OPT Agency Owner Jobs
Agency Owner roles on OPT require an employer of record or a U.S.-based business entity to sponsor your work authorization, since F-1 OPT doesn't permit self-employment. Most students pursue this path through established agencies willing to hire and sponsor while you build toward ownership.
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Join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) and be part of a team committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of fellow Texans. At HHSC, your contributions matter, and we support you at each stage of your life and work journey. Our comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees, a defined benefit pension plan, generous time off benefits, numerous opportunities for career advancement and more. Explore more details on the Benefits of Working at HHS webpage.
Functional Title: Agency Finance Staff Services Officer
Job Title: Staff Services Officer IV
Agency: Health & Human Services Comm
Department: Agency Finance
Posting Number: 18076
Closing Date: 06/30/2026
Posting Audience: Internal and External
Occupational Category: Business and Financial Operations
Salary Range: $4,263.16 - $6,779.25
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group: TEXAS-B-20
Shift: Day
Telework: Eligible for Telework
Travel: Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full Time/Part Time: Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt: Nonexempt
Facility Location:
Job Location City: AUSTIN
Job Location Address: 4601 W GUADALUPE ST
Other Locations:
MOS Codes: 0102, 0111, 0147, 0160, 0161, 0170, 0171, 0430, 0431, 0491, 2102, 3152, 4801, 4802, 4803, 4804, 4810, 4821, 6607, 8411, 8412, 8840, 8862, 120X, 16GX, 20C0, 2G0X1, 30C0, 36A, 36B, 38FX, 3F0X1, 3F1X1, 420A, 42A, 42B, 42H, 4A1X1, 51C, 60C0, 63A, 63AX, 63G0, 63S0, 641X, 70C, 70F, 89A, 8A200, 8U000, 90A, 920A, 920B, 92A, 92Z, FIN10, F&S, LS, LSS, PERS, PS, SEI11, SEI15, SK, WEPS, YN, YNS
Brief Job Description:
The Staff Services Officer for the Texas Health and Human Services Agency Finance department serves as the organizational center for key administrative and operational support, providing high-level assistance to directors and managers in a fast-paced, confidential environment. Working under minimal supervision and exercising considerable initiative and independent judgment, the role oversees executive correspondence, manages calendars and appointments, coordinates meetings, and supports special projects and workgroups. The position also ensures that documents, communications, and records are handled with accuracy, professionalism, and strict adherence to internal and external policies, including executive correspondence protocols, audit-related tracking, and records retention requirements.
In addition, this role supports the day-to-day business operations of the department through coordination of human resources and recruitment activities, interview scheduling, personnel actions, training tracking, purchasing, software and subscription renewals, inventory maintenance, and other administrative functions. The position acts as a central point of coordination for multiple department-wide processes, helping ensure that operations run smoothly, deadlines are met, and leadership is supported effectively. This is a highly organized, detail-oriented role that requires discretion, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities while supporting the mission and goals of the Agency Finance department.
Essential Job Functions (EJFs):
Position schedule is 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the North Austin Complex. The position requires the successful candidate to have the infrastructure required to work remotely as needed.
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This position oversees the daily flow of correspondence and assignments for the Agency Finance directors and managers and ensures compliance with all internal/external policies for executive correspondence. Facilitates writing correspondence in support of the Agency Finance directors and managers for all internal and external stakeholders. Drafts, reviews, edits, and ensures correct format and protocol for Executive Clerk documents. Tracks audit-related requests and responses for the Agency Finance department. 20%
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Assists the directors and managers of Agency Finance by overseeing the management of appointments, calendars, scheduling and coordination of meetings. Takes and transcribes meeting notes as needed. Oversees coordination and directs special projects and participates in work groups on behalf of directors and managers of the Agency Finance department. 20%
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Assists directors and managers with human resource policy, recruitment, and personnel action for the Agency Finance department. Processes request of changes, moves, and new employees and prepares organizational charts. Manages the interview process by coordinating with hiring directors and managers to schedule interviews, communicate logistics, and provide updates to ensure a smooth and efficient process. Tracks required internal training and notifies staff of deadlines for completion. 20%
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Manages purchases, including software license and subscription renewals, by processing requisitions and coordinating closely with Purchasing and Accounts Payable to ensure expenditures are accurate, timely, and in compliance with agency requirements. 10%
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Oversees and maintains multiple department-wide inventory lists, ensuring records are accurate and up to date. 10%
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Develops and maintains filing systems for training records, correspondence, audit findings, etc. and ensures all records are kept in accordance with the agency retention schedule. Develops, modifies, and oversees the implementation of internal policies and procedures for streamlining business processes for the Agency Finance departments. 10%
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May coordinate travel arrangements and serve as leave coordinator of travel arrangements for staff. Performs other duties as assigned required to meet the mission and goals of the Agency Finance Department. 10%
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs):
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Knowledge of accepted business methods.
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Knowledge of agency programs, policies, procedures, principles, and practices.
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Knowledge of agency fiscal and budgeting techniques and practices.
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Knowledge of information technology solutions.
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Knowledge of office management.
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Knowledge of human resource administration.
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Skill in coordinating activities, the use of a computer and applicable software, and critical thinking.
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Skill in Microsoft Word to include advanced document formatting, editing, tracking and compliance with organization template requirements.
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Skill in Microsoft Office Suite, to include basic to intermediate Excel.
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Skill in Outlook to include managing multiple calendars and/or mailboxes.
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Skill in SharePoint administration.
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Ability to handle high level administrative issues.
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Ability to analyze and solve work related problems.
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Ability to communicate effectively.
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Ability to write in a clear, concise and professional manner.
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Ability to supervise and assign the work of others.
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Ability to interpret and apply agency policies and procedures.
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Ability to analyze and improve processes where needed.
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Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
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Ability to learn new software products.
Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications:
Preferred certification in Microsoft Office.
Initial Screening Criteria:
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Associates degree and two years’ experience in office management, administrative support or clerical work, or four years’ experience in office management, administrative support or clerical work.
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Two years’ experience in Microsoft Office tools to include Word.
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Four years of experience in office management with a bachelor’s degree preferred.
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Advanced Word and Outlook experience preferred.
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Intermediate Excel and SharePoint experience preferred.
Additional Information:
This position will be required to report to the North Austin Complex a minimum of two days a week as required by agency policy. This policy is subject to change.
Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC.
Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans:
Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions.
ADA Accommodations:
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.
Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:
Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.
HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form.
Telework Disclaimer:
This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Agency Owner
Clarify your OPT employment structure upfront
Agency Owner roles often blur the line between employment and self-employment. Make sure any arrangement involves a legitimate W-2 employer relationship with a U.S. business entity, which is the only structure that satisfies F-1 OPT work authorization requirements.
Target agencies actively hiring international talent
Smaller independent agencies and holding groups are often more flexible with sponsorship than large networks. Research firms that have previously hired F-1 OPT students into leadership tracks, as they understand the authorization requirements and are less likely to withdraw offers late.
Frame your pitch around revenue generation
Agency principals care about client acquisition and retention. Lead with measurable outcomes from past roles, such as accounts managed, clients retained, or revenue influenced. This shifts the conversation from your visa status to your business value from the first interaction.
Understand your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
If your degree is in a STEM field and the role qualifies, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full authorization timeline to employers.
Address the H-1B transition early in negotiations
Employers hiring you into an Agency Owner track need to plan for H-1B visa sponsorship before your OPT expires. Raise this during the offer stage, not after. Agencies that are serious about long-term hires will have a plan or be willing to develop one.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsorship-open agencies
Not every agency listing is open to OPT candidates, and screening manually wastes time you don't have. Migrate Mate filters specifically for employers willing to sponsor international students, so you can focus your outreach on roles where your authorization is already a known quantity.
Agency Owner OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as an Agency Owner?
Yes, but only through a qualifying W-2 employer relationship, not as a self-employed business owner. F-1 OPT prohibits self-employment, so you must be hired by an existing U.S. agency that employs you directly. Some students enter ownership tracks by joining an agency as a senior employee with an equity or partnership arrangement structured through payroll.
Does an Agency Owner role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on the nature of the role and your degree. If your agency specializes in a STEM-adjacent field, such as digital marketing technology, data analytics, or software, and your degree is STEM-designated, the role may qualify. Your DSO must confirm the degree's CIP code matches a DHS-approved STEM field, and your employer must meet the formal training plan requirements.
How do I find agencies willing to sponsor OPT students for ownership-track roles?
Most general job listings don't flag sponsorship willingness, which makes filtering manually time-consuming. Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on OPT and shows roles from employers open to sponsoring work authorization. Focusing your search there saves significant time compared to cold-applying to agencies that may not be set up to hire international candidates.
What happens to my OPT authorization if the agency restructures or closes?
Your OPT is tied to employment in your authorized field, not to a specific employer. If your agency closes or restructures and you lose your W-2 employment, you have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your initial OPT period. You must report any job change or gap to your DSO promptly, as unreported unemployment can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Can an Agency Owner role lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, and it's one of the more viable H-1B pathways if the agency is willing. For H-1B sponsorship, the employer must file a Labor Condition Application and petition USCIS on your behalf before your OPT expires. Raise the H-1B question during the offer negotiation stage. Agencies that have sponsored before will understand the timeline; those that haven't may need guidance on the process.