OPT Clinical Social Work Jobs
Clinical Social Work OPT jobs are a strong fit for F-1 students with a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, since most licensed positions require graduate-level training. Your 12-month OPT window, or 36 months with a STEM extension, gives you time to pursue licensure hours while gaining supervised clinical experience.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.
SALARY
Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Work Location: Onsite (Texas Medical Center)
WHY US?
Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Counseling
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
- Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
- Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
- Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs
Care Coordination
- Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
- Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
- Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care
Documentation & Compliance
- Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
- Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies
Collaboration
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
- Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members
Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education
- Required: Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
- Preferred: Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
- Required: LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 183186
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: No
LI-Onsite
INTRODUCTION
The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.
SALARY
Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Work Location: Onsite (Texas Medical Center)
WHY US?
Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Counseling
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
- Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
- Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
- Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs
Care Coordination
- Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
- Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
- Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care
Documentation & Compliance
- Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
- Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies
Collaboration
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
- Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members
Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education
- Required: Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
- Preferred: Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
- Required: LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 183186
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: No
LI-Onsite
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Clinical Social Work
Understand your licensure timeline
Most states require 2–3 years of post-degree supervised hours for full clinical licensure. Be upfront with employers that you're working toward LCSW eligibility, many clinical settings hire pre-licensed MSW graduates under supervision.
Target employers who sponsor international staff
Hospitals, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), and large nonprofit behavioral health agencies are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas than small private practices. Focus your search on organizations with structured HR departments and international hiring history.
Apply before your OPT start date
Clinical hiring moves slowly due to credentialing and background checks. Start applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins so your start date aligns with onboarding timelines and you don't lose authorized work weeks.
Highlight field placement hours strategically
Your supervised field practicum counts as direct clinical experience. Quantify your caseload, modalities used, and population served. Employers evaluating OPT candidates want evidence you can function independently under clinical supervision from day one.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Social Work qualifies as a specialty occupation, but not every employer has sponsored H-1B petitions before. Ask directly during final interview stages whether the organization has previously sponsored work visas and if HR can support the process.
Document all supervised hours from day one
Supervision logs are required for licensure applications in every state. Keeping meticulous records from your first OPT day protects your path to LCSW or LICSW status, which strengthens your long-term sponsorship case with employers.
Clinical Social Work OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Clinical Social Work qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT and H-1B purposes?
Yes. Licensed Clinical Social Work positions require a Master of Social Work degree in a specific field, which meets the specialty occupation standard. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for clinical social workers at hospitals, mental health agencies, and healthcare systems. Your role description should clearly state the MSW requirement to support any future sponsorship petition.
Can I work as a clinical social worker on OPT before I'm fully licensed?
Yes, in most states you can work as a pre-licensed or associate-level clinical social worker under supervision while accruing the hours needed for full licensure. Your OPT employment authorization is tied to your degree field, not your licensure status. Confirm the specific supervision and provisional license requirements in the state where you plan to work, as rules vary meaningfully by state.
What types of employers are most likely to sponsor clinical social workers for H-1B visas?
Large healthcare systems, VA medical centers, federally qualified health centers, university counseling centers, and established nonprofit behavioral health organizations are the most consistent sponsors. These employers have dedicated HR infrastructure and ongoing demand for licensed clinicians. You can browse Clinical Social Work jobs at OPT-friendly employers on Migrate Mate, which filters for roles open to international candidates.
Does a STEM OPT extension apply to Clinical Social Work degrees?
No. Master of Social Work programs are not classified under STEM-designated CIP codes, so graduates are not eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Clinical social workers have a standard 12-month post-completion OPT period. This makes it especially important to secure an employer willing to file an H-1B petition before your OPT authorization expires.
How should I address my OPT status when applying for clinical social work positions?
Be transparent but strategic. On applications, indicate that you are authorized to work in the U.S. for a defined period and will require sponsorship in the future. In interviews, frame your OPT timeline positively by noting that you're available to start immediately and that your MSW qualifies your role for H-1B sponsorship. Avoid raising visa status before an employer expresses serious interest.