Assisted Recovery.
- Understanding of a recovery-oriented and consumer driven delivery system, and the ability to work well with colleagues.
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills, and computer skills.
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-4:30pm
What We Offer:
- Competitive Compensation
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Company Paid Short Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
- 401K with Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Generous Paid Time Off Policy
- HRSA Student Loan Forgiveness Participant
- Supportive Work Environment
Who we are:
Liberation Programs is one of Fairfield County's leading behavioral health organizations specializing in treatment for all types of substance use disorders including alcohol, opiates, depressants and stimulants. Our goal is to help individuals and families overcome addiction in order to restore their lives and ultimately strengthen our communities. Liberation provides services for youth, adults and families that include two inpatient treatment programs, outpatient and intensive outpatient services, health education for older adults and people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, treatment and resources for adolescents and their families, education and prevention efforts in the community, and permanent supportive housing for families. In operation since 1971, the agency has sites in Greenwich, Stamford, Norwalk and Bridgeport and served more than 2,400 individuals in our last fiscal year.
Our Mission:
Liberation Programs' mission is to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services to help individuals and their families impacted by substance use and mental health conditions to foster hope and maintain wellness.
Liberation Programs is hiring a Part-Time Weekend Counselor for our men's residential treatment program in Stamford, CT.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide culturally competent, engaging counseling services, focused on helping individuals recover.
- Connect individuals with wraparound support services in the community.
- Provide a full-range of supportive SUD services including brief individual counseling, intensive counseling, care coordination, and consultations to support strength-based discharge planning and continuity of care.
- Engage family members in the recovery experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- CT State licensure REQUIRED, as an LCSW, LADC, LPC or LMFT.
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university in a mental health related field such as Psychology, Counseling, Social Work, Marriage and Family Counseling, with course work and experience in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD) and Medicated Assisted Treatment/Recovery.
- Prefer experience providing evidenced-based SUD services in an inpatient or outpatient setting based on program of interest, including trauma-sensitive therapeutic interventions and Medicated Assisted Recovery.
- Understanding of a recovery-oriented and consumer driven delivery system, and the ability to work well with colleagues.
- Strong communications and interpersonal skills, and computer skills.
Schedule: Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-4:30pm
What We Offer:
- Competitive Compensation
- Medical/Dental/Vision
- Company Paid Basic Life Insurance
- Company Paid Short Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts for Health, Dependent Care, Parking and Transit
- 401K with Match
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Generous Paid Time Off Policy
- HRSA Student Loan Forgiveness Participant
- Supportive Work Environment
See all OPT Addiction Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Addiction Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Addiction Counselor
Target nonprofit and public health employers
Nonprofit treatment centers and county health departments are more accustomed to hiring international staff than private practices. They often have HR infrastructure to support OPT work authorization and are motivated by mission over cost concerns about sponsorship.
Get your licensure documentation in order early
Most states require a Licensed Professional Counselor or CADC credential to practice. Research your state's requirements before applying so you can show employers you're on a clear path to licensure, even if you haven't completed it yet.
Lead with your EAD, not your visa status
When reaching out to employers, frame your work authorization around your Employment Authorization Document. Most hiring managers understand EAD more readily than OPT terminology, which reduces confusion and keeps the conversation focused on your qualifications.
Apply early and track your OPT end date carefully
Addiction Counselor hiring cycles at clinics and hospitals can move slowly. Start applying at least three to four months before your OPT expires to leave room for background checks, credentialing processes, and any H-1B visa or other sponsorship discussions.
Emphasize bilingual skills or cultural specializations
Employers serving diverse patient populations actively seek counselors who speak languages other than English or understand specific cultural contexts. These qualifications make you a stronger candidate and can differentiate you from applicants who don't need sponsorship consideration.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting offers
Addiction Counselor roles can qualify for H-1B if the position requires a specific degree. Confirm whether the employer has sponsored H-1B workers before and whether they're willing to, so you're not caught off guard as your OPT end date approaches.
Addiction Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Addiction Counselor on OPT?
Yes, you can work as an Addiction Counselor on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field, such as counseling, social work, psychology, or a related behavioral health discipline. You'll need a valid EAD card before starting work. The position must constitute practical training in your field of study to remain compliant with F-1 regulations.
Does the Addiction Counselor field qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
No. Addiction Counseling, Social Work, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling are not classified under STEM CIP codes, so the 24-month STEM OPT extension does not apply. You're limited to the standard 12-month OPT period unless you transition to a different visa status such as H-1B. Planning your job search timeline around the 12-month window is essential for this field.
Can an Addiction Counselor role qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
It can, but the role must qualify as a specialty occupation, meaning it requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field like counseling or social work. Entry-level or paraprofessional addiction counselor roles that accept any degree may not meet the threshold. Roles requiring a master's degree, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Professional Counselor positions, are stronger H-1B candidates.
Where can I find Addiction Counselor jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to hire candidates on work authorization. Browsing Migrate Mate gives you direct access to Addiction Counselor listings where sponsorship or OPT acceptance is already part of the employer's expectations, saving you time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization issues late in the process.
Do I need a counseling license to work as an Addiction Counselor on OPT?
Licensing requirements vary by state and role level. Many entry-level positions allow you to work under supervision while pursuing credentials like the CADC or state licensure. However, some clinical roles require active licensure before hire. Confirm your state's specific requirements and be transparent with employers about your current credential status and your timeline for completing any outstanding requirements.