OPT Care Assistant Jobs
Care Assistant jobs are actively hiring OPT students with backgrounds in nursing, public health, social work, and related fields. Most roles qualify under the STEM-adjacent health sciences category, and some employers have experience filing H-1B visa petitions for strong candidates after OPT ends.
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Get Access To All JobsWe are hiring for:
Respiratory Care Assistant
Type:
Regular
Location:
New Bern, NC (On-Site)
Employment Type:
Full-time
Compensation:
$20+ (depending on role and experience)
Incentives:
No sign-on bonus is being offered. No relocation packaged offered.
Schedule:
12 hour shifts; 7am - 7pm OR 7pm - 7am
We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to caring for pediatric patients, primarily those with tracheostomies.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide approved respiratory care services to all assigned service users under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT).
- Monitor, assess, and evaluate service users’ respiratory status and needs.
- Communicate any changes in condition to medical staff, the Director of Respiratory Services, and RTs on shift in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support high-quality respiratory care and outcomes.
- Observe service users’ responses to treatment and make sound, timely decisions within scope.
- Administer respiratory medications as prescribed by a physician under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all respiratory-related care and observations in the medical record.
- Ensure respiratory equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and available for use.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Participate in team meetings, care planning, and family/parent conferences as needed.
- Assist in managing behavioral concerns in collaboration with the care team.
- Support Workers’ Compensation processes in accordance with organizational policies.
- Stay current with and assist in implementing best practices and advancements in respiratory care techniques.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
- Valid driver’s license
- Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Flexible availability to meet scheduling needs
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift at least 40 lbs and routinely lift/pull a minimum of 25lbs
- Ability to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as needed
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Frequent use of hands for handling equipment and performing procedures
- Ability to perform CPR at floor level (requires bending, kneeling, lifting, and sustained physical activity)
- Visual acuity including close, distance, and peripheral vision
- Ability to effectively communicate (hear and speak clearly)
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement
RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
We are hiring for:
Respiratory Care Assistant
Type:
Regular
Location:
New Bern, NC (On-Site)
Employment Type:
Full-time
Compensation:
$20+ (depending on role and experience)
Incentives:
No sign-on bonus is being offered. No relocation packaged offered.
Schedule:
12 hour shifts; 7am - 7pm OR 7pm - 7am
We are seeking passionate individuals who are committed to caring for pediatric patients, primarily those with tracheostomies.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide approved respiratory care services to all assigned service users under the supervision of a licensed Respiratory Therapist (RT).
- Monitor, assess, and evaluate service users’ respiratory status and needs.
- Communicate any changes in condition to medical staff, the Director of Respiratory Services, and RTs on shift in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to support high-quality respiratory care and outcomes.
- Observe service users’ responses to treatment and make sound, timely decisions within scope.
- Administer respiratory medications as prescribed by a physician under the supervision of licensed staff.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all respiratory-related care and observations in the medical record.
- Ensure respiratory equipment is properly maintained, cleaned, and available for use.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Participate in team meetings, care planning, and family/parent conferences as needed.
- Assist in managing behavioral concerns in collaboration with the care team.
- Support Workers’ Compensation processes in accordance with organizational policies.
- Stay current with and assist in implementing best practices and advancements in respiratory care techniques.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in an accredited Respiratory Therapy program
- Valid driver’s license
- Current CPR certification (or ability to obtain upon hire)
- Ability to pass a background check and drug screening
- Flexible availability to meet scheduling needs
- Ability to remain calm and effective in high-stress situations
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift at least 40 lbs and routinely lift/pull a minimum of 25lbs
- Ability to squat, kneel, crawl, crouch, climb, and stoop as needed
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
- Frequent use of hands for handling equipment and performing procedures
- Ability to perform CPR at floor level (requires bending, kneeling, lifting, and sustained physical activity)
- Visual acuity including close, distance, and peripheral vision
- Ability to effectively communicate (hear and speak clearly)
Pre-employment screening:
- Complete criminal background
- Name checked in the registries. (OIG exclusions database, Child Abuse Registry, and Offenders Against Individuals with Developmental Disabilities)
- Drug testing
- Education verification and other credentialing based on position requirements.
- Proof of employment history or references (if required)
- Positions that require driving Proof of driver's license, driver's insurance, and vehicle, IF required for providing transportation for individuals.
We offer the following benefits to employees:
- Payactiv: early access to the money you’ve earned from hours you’ve already worked, before payday!
- Employee perks and discount program: to help you save money!
- Paid Time Off (full-time employees only)
- Health/Insurance (full-time employees only)
- 401(k) retirement savings program
- Wellbeing Programs: Physical, Emotional and Financial
- Chronic Disease management programs for hypertension and diabetes (for qualifying employees)
- Training: Free CPR, first aid, and job-specific training opportunities
contract/contingent workers and interns do not qualify for any of the above benefits
EEO Statement
RHA is an equal opportunity employer. In addition, we provide reasonable accommodation to qualified employees who have protected disabilities to the extent required by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process, please contact our solutions center.
About RHA:
At RHA Health Services, we help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health and/or substance use needs live their best lives. Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment while creating opportunities for personal outcomes.
For over 30 years, the people we serve and support have remained at the very center of everything we do. RHA currently provides services in North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and New Jersey.
If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of people we serve and support apply to join the team today.
See all 515+ OPT Care Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Care Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Care Assistant
Target healthcare networks over solo practices
Large hospital systems, assisted living chains, and nonprofit care organizations are far more likely to have HR infrastructure for OPT work authorization. Smaller private practices often lack experience navigating employment eligibility requirements for international students.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Let hiring managers know exactly how long your OPT authorization runs and whether you qualify for a STEM extension. A clear timeline helps employers plan staffing and assess whether sponsoring you after OPT makes practical sense for their organization.
Emphasize credentials that transfer directly
CPR certification, patient care technician training, and any clinical hours from your degree program are concrete qualifications that make you immediately useful. Hiring managers in care settings prioritize hands-on readiness, so lead with certifications before discussing visa status.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history before accepting offers
Before signing anything, ask whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa or green card petitions for previous employees. Employers who have done it before understand the process and are significantly more likely to support you when your OPT authorization period ends.
Look for roles tied to a specific degree field
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A care assistant role at a memory care facility connects clearly to a gerontology or nursing degree. Document that connection in writing in case your DSO or USCIS asks for clarification.
Build references from clinical or practicum placements
Supervisors from internships, clinical rotations, or practicum placements carry significant weight in care hiring. A strong reference from a licensed practitioner signals both professional competence and that you've already cleared basic background and credentialing checkpoints employers care about.
Care Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Care Assistant on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A care assistant position connects clearly to degrees in nursing, public health, gerontology, social work, or health sciences. You'll need to document that connection for your DSO and keep it on file in case USCIS requests evidence of OPT compliance.
Do Care Assistant employers typically sponsor work visas after OPT?
Some do, particularly large healthcare networks, senior living companies, and nonprofit care organizations that hire internationally trained staff regularly. Smaller private employers are less consistent. The best approach is to filter for employers with a documented H-1B filing history before applying. Migrate Mate makes it easy to find Care Assistant roles at employers with active sponsorship records.
Does a Care Assistant job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Biomedical Science, or a qualifying Nursing program, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
What documents do I need to start a Care Assistant job on OPT?
You'll need your EAD card, a valid passport, your I-20 with OPT authorization noted, and your Social Security Number. Some care employers also require background checks, CPR certification verification, and state-specific health screenings before your first day. Confirm the full onboarding requirements with HR before your start date so there are no delays.
How do I find Care Assistant jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Search on Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship willingness. Care assistant roles listed there are sourced with international candidates in mind, which means fewer awkward conversations about work authorization at the interview stage.