OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs
Community Engagement Coordinator jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in communications, public policy, sociology, or nonprofit management. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under OPT work authorization. Your 12-month OPT window can extend to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description: Community Engagement Care Coordinator
About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they are—both physically and emotionally—to provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative “one-stop” behavioral health services—providing in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration.
Our vision is to empower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs.
Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders.
Why Work With Paragon
- Statewide Reach - Deliver care where it’s needed most. We’re not region-limited—serve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care.
- Flexibility & Work–Life Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorado’s trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours.
- Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician.
- Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance—company-paid—so there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind.
- Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide.
Position Summary:
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is hiring a Community Engagement Care Coordinator to play a vital role in fostering community engagement, generating referrals, and connecting families to relevant treatment and support through effective care coordination. This full-time position is primarily dedicated to RMHP clients and involves working closely with individuals and families to ensure seamless step-down care, as well as coordinating with hospitals, providers, and local agencies. The Care Coordinator works with clients to identify barriers to care and develop a comprehensive goal-oriented care plan. While much of the care coordination is done via phone, including regular communication with hospitals, clients, and community partners, we strongly prefer to hire someone based in or near Grand Junction to support deeper local engagement and familiarity with available resources. The Care Coordinator also serves as a community representative for Paragon, building strong partnerships and maintaining an active presence in the region through outreach and local collaboration. Travel to clients' homes and within the community is required.
Role Responsibilities:
Care Coordination:
- Provide comprehensive care management services to individuals, ensuring they have access to necessary support for step down care from hospitals, emergency departments and identify opportunities for Paragon programs to support youth and families in avoid out of home placements.
- Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients, and clinicians to specify goals and actions to address their needs and preferences.
- Coordinate with external service providers and community resources to facilitate seamless transitions and continuity of care for clients.
- Offer community prevention and outreach efforts to ensure behavioral health prevention & access to care for clients.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest resources, services, and programs offered in the community to address the varied needs of individuals and families.
- Maintain and improve the health and well-being of individuals covered by Medicaid/Medicare in order to support families understanding of recommended treatments; Increase client satisfaction, augment the support of families by utilizing community resources;
Referral Generation:
- Lead efforts to generate referrals from community members, healthcare providers, and other sources within identified Counties, meeting established referral goals. In partnership with leadership will develop plans for outreach, education, and engagement services in the community to meet the priority population demographic.
Plans Must Include:
- How outreach, education, and engagement services will support efforts toward screening, early intervention, and treatment.
- Off-site events and intentional engagement with priority populations, that may involve but is not limited to
- Broad community involvement
- Community partners that address social determinants of health in serving priority populations in assessed area.
- Local law enforcement, hospitals, emergency departments, and other key partners.
- Local public health departments; and.
- Cultural centers/organizations.
- Position will build and maintain relationships with local organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to maximize referral opportunities.
Professional Support:
- Facilitate skill building and/or coaching to offer encouragement, empathy, and practical guidance.
- Model successful support and advocacy for the needs and rights of individuals experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders.
Compliance and Advocacy:
- Ensure all outreach and engagement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Advocate for policy changes and community initiatives that address mental health and substance use challenges, amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experience.
- Participate in identified community meetings, collaboratives and identify opportunities to conduct outreach, tabling at relevant events and promotion of wellness activities.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Qualifications
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience & Skills: Prior experience in community engagement, referral generation, care management, and or in the role as a peer support professional is highly valued. Experience in family support, recovery and mental wellness is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse individuals and communities.
- Strong networking abilities to establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders and referral sources.
- Empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals seeking support.
- Organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively to prioritize competing demands.
- Team player with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required.
- Passionate commitment to Paragon's mission and values
- Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, depending on location.
- Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, willingness to travel to homes/communities.
- Requires living in or near the location of the posting.
- Reliable transportation, telephone and e-mail access is required as the position is region-based and involves frequent travel within that region.
Job Details
- Type: Full-Time
- Location: RMHP Region
- Department: Outreach & Engagement
- Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
- Salary: $26.44-$31.25 per hour
Benefits
- Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Flexible work hours
- Discretionary Time Off (DTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development support
- Referral bonuses
Diversity & Inclusion
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Job Description: Community Engagement Care Coordinator
About Paragon Behavioral Health Connections
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is a comprehensive behavioral health organization on a mission to positively impact individuals and families through compassionate, and client-centered care. Our mission is to deliver personalized care that uplifts our clients and builds supportive connections in communities. Through community based or in-home services, and digital solutions as needed, we meet clients where they are—both physically and emotionally—to provide the right support at the right time. Serving communities across Colorado, we deliver equitable and creative “one-stop” behavioral health services—providing in-home mental health and substance use treatment, crisis stabilization, early childhood support, intensive outpatient programs, assertive community treatment, medication management, wrap around support and more. We believe care should meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. Our approach is rooted in understanding, respect, innovation, and community collaboration.
Our vision is to empower individuals and families with complex needs, helping them overcome challenges, build essential skills, and access the resources necessary to achieve long-term well-being. We offer a wide range of services, including step-down care from inpatient hospitalization for youth and adults, comprehensive support for children and families, and specialized treatment for adults facing depression, trauma, substance use, and other mental health needs.
Our programming includes intensive care management supports for families and adults, Crisis Stabilization programming, Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) for individuals diagnosed with serious mental illness, Child First for young children and caregivers, integrated co-occurring Intensive Outpatient treatment, individual and family therapy, medication management (including MAT), peer support, supported employment/housing, and holistic recovery services for mental health and substance use disorders.
Why Work With Paragon
- Statewide Reach - Deliver care where it’s needed most. We’re not region-limited—serve communities across Colorado, including rural and frontier areas with limited access to care.
- Flexibility & Work–Life Balance - Own your schedule. Partner with families to set visit times that work for them (and you), so you can enjoy Colorado’s trails, slopes, and sunshine during off-peak hours.
- Clinical Leadership & Support - Clinicians lead here. Our executive team includes licensed providers who shape business decisions with a care-first lens. We provide licensure supervision and regular consultation to support your growth as a clinician.
- Comprehensive, Company-Paid Benefits - We cover health, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, and life insurance—company-paid—so there are no premium deductions from your paycheck. Keep your full salary and your peace of mind.
- Career Growth Opportunities - Grow with us. Explore new modalities and specializations and advance into leadership as we expand statewide.
Position Summary:
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is hiring a Community Engagement Care Coordinator to play a vital role in fostering community engagement, generating referrals, and connecting families to relevant treatment and support through effective care coordination. This full-time position is primarily dedicated to RMHP clients and involves working closely with individuals and families to ensure seamless step-down care, as well as coordinating with hospitals, providers, and local agencies. The Care Coordinator works with clients to identify barriers to care and develop a comprehensive goal-oriented care plan. While much of the care coordination is done via phone, including regular communication with hospitals, clients, and community partners, we strongly prefer to hire someone based in or near Grand Junction to support deeper local engagement and familiarity with available resources. The Care Coordinator also serves as a community representative for Paragon, building strong partnerships and maintaining an active presence in the region through outreach and local collaboration. Travel to clients' homes and within the community is required.
Role Responsibilities:
Care Coordination:
- Provide comprehensive care management services to individuals, ensuring they have access to necessary support for step down care from hospitals, emergency departments and identify opportunities for Paragon programs to support youth and families in avoid out of home placements.
- Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients, and clinicians to specify goals and actions to address their needs and preferences.
- Coordinate with external service providers and community resources to facilitate seamless transitions and continuity of care for clients.
- Offer community prevention and outreach efforts to ensure behavioral health prevention & access to care for clients.
- Keep up-to-date with the latest resources, services, and programs offered in the community to address the varied needs of individuals and families.
- Maintain and improve the health and well-being of individuals covered by Medicaid/Medicare in order to support families understanding of recommended treatments; Increase client satisfaction, augment the support of families by utilizing community resources;
Referral Generation:
- Lead efforts to generate referrals from community members, healthcare providers, and other sources within identified Counties, meeting established referral goals. In partnership with leadership will develop plans for outreach, education, and engagement services in the community to meet the priority population demographic.
Plans Must Include:
- How outreach, education, and engagement services will support efforts toward screening, early intervention, and treatment.
- Off-site events and intentional engagement with priority populations, that may involve but is not limited to
- Broad community involvement
- Community partners that address social determinants of health in serving priority populations in assessed area.
- Local law enforcement, hospitals, emergency departments, and other key partners.
- Local public health departments; and.
- Cultural centers/organizations.
- Position will build and maintain relationships with local organizations, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to maximize referral opportunities.
Professional Support:
- Facilitate skill building and/or coaching to offer encouragement, empathy, and practical guidance.
- Model successful support and advocacy for the needs and rights of individuals experiencing mental health challenges or substance use disorders.
Compliance and Advocacy:
- Ensure all outreach and engagement activities comply with applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
- Advocate for policy changes and community initiatives that address mental health and substance use challenges, amplifying the voices of individuals with lived experience.
- Participate in identified community meetings, collaboratives and identify opportunities to conduct outreach, tabling at relevant events and promotion of wellness activities.
Knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Qualifications
- Education: A bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field is preferred.
- Experience & Skills: Prior experience in community engagement, referral generation, care management, and or in the role as a peer support professional is highly valued. Experience in family support, recovery and mental wellness is preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with diverse individuals and communities.
- Strong networking abilities to establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders and referral sources.
- Empathy, compassion, and a nonjudgmental attitude towards individuals seeking support.
- Organizational skills and ability to manage time effectively to prioritize competing demands.
- Team player with a collaborative approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance required.
- Passionate commitment to Paragon's mission and values
- Language Skills: Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, depending on location.
- Other Requirements: Valid driver’s license, auto insurance, willingness to travel to homes/communities.
- Requires living in or near the location of the posting.
- Reliable transportation, telephone and e-mail access is required as the position is region-based and involves frequent travel within that region.
Job Details
- Type: Full-Time
- Location: RMHP Region
- Department: Outreach & Engagement
- Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
- Salary: $26.44-$31.25 per hour
Benefits
- Paid health, dental, vision, life, short- and long-term disability insurance.
- Flexible work hours
- Discretionary Time Off (DTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Professional development support
- Referral bonuses
Diversity & Inclusion
Paragon Behavioral Health Connections is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
See all OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Community Engagement Coordinator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Community Engagement Coordinator
Target mission-driven organizations early
Nonprofits, universities, and government agencies hire Community Engagement Coordinators regularly and are often more experienced with OPT work authorization than private startups. Prioritize employers with established HR teams who understand the documentation process.
Frame your international background as an asset
Community engagement roles require cultural competency and multilingual communication skills. Emphasize your ability to connect with diverse populations in your cover letter and interviews. This is a genuine differentiator, not just a talking point.
Get your EAD card details ready before applying
Employers will ask about your work authorization status early in the process. Know your OPT start date, EAD expiration date, and STEM extension eligibility before your first conversation so you can answer confidently without hesitation.
Apply before your OPT clock starts running
Hiring timelines for coordinator roles can run four to eight weeks. If you wait until after graduation to start applying, you risk losing weeks of your authorized period. Begin applications during your final semester to protect your authorized window.
Confirm your degree field supports a specialty occupation claim
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A communications or public policy degree supporting a Community Engagement Coordinator role is a clear match. Document this connection explicitly if your employer asks during onboarding.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship during the offer stage
OPT is temporary. Raising the H-1B visa question after you have an offer, not during early interviews, gives you more leverage. Ask whether the organization has sponsored visas before and whether it participates in H-1B cap-exempt filings if applicable.
Community Engagement Coordinator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Community Engagement Coordinator role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree field. Community Engagement Coordinator positions typically require a bachelor's degree in communications, public policy, sociology, social work, or a related field, which makes the degree-to-job connection straightforward to establish with your DSO and employer.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension for a Community Engagement Coordinator job?
Only if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as data science, information systems, or public health informatics. Traditional humanities or social science degrees, including general communications or sociology, are not STEM-designated. Check the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before assuming you have 36 months of work authorization.
Where can I find Community Engagement Coordinator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by visa sponsorship willingness, so you are not wasting applications on employers who will not consider OPT candidates. Nonprofits, city governments, and public health organizations are among the most active hirers in this category.
What happens to my OPT status if my Community Engagement Coordinator contract ends early?
You enter a 60-day grace period when authorized employment ends before your OPT expiration date. During that window you can find a new qualifying job, apply to change status, or prepare to depart the United States. You cannot work during the grace period. Report any employment change to your DSO within 10 days to keep your SEVIS record current.
Do Community Engagement Coordinator employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It varies significantly by organization type. Large nonprofits, hospitals, and universities with established HR departments are more likely to have sponsored H-1B petitions before. Smaller community organizations and local government agencies may lack the infrastructure or budget. Research an employer's H-1B filing history through public DOL disclosure data before investing significant time in the application process.