OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs
Addiction Therapist roles on OPT require active state licensure or supervised hours toward licensure, making your visa timeline a real planning factor. Most employers fall under STEM-ineligible counseling fields, so standard 12-month OPT authorization applies unless your degree qualifies for extension.
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A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and self-led candidate to be part of our growing team of researchers dedicated to reducing stigma and public health impacts from substance use, improving access to supportive services, and enhancing the well-being of people who use substances. The Clinical Service Specialist will work directly with research participants enrolled in one or more multi-year research studies integrating motivational interviewing approaches to provide brief interventions, resource navigation, and connection to services (i.e. brief case management). Tasks in this role focus on building trust, identifying participant needs and goals, providing education, supporting participant goals, and helping connect individuals to relevant services. Candidates will apply strong interpersonal and organizational skills to engage participants with substance-related resources, particularly in rural or underserved communities. Other study-related responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and informed consent processes, data collection and analyses, quality assurance activities, maintaining resource lists, and other tasks needed to support study aims.
The person in this position will gain experience delivering manualized substance use interventions and case management support. This position is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of community engagement, public health, substance use services, and innovative research to improve access to care and risk reduction resources throughout the State of Michigan, particularly in underserved rural areas. This position provides the opportunity to work with a thriving and positive team, connect directly with patients and clinics, support practical solutions to real-world barriers, and gain career mentoring and growth opportunities in the field of substance use, public health, and community-based care.
Responsibilities
- Deliver manualized study interventions providing brief support, resource navigation, and connection to care to reduce substance use and address participant-identified goals via evidence-supported approaches such as: motivational interviewing, harm reduction/risk reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered counseling, and others.
- Develop and maintain resource lists, participant-facing materials, and additional content related to research aims.
- The job will require engaging with participants and community partners in rural communities to support referral pathways, participant access to care, and additional aims of the study.
- Identify and respond appropriately to clinical risks, including overdose risk, withdrawal concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm risk by conducting risk assessments and carrying out action plans per existing study protocols.
- Support participant recruitment and enrollment, data collection and analysis, and day-to-day study activities for one or more multi-year research studies.
- Travel to the Ann Arbor office and possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan as needed for study activities.
- Adhere to institutional regulations and study protocols related to patient confidentiality, safety, data integrity, and quality, as well as study workflows, documentation requirements, and standard operating procedures.
- Other responsibilities as needed to fulfill study aims and objectives.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, all applicants for this position will need to demonstrate:
- Education/training in public health, psychology, social work, sociology, health sciences, community health, human services, peer recovery coaching or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Prior experience or training in substance use, behavioral health, public health, harm reduction, health equity, social services, or community-based care.
- Familiarity with patient care and clinical care environments, including mental health, primary care, substance use disorder treatment, community health, or integrated behavioral health settings.
- Ability to take independent initiative and manage time effectively to meet project and participant goals, with strong attention to detail, organization, and strategic planning. Excellent multi-tasking and problem-solving ability, and strong record-keeping practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people who use substances, research staff, and community partners.
- Ability to work and engage with participants and teams remotely; therefore, comfort with technology, remote communication, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic documentation systems is required.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the office in Ann Arbor, MI, with possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Intermediate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 4-5 Years of professional experience in a related field.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Associate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 1-3 Years of professional experience in a related field.
Desired Qualifications
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at any level:
- Prior experience providing resource navigation, care coordination, case management, outreach, brief intervention, or follow-up support to patients, clients, or research participants.
- Prior training or experience with risk reduction approaches to substance use, motivational interviewing, or participant-centered intervention.
- Experience working with or advocating for rural, underserved and under-resourced populations, particularly people who use substances or individuals with mental health, housing, transportation, insurance, or social service needs.
- Previous research experience, particularly experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, participant tracking, data collection, data entry, retention activities, or following research protocols.
- Familiarity with barriers to care in rural Michigan communities, including transportation, stigma, limited service availability, broadband/technology access, cost, insurance, and workforce shortages.
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at the Intermediate Level:
- Master's Degree in a related field.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
The person(s) in this position will be responsible for completing a schedule consisting of 40 hours a week, usually held within 5 days. Our typical workday is either 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm based on manager's approval. Some weekend or evening shifts will be needed to meet the goals/needs of the research grant(s). Flexible hours are available for staff while we work remotely for participant-facing or research activities only or based on manager discretion and approval.
Work Locations
Our team is currently working in a hybrid model, with onsite workdays taking place at our offices in Ann Arbor, MI. Candidates for this position may be required to visit community sites throughout the State of Michigan, thus must have reliable transportation to meet the in-person requirements of the role, when necessary. The hybrid model of this position may change based on research/grant needs or University of Michigan policy updates. Someone in this role will be required to establish volunteer/unpaid appointments at collaborating research centers, such as the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
E-Verify
The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281396
Working Title
Addiction Research Specialist Intermediate/Associate Underfill (Clinical Service Specialist)
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Psych Addiction
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 8/31/2026
Career Interest
Research
How to Apply
A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
Job Summary
We are seeking a highly motivated and self-led candidate to be part of our growing team of researchers dedicated to reducing stigma and public health impacts from substance use, improving access to supportive services, and enhancing the well-being of people who use substances. The Clinical Service Specialist will work directly with research participants enrolled in one or more multi-year research studies integrating motivational interviewing approaches to provide brief interventions, resource navigation, and connection to services (i.e. brief case management). Tasks in this role focus on building trust, identifying participant needs and goals, providing education, supporting participant goals, and helping connect individuals to relevant services. Candidates will apply strong interpersonal and organizational skills to engage participants with substance-related resources, particularly in rural or underserved communities. Other study-related responsibilities include assisting with recruitment and informed consent processes, data collection and analyses, quality assurance activities, maintaining resource lists, and other tasks needed to support study aims.
The person in this position will gain experience delivering manualized substance use interventions and case management support. This position is a great opportunity to work at the intersection of community engagement, public health, substance use services, and innovative research to improve access to care and risk reduction resources throughout the State of Michigan, particularly in underserved rural areas. This position provides the opportunity to work with a thriving and positive team, connect directly with patients and clinics, support practical solutions to real-world barriers, and gain career mentoring and growth opportunities in the field of substance use, public health, and community-based care.
Responsibilities
- Deliver manualized study interventions providing brief support, resource navigation, and connection to care to reduce substance use and address participant-identified goals via evidence-supported approaches such as: motivational interviewing, harm reduction/risk reduction, trauma-informed care, patient-centered counseling, and others.
- Develop and maintain resource lists, participant-facing materials, and additional content related to research aims.
- The job will require engaging with participants and community partners in rural communities to support referral pathways, participant access to care, and additional aims of the study.
- Identify and respond appropriately to clinical risks, including overdose risk, withdrawal concerns, suicidal ideation, self-harm risk by conducting risk assessments and carrying out action plans per existing study protocols.
- Support participant recruitment and enrollment, data collection and analysis, and day-to-day study activities for one or more multi-year research studies.
- Travel to the Ann Arbor office and possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan as needed for study activities.
- Adhere to institutional regulations and study protocols related to patient confidentiality, safety, data integrity, and quality, as well as study workflows, documentation requirements, and standard operating procedures.
- Other responsibilities as needed to fulfill study aims and objectives.
Required Qualifications
To be considered for this position, all applicants for this position will need to demonstrate:
- Education/training in public health, psychology, social work, sociology, health sciences, community health, human services, peer recovery coaching or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
- Prior experience or training in substance use, behavioral health, public health, harm reduction, health equity, social services, or community-based care.
- Familiarity with patient care and clinical care environments, including mental health, primary care, substance use disorder treatment, community health, or integrated behavioral health settings.
- Ability to take independent initiative and manage time effectively to meet project and participant goals, with strong attention to detail, organization, and strategic planning. Excellent multi-tasking and problem-solving ability, and strong record-keeping practices.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with people who use substances, research staff, and community partners.
- Ability to work and engage with participants and teams remotely; therefore, comfort with technology, remote communication, virtual meeting platforms, and electronic documentation systems is required.
- Reliable transportation and ability to travel to the office in Ann Arbor, MI, with possible travel to rural clinics or community sites throughout the State of Michigan.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Intermediate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 4-5 Years of professional experience in a related field.
To be considered for this position at the Research Area Specialist Associate level, applicants must possess:
- a Bachelor's Degree in a related field of study.
- 1-3 Years of professional experience in a related field.
Desired Qualifications
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at any level:
- Prior experience providing resource navigation, care coordination, case management, outreach, brief intervention, or follow-up support to patients, clients, or research participants.
- Prior training or experience with risk reduction approaches to substance use, motivational interviewing, or participant-centered intervention.
- Experience working with or advocating for rural, underserved and under-resourced populations, particularly people who use substances or individuals with mental health, housing, transportation, insurance, or social service needs.
- Previous research experience, particularly experience with participant recruitment, informed consent, participant tracking, data collection, data entry, retention activities, or following research protocols.
- Familiarity with barriers to care in rural Michigan communities, including transportation, stigma, limited service availability, broadband/technology access, cost, insurance, and workforce shortages.
Additional qualifications that will help candidates succeed in this role at the Intermediate Level:
- Master's Degree in a related field.
Why Join Michigan Medicine?
Michigan Medicine is one of the largest health care complexes in the world and has been the site of many groundbreaking medical and technological advancements since the opening of the U-M Medical School in 1850. Michigan Medicine is comprised of over 30,000 employees and our vision is to attract, inspire, and develop outstanding people in medicine, sciences, and healthcare to become one of the world’s most distinguished academic health systems. In some way, great or small, every person here helps to advance this world-class institution. Work at Michigan Medicine and become a victor for the greater good.
What Benefits can you Look Forward to?
- Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage effective on your very first day
- 2:1 Match on retirement savings
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Work Schedule
The person(s) in this position will be responsible for completing a schedule consisting of 40 hours a week, usually held within 5 days. Our typical workday is either 9am to 5pm or 8am to 4pm based on manager's approval. Some weekend or evening shifts will be needed to meet the goals/needs of the research grant(s). Flexible hours are available for staff while we work remotely for participant-facing or research activities only or based on manager discretion and approval.
Work Locations
Our team is currently working in a hybrid model, with onsite workdays taking place at our offices in Ann Arbor, MI. Candidates for this position may be required to visit community sites throughout the State of Michigan, thus must have reliable transportation to meet the in-person requirements of the role, when necessary. The hybrid model of this position may change based on research/grant needs or University of Michigan policy updates. Someone in this role will be required to establish volunteer/unpaid appointments at collaborating research centers, such as the Dept. of Veterans Affairs.
Underfill Statement
This position may be underfilled at a lower classification depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
Background Screening
Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background screenings. Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.
In addition to the screenings indicated above under Michigan law, a criminal history check including fingerprinting is required as a condition of transfer or employment for this position.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
E-Verify
The University of Michigan participates with the federal EVerify system. Individuals hired into positions that are funded by a federal contract with the FAR EVerify clause must have their identity and work eligibility confirmed by the EVerify system. This position is identified as a position that may include the EVerify requirement.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Job Opening ID
281396
Working Title
Addiction Research Specialist Intermediate/Associate Underfill (Clinical Service Specialist)
Job Title
Research Area Specialist Inter
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Hybrid
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
Medical School
Department
MM Psych Addiction
Posting Begin/End Date
8/07/2026 - 8/31/2026
Career Interest
Research
See all 33+ OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Addiction Therapist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Addiction Therapist
Know your licensure status before you apply
Most Addiction Therapist positions require a Licensed Professional Counselor, LCSW, or CADC credential. Verify which license your target state requires and whether your OPT timeline gives you enough supervised hours to reach licensure before authorization expires.
Target employers who already sponsor H-1B visas
Behavioral health hospitals, large nonprofit treatment networks, and federally qualified health centers have established immigration processes. Searching employers with prior H-1B visa sponsorship history signals they understand the process and are more likely to extend sponsorship after OPT.
Clarify your work authorization status upfront
Addiction Therapist hiring often involves credentialing departments that review work authorization documents. Mention your OPT EAD and authorized end date early so HR and clinical credentialing teams can confirm timelines before investing in the hiring process.
Pursue supervised clinical hours aggressively early on
Many states require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised post-graduate hours for full licensure. Starting OPT in a supervised counseling role immediately maximizes your hours accumulation before your authorization window closes or transitions to H-1B sponsorship.
Focus on settings familiar with international clinicians
Community mental health centers, Veterans Affairs facilities, and university counseling centers regularly hire international staff and understand OPT and H-1B requirements. These settings are more likely to have HR infrastructure ready to support your transition to long-term sponsorship.
Align your job search with your degree field
Your OPT must relate directly to your degree program. A counseling or social work degree supports Addiction Therapist roles clearly. If your degree is in psychology or a related field, confirm the role description explicitly matches your field to protect your authorization.
Addiction Therapist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Addiction Therapist on OPT without a state license?
It depends on the state and the role. Many entry-level or associate-level positions allow you to work under supervision while accumulating hours toward licensure. However, roles requiring a fully independent license, such as Licensed Professional Counselor or LCSW, require you to hold that credential before practicing. Confirm your state's specific requirements before accepting an offer.
Does an Addiction Therapist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Addiction Therapist positions do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because counseling and social work degree programs are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If your degree is in a STEM-classified field such as applied psychology or behavioral neuroscience, review your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before assuming an extension is available.
How do I find Addiction Therapist employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface visa-sponsoring employers for OPT students, so it's the most efficient place to search for Addiction Therapist roles where sponsorship is a realistic option. Larger behavioral health networks, nonprofit treatment centers, and federally funded community health programs have established immigration support and are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas once your OPT period ends.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from one Addiction Therapist role to another?
You can change employers on OPT as long as the new role is directly related to your degree program. Report the employment change to your DSO within 10 days so they can update your SEVIS record. A gap between positions is allowed, but gaps exceeding 90 days in aggregate can put your OPT status at risk, so minimize time between roles.
Will clinical supervision count as authorized OPT employment for an Addiction Therapist?
Yes, supervised clinical positions that directly relate to your degree field count as authorized OPT employment, even if you are not yet independently licensed. The role must be tied to your field of study and you must be actively employed, not simply completing unpaid volunteer hours. Confirm with your DSO that the position description aligns with your degree before starting.