Clinical Counselor Jobs for OPT Students
Clinical Counselor roles on OPT require active licensure or supervised hours under a licensed supervisor, which affects how employers structure your position. Most F-1 OPT students work toward LMHC, LPC, or LCSW credentials during this period. STEM OPT extension is not available for this SOC code, so your 12-month window is firm.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive. Across our network of community centers, our staff empowers people of all backgrounds to flourish. Our vast array of programs includes free meals for seniors, addiction treatment and recovery, innovative early childhood education, art classes, Jewish cultural and educational events, and more. We remain committed to recognizing the intrinsic value within each individual and the importance of building community.
The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual. Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming. CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.
We are seeking a qualified healthcare professional to be our Clinical Counselor Outpatient Services who will counsel and aid individuals who have substance use disorders and/or their families/loved ones in a New York State OASAS-certified outpatient treatment program. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed lens, individualized assessment and counseling (telehealth or virtual) services are delivered both in-person and virtually at Project Contact Outpatient at the Center for Recovery and Wellness.
Schedule: (3) Weekdays - 10am to 6pm, (2) Weekdays - 12pm to 8pm, and a rotating weekend once a month.
Responsibilities
- Provide caseloads with weekly individual case management and counseling sessions consistent with the individualized treatment plan for individuals in the Substance Use Treatment and/or Significant Other Services treatment tracks.
- Continuously assess the appropriateness of the current level of treatment, corresponding with LOCADTR and utilization review instruments (Substance Use treatment track).
- Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.
- Complete detailed progress notes, comprehensive treatment plans, intake/admission assessments, psychosocial assessments, discharge plans, and other required documentation in accordance with OASAS and CARF standards.
- Maintain accurate and organized clinical charts, engaging in pre-audits of charts to ensure compliance with OASAS, managed care, and CARF standards.
- Send weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to HRA through the Substance Abuse Tracking and Reporting System.
- Specimen collection for clients and monitors for treatment-related issues in order to update the treatment plan (Substance Use treatment track).
- Check the toxicology reporting portal daily to ensure any positive toxicology reports are communicated to supervisory staff, documented, and addressed with the client (Substance Use treatment track).
- Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, housing, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.
- Facilitation of individual and group-level interventions during other clinician vacations or leave.
- Ensure that clients’ annual medical examinations are completed, with associated referrals as needed.
- Contact referent and/or family contacts upon admission of new clients in a timely manner, and provide written or oral clinical updates as needed.
- Effective advocacy and collateral contacts to empower clients.
- Outreach to referral sources to expand the network of clients.
- Attend staff meetings and trainings as required, as well as individual and group supervision.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in a mental health discipline (MSW, MHC, MFT, etc), and either licensed in the state of New York, or working under a limited permit and eligible for licensure. OR CASAC credentialing (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) OR CASAC-T with a bachelor's degree in a human services-related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a substance use program.
- Possess a demonstrated ability to deliver patient treatment, including communication skills, successful engagement in specialized human services training, understanding of human interaction and personality development, and the ability to write and record case documentation.
- Familiar with Regulatory Agency/OASAS Regulations regarding the operation and practices of patient care.
- An understanding of group dynamics is essential.
- Must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Competent in electronic health records that support treatment plans and case notes such as AURA Relias, Netsmart, and AWARDS (willing to learn new systems).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to multitask and handle challenging situations in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to work professionally and empathetically with a diverse group of clients and staff.
- Bilingual in any language preferred.
BENEFITS
- Generous PTO Policy
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Pension Plan
- 403b Retirement Plans
- Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
- Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14TH ST Y Gyms
- Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Reward
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
EEO INFO
Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
INTRODUCTION
Educational Alliance (EA), one of New York City’s original settlement houses, was founded in 1889 to offer educational, social, and cultural services to Jewish immigrants arriving to the Lower East Side. Today, EA is a proudly Jewish institution that partners with diverse communities throughout Lower Manhattan. We provide New Yorkers with high-quality, transformational programs that enhance their well-being and socio-economic opportunities, reflecting our belief that everyone in our city should be given the tools to thrive. Across our network of community centers, our staff empowers people of all backgrounds to flourish. Our vast array of programs includes free meals for seniors, addiction treatment and recovery, innovative early childhood education, art classes, Jewish cultural and educational events, and more. We remain committed to recognizing the intrinsic value within each individual and the importance of building community.
The Center for Recovery and Wellness takes a holistic, strengths-based approach to recovery and wellness that responds to the distinct needs of each individual. Programs include residential and outpatient addiction treatment, recovery services, prevention education, and community programming. CRW offers culturally competent, evidence-based programs and services that strengthen individuals and communities, enhance resiliency, and foster lasting recovery.
We are seeking a qualified healthcare professional to be our Clinical Counselor Outpatient Services who will counsel and aid individuals who have substance use disorders and/or their families/loved ones in a New York State OASAS-certified outpatient treatment program. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma-informed lens, individualized assessment and counseling (telehealth or virtual) services are delivered both in-person and virtually at Project Contact Outpatient at the Center for Recovery and Wellness.
Schedule: (3) Weekdays - 10am to 6pm, (2) Weekdays - 12pm to 8pm, and a rotating weekend once a month.
Responsibilities
- Provide caseloads with weekly individual case management and counseling sessions consistent with the individualized treatment plan for individuals in the Substance Use Treatment and/or Significant Other Services treatment tracks.
- Continuously assess the appropriateness of the current level of treatment, corresponding with LOCADTR and utilization review instruments (Substance Use treatment track).
- Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.
- Complete detailed progress notes, comprehensive treatment plans, intake/admission assessments, psychosocial assessments, discharge plans, and other required documentation in accordance with OASAS and CARF standards.
- Maintain accurate and organized clinical charts, engaging in pre-audits of charts to ensure compliance with OASAS, managed care, and CARF standards.
- Send weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports to HRA through the Substance Abuse Tracking and Reporting System.
- Specimen collection for clients and monitors for treatment-related issues in order to update the treatment plan (Substance Use treatment track).
- Check the toxicology reporting portal daily to ensure any positive toxicology reports are communicated to supervisory staff, documented, and addressed with the client (Substance Use treatment track).
- Coordinate integrated services with medical, mental health, housing, vocational, recovery services, and other social service providers.
- Facilitation of individual and group-level interventions during other clinician vacations or leave.
- Ensure that clients’ annual medical examinations are completed, with associated referrals as needed.
- Contact referent and/or family contacts upon admission of new clients in a timely manner, and provide written or oral clinical updates as needed.
- Effective advocacy and collateral contacts to empower clients.
- Outreach to referral sources to expand the network of clients.
- Attend staff meetings and trainings as required, as well as individual and group supervision.
- Perform special projects and other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's Degree in a mental health discipline (MSW, MHC, MFT, etc), and either licensed in the state of New York, or working under a limited permit and eligible for licensure. OR CASAC credentialing (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor) OR CASAC-T with a bachelor's degree in a human services-related field and a minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a substance use program.
- Possess a demonstrated ability to deliver patient treatment, including communication skills, successful engagement in specialized human services training, understanding of human interaction and personality development, and the ability to write and record case documentation.
- Familiar with Regulatory Agency/OASAS Regulations regarding the operation and practices of patient care.
- An understanding of group dynamics is essential.
- Must be computer-literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Competent in electronic health records that support treatment plans and case notes such as AURA Relias, Netsmart, and AWARDS (willing to learn new systems).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated with the ability to multitask and handle challenging situations in a professional and courteous manner.
- Ability to work professionally and empathetically with a diverse group of clients and staff.
- Bilingual in any language preferred.
BENEFITS
- Generous PTO Policy
- Competitive Salary
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Pension Plan
- 403b Retirement Plans
- Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks, etc.
- Free Gym Membership to our MCC Fitness & 14TH ST Y Gyms
- Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Employee Referral Reward
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.
EEO INFO
Educational Alliance is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Clinical Counselor
Lead with your supervised hours status
Employers in clinical settings want to know exactly where you are in your licensure process. State upfront how many supervised hours you have completed and how many remain. This removes ambiguity and positions you as a serious candidate.
Target community mental health centers early
Community mental health centers and nonprofits have more experience supervising pre-licensed clinicians and often have established OPT hiring pipelines. They are more likely to provide the structured supervision your licensure requires and to consider H-1B sponsorship afterward.
Confirm your OPT dates are on your resume
Include your OPT authorization period and EAD card expiration date on your resume or cover letter. Clinical employers run background and credentialing checks early, so surfacing your work authorization timeline upfront prevents delays in the hiring process.
Clarify the H-1B specialty occupation fit in interviews
Clinical Counselor roles typically qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they require a master's degree in a specific field. Raise this proactively with employers so they understand sponsorship is legally straightforward, not a complex or unusual request.
Check state licensure requirements before applying
Licensure rules vary significantly by state and affect what clinical tasks you can perform under OPT. Some states restrict pre-licensed clinicians from billing insurance independently. Understanding your state's scope-of-practice rules helps you target roles where you can actually function.
Ask about supervision structure during the interview
Clinical positions with built-in licensed supervision are far more valuable during OPT than independent contractor roles. Ask directly whether a licensed supervisor is on staff and whether the role counts toward your licensure hours before accepting any offer.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Clinical Counselor role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, Clinical Counselor positions qualify for OPT as long as the role is directly related to your field of study, typically counseling, psychology, social work, or a related mental health discipline. Your employer does not need to file anything with USCIS during your OPT period. You work on the strength of your EAD card and your valid F-1 status.
Can I work as a Clinical Counselor on OPT without a full license?
Yes, but the scope of what you can do depends on your state. Most states allow pre-licensed counselors to provide clinical services under the supervision of a fully licensed professional. Your OPT authorization covers the work itself, but state licensing boards govern what services you can deliver. Confirm your state's supervised practice rules before accepting a role.
Is the STEM OPT extension available for Clinical Counselor jobs?
No. Clinical Counselor positions fall under SOC codes that are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Your OPT window is 12 months. If you want to continue working in the U.S. after OPT ends, you will need an employer to sponsor you for an H-1B or another visa category before your authorization expires.
How do I find Clinical Counselor employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse Clinical Counselor openings from employers who have indicated sponsorship willingness. Community mental health centers, hospital systems, and university counseling centers are among the most active hirers of OPT candidates in this field, both for the position itself and for subsequent H-1B sponsorship.
Does a Clinical Counselor job qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Generally yes. USCIS has consistently recognized clinical counseling as a specialty occupation because the role normally requires at minimum a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or social work. That degree-to-job-duties connection is exactly what the specialty occupation standard requires. Your employer will need to document the degree requirement clearly in the H-1B petition, which most clinical settings can do without difficulty.
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