OPT Clinical Counselor Jobs
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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- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $31.50 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides behavioral health education for individuals by providing group and individual education. The position provides a wide range of education including but not limited to substance abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness, and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health education for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional, and behavioral health. This position will also make recommendations for program development, consult on case analysis, and discharge plans.
How does it get done?
- Completes advanced psychotherapy analysis and assessments of inmates to be placed in accurate programs for rehabilitation.
- Provides individual and group psychotherapy education for mental health and substance abuse services to the general inmate population.
- Provides counseling, and programming to dual diagnosed inmate population.
- Consults on incident reports, non-compliance reports, and other weekly reports.
- Tracks patient progress and treatment compliance in case management to evaluate success of therapy.
- Maintains and updates case and record files.
- Conducts research into programs that can be utilized in a correctional facility to make recommendations to management on potential opportunities for inmates to succeed.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
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Agency Contact Information: Liz Tapia, HR at 575-472-1001 or email elizabeth.tapia@cd.nm.gov or Contact Information: Desiree Bradley, HR at 575-472-1001 or email desiree.bradley@cd.nm.gov
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
Posting Details
- APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED WITHOUT WORK EXPERIENCE OR A RESUME WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. IF ATTACHING A RESUME, RESUME MUST INCLUDE DATES OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH JOB (MONTH and YEAR) AND DETAILS OF WORK EXPERIENCE/JOB DUTIES*
Interviews are anticipated to be conducted within two weeks of closing date.
Due to the available budget allocated for this position, the hiring rate will not exceed $31.50 per hour.
Why does the job exist?
This position provides behavioral health education for individuals by providing group and individual education. The position provides a wide range of education including but not limited to substance abuse, relationship difficulties, trauma, mental illness, and crisis intervention. The incumbent will provide Mental Health education for diagnosed mental health disorders; aid individuals/groups by providing best practices and evidence-based interventions; and provide for individuals dealing with addictions, substance dependency, relationship difficulties, and issues associated with mental, emotional, and behavioral health. This position will also make recommendations for program development, consult on case analysis, and discharge plans.
How does it get done?
- Completes advanced psychotherapy analysis and assessments of inmates to be placed in accurate programs for rehabilitation.
- Provides individual and group psychotherapy education for mental health and substance abuse services to the general inmate population.
- Provides counseling, and programming to dual diagnosed inmate population.
- Consults on incident reports, non-compliance reports, and other weekly reports.
- Tracks patient progress and treatment compliance in case management to evaluate success of therapy.
- Maintains and updates case and record files.
- Conducts research into programs that can be utilized in a correctional facility to make recommendations to management on potential opportunities for inmates to succeed.
Who are the customers?
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Ideal Candidate
The New Mexico Corrections Department
Minimum Qualification
Associate's Degree in Human Services or Social Services Counseling and two (2) years of experience in mental health, substance abuse counseling and or behavioral disorder counseling environment. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and/or direct experience in this occupation totaling four (4) years may substitute for the required education and experience.
Employment Requirements
This position is designated as safety sensitive. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing. Pre-employment background investigation is required and is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License.
Working Conditions
Work is performed in an adult prison environment, which includes daily contact with inmates. Willingness to work in a correctional facility, may be required to work odd hours, overtime, holidays, and weekends.
Supplemental Information
Do you know what Total Compensation is? Click here
Agency Contact Information: Liz Tapia, HR at 575-472-1001 or email elizabeth.tapia@cd.nm.gov or Contact Information: Desiree Bradley, HR at 575-472-1001 or email desiree.bradley@cd.nm.gov
For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.
Bargaining Unit Position
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms/conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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.
Clinical Counselor OPT: Frequently 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.