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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education is a professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. This position serves as the University’s primary resource on Alcohol and Other Drug Education programs. The Assistant Dean of Students also plays a key role in the area of student discipline and supports the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students in areas including parental communication, crisis management, and assessment and evaluation of services.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is a member of the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) staff and is responsible for the overall administration of the University’s alcohol and other drug education programs, including the supervision of the Student Affairs and Public Health Graduate Assistants for the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education. This position interacts regularly with parents, community and national agencies and associations, donors, vendors, and various members of the University community.
Alcohol and Other Drug Education Responsibilities:
- Hire, train, and supervise the Student Affairs and Public Health Graduate Assistants for the Sandler Center.
- Hire, train, and supervise Sandler Center Peer Educators (undergraduate students).
- Create and present dynamic and innovative substance misuse education programs and activities to the University community.
- Collaborate with all pertinent campus partners (including but not limited to Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities and Student Organizations, and The Butler Center for Service and Leadership) to provide intentional educational programs.
- Administer the implementation of online alcohol education and sanctioning programs.
- Administer the implementation of online drug education and sanctioning programs.
- Coordinate Peer Led Workshops attended by students as an educational judicial sanction.
- Coordinate and manage Vector’s Alcohol/Other Drug, Hazing, and Sexual Misconduct modules.
- Manage the compilation of a comprehensive resource library on substance misuse.
- Work with faculty to incorporate substance misuse education into the curriculum.
- Maintain and update Sandler Center website and publications.
- Prepare reports related to substance misuse for presentation to the Presidents Commission on Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Education and other reporting structures.
- Form and cultivate relationships with current and potential supporters of and donors to the Center in support of alcohol and other drug related programs and initiatives.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise graduate intern(s) and/or practicum student(s).
- Serve as advisor to the peer educators and attend regularly scheduled meetings.
- Plan and execute training for the peer educators.
- Strengthen the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education’s online and social media presence.
- Broaden the use of Artificial Intelligence to maximize the effectiveness of the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, workflow, and community engagement.
- Accompany students to regional and or national peer education conferences.
- Supervise and maintain all Alcohol and Other Drug Education-related financial transactions and budgets.
- Be available for service as a Hearing Officer for undergraduate disciplinary cases.
- Participate in campus activities within the Division of Student Affairs (Orientation, Leadership Programs, Homecoming, Convocation, etc.).
- Assume duty on 24-hour crisis response roster.
- Responsible for the oversight of multiple financial and endowment accounts.
- Serve on Student Affairs or University committees as assigned or requested.
- Document, draft, revise and make recommendations to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students on changes, additions, deletions to the major and university disciplinary procedures and all regulations contained in the Student Rights and Responsibilities manual.
- Perform other general or specific duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSA):
- Knowledge of and professional experience working with alcohol and other drug education programs.
- Strong administrative and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communications skills.
- Very organized and detail oriented.
- Excels in a fast-paced environment.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s degree in college student personnel, higher education administration, enrollment management or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum of 3-5 years full-time professional student affairs or related experience.
The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Staff
INTRODUCTION
The Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education is a professional staff member in the Division of Student Affairs reporting to the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. This position serves as the University’s primary resource on Alcohol and Other Drug Education programs. The Assistant Dean of Students also plays a key role in the area of student discipline and supports the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students in areas including parental communication, crisis management, and assessment and evaluation of services.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position is a member of the Dean of Students Office (DOSO) staff and is responsible for the overall administration of the University’s alcohol and other drug education programs, including the supervision of the Student Affairs and Public Health Graduate Assistants for the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education. This position interacts regularly with parents, community and national agencies and associations, donors, vendors, and various members of the University community.
Alcohol and Other Drug Education Responsibilities:
- Hire, train, and supervise the Student Affairs and Public Health Graduate Assistants for the Sandler Center.
- Hire, train, and supervise Sandler Center Peer Educators (undergraduate students).
- Create and present dynamic and innovative substance misuse education programs and activities to the University community.
- Collaborate with all pertinent campus partners (including but not limited to Housing and Residence Life, Student Activities and Student Organizations, and The Butler Center for Service and Leadership) to provide intentional educational programs.
- Administer the implementation of online alcohol education and sanctioning programs.
- Administer the implementation of online drug education and sanctioning programs.
- Coordinate Peer Led Workshops attended by students as an educational judicial sanction.
- Coordinate and manage Vector’s Alcohol/Other Drug, Hazing, and Sexual Misconduct modules.
- Manage the compilation of a comprehensive resource library on substance misuse.
- Work with faculty to incorporate substance misuse education into the curriculum.
- Maintain and update Sandler Center website and publications.
- Prepare reports related to substance misuse for presentation to the Presidents Commission on Mental Health and Alcohol and Other Drug Education and other reporting structures.
- Form and cultivate relationships with current and potential supporters of and donors to the Center in support of alcohol and other drug related programs and initiatives.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supervise graduate intern(s) and/or practicum student(s).
- Serve as advisor to the peer educators and attend regularly scheduled meetings.
- Plan and execute training for the peer educators.
- Strengthen the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education’s online and social media presence.
- Broaden the use of Artificial Intelligence to maximize the effectiveness of the Sandler Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Education, workflow, and community engagement.
- Accompany students to regional and or national peer education conferences.
- Supervise and maintain all Alcohol and Other Drug Education-related financial transactions and budgets.
- Be available for service as a Hearing Officer for undergraduate disciplinary cases.
- Participate in campus activities within the Division of Student Affairs (Orientation, Leadership Programs, Homecoming, Convocation, etc.).
- Assume duty on 24-hour crisis response roster.
- Responsible for the oversight of multiple financial and endowment accounts.
- Serve on Student Affairs or University committees as assigned or requested.
- Document, draft, revise and make recommendations to the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students on changes, additions, deletions to the major and university disciplinary procedures and all regulations contained in the Student Rights and Responsibilities manual.
- Perform other general or specific duties as assigned by the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES (KSA):
- Knowledge of and professional experience working with alcohol and other drug education programs.
- Strong administrative and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communications skills.
- Very organized and detail oriented.
- Excels in a fast-paced environment.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s degree in college student personnel, higher education administration, enrollment management or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum of 3-5 years full-time professional student affairs or related experience.
The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.
We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
Job Status:
Full time
Employee Type:
Staff
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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.