OPT Clinical Psychologist Jobs
Clinical Psychologist roles on OPT require a doctoral degree and active state licensure, which can take one to two years to obtain after graduation. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, so your 12-month window drives the timeline. Most employers in hospital systems, university counseling centers, and private practices will need to sponsor H-1B visa after OPT ends.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist/CSE Chairperson
The School Psychologist –Master's or Doctoral Level (preferred) is responsible for all aspects of Committee of Special Education relationships. They are the Chair of the CSE Committee of all privately placed students and DSS placed students on campus. They manage psychological testing and interpretation, including maintaining accurate scheduling and records, assigning and interfacing with other testers as needed, and communicating with referral sources about these matters. The School Psychologist collaborates with all members of the treatment team, especially classroom teachers, to share test results and interpretations as they pertain to each child’s emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning with the purpose of creating an integrated treatment approach. Collaboration includes communication with families and referral sources about each child’s particular strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Participation in the Committee on Special Education process at the Orchard School, as well as participation in the development and implementation of research projects is expected.
Essential Duties of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist
Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Understanding and supporting the agency’s mission & treatment philosophy
- Treat all clients, families and co-workers with respect & courtesy
- Demonstrate & model sensitivity to cultural background of children, families and co-workers
- Honor Sanctuary Commitments in all day-to-day activities
- Effectively manage the testing process
- Schedules testing in collaboration with the evaluator, the students, the parent/guardian, the CSE and school personnel
- Oversees the recording of test results to the appropriate databases, staff, parents/guardians, district and appropriate members of the treatment team
- Shares results with the treatment team in order to improve instruction, inform the treatment plan and enhance the delivery of related services
- Uses testing results to provide a picture of a child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs
- Collaborates with all members of the treatment team
- Communicates with families, teachers, related service providers and referral source to plan for and address the students’ needs with regard for the students’ identified strengths and weaknesses
- Works with all school and clinical personnel to provide an appropriate academic setting for all students
- Provides training to all staff as needed
- Serves as a member of the School Leadership Team
- Works with all members of the campus to align research-based practice with the tenets of Sanctuary
- Participates in CSE Meetings when appropriate
- Serves as the CSE Chairperson for all students placed at Andrus by the Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Serves as a member of the CSE when the team needs clarification regarding testing, behavioral plans or in response to an invitation by the treatment team
- Provides expertise when students are struggling due to behavioral concerns
- Oversees the development of behavioral intervention plans
- Assures that the tasks necessary to develop a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) for students are completed by using supervision and training
- Assures that the tasks and processes are completed to develop a behavioral intervention plan (BIP) for students as necessary
- Assures that all FBA’s and BIP’s are reported to the treatment team
- Puts procedures in place to assure that BIP’s are carried out on a consistent basis
- Trains all staff in the development and use of the FBA and BIP
- Support and development of RTI/PBIS
- Maintain Tier I programs including CHAMPS. Maintain and support systems associated with CHAMPS, i.e., store stocking, data entry/analysis, scheduling, training and promotion. Run the PBIS School Team to develop events and activities for student incentives
- Maintain and support B+ reading intervention Tier 1 program
- Support CARE Tier 2 program as needed
- Develop and manage Restorative Practice Program at the School
- Consultation regarding school-wide positive behavior intervention system (PBIS)
- Works directly with teachers, support staff, and students to maintain and modify PBIS
- Data entry, collection, and analysis in order to evaluate the PBIS
- Assistance in the maintenance and operation of the PBIS reward store
- Provides individual supervision and case consultation for psychology interns
- Provides supervision to interns on a weekly basis
- Provides ongoing training for interns
- Provides individual supervision for the Masters Level School Psychologist, CSE Coordinator
- Provides individual supervision on a biweekly basis
- Act as the School DASA Coordinator
- Conduct monthly school wide Anti-bullying activities
- Intervene and manage bullying incidents
- Supports overall strategic plan of the organization
- Ability to adhere to our organization’s core values and commitments
- Works with individual clusters to provide an informative session with families regarding instructional methods used at the Orchard School
- Identifies potential program risks and brings these issues to the attention of the appropriate people immediately
Essential Qualifications of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist
Key qualifications include:
- Master's or Doctoral Level (preferred) Psychologist with Current Certification as a NY State School Psychologist
- Experience with empirically based treatment interventions, FBA/BIP development and implementation, and psychoeducational testing
- Experience with complex, co-morbid psychiatric and learning-disabled special education population
- Experience with children on the Autism Spectrum and trauma histories
- Experience with classroom-wide evidence-based treatments
- Familiarity with curriculum-based assessment
- Ability to access and utilize ADP app on smartphone or other device for access to agency programs
Benefits of School Psychologist
- Generous PTO, personal and sick time
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Benefits
- 401(k) Employer Contributions
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Employer Paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance
- Professional Development
Physical/Travel Requirements
Candidates who are successfully hired must participate in our Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training which concludes with a written and verbal test, and you will be evaluated on conducting a proper physical restraint.
- Walk
- Reach
- Climb Stairs
- Bend
- Kneel
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus’ right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.
EEO Statement
Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Description of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist/CSE Chairperson
The School Psychologist –Master's or Doctoral Level (preferred) is responsible for all aspects of Committee of Special Education relationships. They are the Chair of the CSE Committee of all privately placed students and DSS placed students on campus. They manage psychological testing and interpretation, including maintaining accurate scheduling and records, assigning and interfacing with other testers as needed, and communicating with referral sources about these matters. The School Psychologist collaborates with all members of the treatment team, especially classroom teachers, to share test results and interpretations as they pertain to each child’s emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning with the purpose of creating an integrated treatment approach. Collaboration includes communication with families and referral sources about each child’s particular strengths, weaknesses, and needs. Participation in the Committee on Special Education process at the Orchard School, as well as participation in the development and implementation of research projects is expected.
Essential Duties of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist
Key duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Understanding and supporting the agency’s mission & treatment philosophy
- Treat all clients, families and co-workers with respect & courtesy
- Demonstrate & model sensitivity to cultural background of children, families and co-workers
- Honor Sanctuary Commitments in all day-to-day activities
- Effectively manage the testing process
- Schedules testing in collaboration with the evaluator, the students, the parent/guardian, the CSE and school personnel
- Oversees the recording of test results to the appropriate databases, staff, parents/guardians, district and appropriate members of the treatment team
- Shares results with the treatment team in order to improve instruction, inform the treatment plan and enhance the delivery of related services
- Uses testing results to provide a picture of a child’s strengths, weaknesses and needs
- Collaborates with all members of the treatment team
- Communicates with families, teachers, related service providers and referral source to plan for and address the students’ needs with regard for the students’ identified strengths and weaknesses
- Works with all school and clinical personnel to provide an appropriate academic setting for all students
- Provides training to all staff as needed
- Serves as a member of the School Leadership Team
- Works with all members of the campus to align research-based practice with the tenets of Sanctuary
- Participates in CSE Meetings when appropriate
- Serves as the CSE Chairperson for all students placed at Andrus by the Department of Social Services (DSS)
- Serves as a member of the CSE when the team needs clarification regarding testing, behavioral plans or in response to an invitation by the treatment team
- Provides expertise when students are struggling due to behavioral concerns
- Oversees the development of behavioral intervention plans
- Assures that the tasks necessary to develop a functional behavioral assessment (FBA) for students are completed by using supervision and training
- Assures that the tasks and processes are completed to develop a behavioral intervention plan (BIP) for students as necessary
- Assures that all FBA’s and BIP’s are reported to the treatment team
- Puts procedures in place to assure that BIP’s are carried out on a consistent basis
- Trains all staff in the development and use of the FBA and BIP
- Support and development of RTI/PBIS
- Maintain Tier I programs including CHAMPS. Maintain and support systems associated with CHAMPS, i.e., store stocking, data entry/analysis, scheduling, training and promotion. Run the PBIS School Team to develop events and activities for student incentives
- Maintain and support B+ reading intervention Tier 1 program
- Support CARE Tier 2 program as needed
- Develop and manage Restorative Practice Program at the School
- Consultation regarding school-wide positive behavior intervention system (PBIS)
- Works directly with teachers, support staff, and students to maintain and modify PBIS
- Data entry, collection, and analysis in order to evaluate the PBIS
- Assistance in the maintenance and operation of the PBIS reward store
- Provides individual supervision and case consultation for psychology interns
- Provides supervision to interns on a weekly basis
- Provides ongoing training for interns
- Provides individual supervision for the Masters Level School Psychologist, CSE Coordinator
- Provides individual supervision on a biweekly basis
- Act as the School DASA Coordinator
- Conduct monthly school wide Anti-bullying activities
- Intervene and manage bullying incidents
- Supports overall strategic plan of the organization
- Ability to adhere to our organization’s core values and commitments
- Works with individual clusters to provide an informative session with families regarding instructional methods used at the Orchard School
- Identifies potential program risks and brings these issues to the attention of the appropriate people immediately
Essential Qualifications of Master's or Doctoral Level School Psychologist
Key qualifications include:
- Master's or Doctoral Level (preferred) Psychologist with Current Certification as a NY State School Psychologist
- Experience with empirically based treatment interventions, FBA/BIP development and implementation, and psychoeducational testing
- Experience with complex, co-morbid psychiatric and learning-disabled special education population
- Experience with children on the Autism Spectrum and trauma histories
- Experience with classroom-wide evidence-based treatments
- Familiarity with curriculum-based assessment
- Ability to access and utilize ADP app on smartphone or other device for access to agency programs
Benefits of School Psychologist
- Generous PTO, personal and sick time
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Benefits
- 401(k) Employer Contributions
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Flex Spending Accounts
- Employer Paid STD, LTD and Life Insurance
- Professional Development
Physical/Travel Requirements
Candidates who are successfully hired must participate in our Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training which concludes with a written and verbal test, and you will be evaluated on conducting a proper physical restraint.
- Walk
- Reach
- Climb Stairs
- Bend
- Kneel
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts Andrus’ right to modify the duties/responsibilities of this job at any time, with or without advanced notice.
EEO Statement
Andrus is an equal opportunity employer.
See all 682+ OPT Clinical Psychologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Clinical Psychologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Psychologist
Start licensure paperwork before graduation
State licensure applications take months. Filing your supervised hours documentation and exam applications before you graduate protects your OPT window and signals to employers that you will be practice-ready within a predictable timeframe.
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Hospital systems, university counseling centers, and federally funded community mental health centers have established HR infrastructure for visa sponsorship. These organizations sponsor far more consistently than small private practices with no prior immigration experience.
Frame your supervised hours as a hiring asset
Employers hiring on OPT know licensure is pending. Present a clear timeline showing your postdoctoral hours completion date and expected licensure date so hiring managers can plan around your authorization status without uncertainty.
Address OPT status directly in applications
Do not wait for the interview to raise work authorization. Noting your OPT status and H-1B visa eligibility upfront in cover letters filters out sponsors that will not proceed, saving time and focusing your energy on genuinely viable opportunities.
Prioritize roles with postdoctoral fellowship structures
Many hospital systems and academic medical centers offer formal postdoctoral fellowships that include visa sponsorship infrastructure. These structured programs are specifically designed to accommodate new doctoral graduates on temporary work authorization.
Browse OPT-friendly psychology roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Clinical Psychologist listings by visa sponsorship willingness, saving significant research time. Focusing applications on employers already open to OPT status improves response rates and reduces rejection from automatic screening filters.
Clinical Psychologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Clinical Psychologist on OPT before I have my state license?
Yes, but with significant limitations. Most states allow unlicensed doctoral graduates to work under supervision while accumulating postdoctoral hours, and that supervised role can qualify as OPT employment. However, you cannot practice independently or hold a position requiring licensure as a condition of hire. Confirm with your DSO that your specific role and supervision arrangement satisfies USCIS OPT employment requirements.
Is Clinical Psychology eligible for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
No. Clinical Psychology (CIP code 42.2801) is not on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so graduates receive only the standard 12-month OPT authorization. This makes early job searching and H-1B sponsorship planning critical, since the timeline to secure sponsorship before OPT expires is tight, particularly given state licensure processing delays.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor Clinical Psychologists for H-1B after OPT?
Large hospital systems such as Kaiser Permanente and VA Medical Centers, academic medical centers affiliated with universities, and federally qualified health centers have the most consistent H-1B sponsorship track records for Clinical Psychologists. University counseling and psychological services departments also sponsor regularly. Small independent practices rarely sponsor due to limited HR capacity and legal resources. Use Migrate Mate to identify which specific employers have active sponsorship-open listings.
Does postdoctoral supervision count as valid OPT employment for Clinical Psychologists?
Yes, provided the position is directly related to your doctoral degree in clinical psychology and meets the minimum 20-hours-per-week threshold for full-time OPT. Postdoctoral fellowships in clinical settings typically satisfy this requirement. You must report the employer to your DSO through SEVP portal within 10 days of starting. Keep documentation showing how the role relates to your degree in case of a future status audit.
Can I work at a private practice on OPT as a Clinical Psychologist?
Yes, including self-employment in some cases, though it is complicated. USCIS permits self-employment on OPT if you own a business and the work is directly related to your degree. For private practice, you must have a formal business entity and document that you are performing psychology services, not administrative work. Independent contractor arrangements with group practices are also permissible. Consult your DSO before structuring any self-employment arrangement.