OPT Data Collection Specialist Jobs
Data Collection Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in statistics, information systems, or social science. Most roles involve structured data gathering, quality control, and database management, skills developed directly in degree programs that qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period, with STEM OPT extension eligibility for qualifying majors.
Find OPT Data Collection Specialist JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 20+ Data Collection Specialist jobs










See all Data Collection Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Data Collection Specialist roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job Summary
Provides immediate supervision to Patient Biller/Technical employees in the Commercial/Transplant Billing unit. Functions as an advisor to unit staff and manager. Analyzes and resolves problems, assists in interpreting policies in defined areas and demonstrates solid subject matter knowledge. Exercises judgment within defined procedures and policies to determine appropriate action. Directly responsible for Billing and Follow-up on high-dollar accounts. Assists the unit Supervisor II and Manager with employee training and monitoring.
Apply By Date: 8/15/2026 at 11:59 pm – Interviews and recruiting process may occur at any time
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
- Previous billing experience in a health care environment.
- Experience in commercial payer’s health care receivables supervision is mandatory, preferably in a teaching hospital environment. With solid knowledge of billing, accounts receivable practices, policies, and regulations.
- Knowledge of revenue cycle and hospital billing systems.
- Solid knowledge of medical and insurance terminology, medical billing, coding, health insurance coverage and reimbursement principles.
- Experience analyzing and interpreting various managed care contracts and government payer regulations to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract and/or regulations.
- Solid supervisory skills in planning and delegating work, deploying staff, building staff competencies, and effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Detail oriented, with demonstrated organizational skills and the skill to manage time efficiently, prioritize tasks, set schedules, and complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Solid leadership skills to coach and improve staff performance. Ability to provide thorough and accurate review of complex subordinate work and to oversee coordination of ongoing tasks and projects over extended periods.
- Comprehensive, detailed knowledge of government/third-party payer program requirements, familiarity with billing codes and coding resources.
- Solid skills in quality customer service. Interpersonal skills to manage conflict and collaborate effectively with all constituent groups, including patients, physician offices, third-party payers, attorneys, outside agencies, and clinical and administrative personnel across departments.
- Solid leadership skills to achieve organizational results in a manner that establishes a positive rapport and professional working relationships with all levels of the organization and external parties.
- Skill to solve intricate, complex problems at various levels from individual patient accounts to the payer or financial class-level.
- Ability to act with flexibility and patience and maintain efficiency and accuracy under sustained and immediate pressure created by heavy workload, frequent interruptions, and multiple requests.
- Ability to tactfully and effectively communicate complex billing information by phone or in person and to effectively elicit and receive information from others.
- Ability to reason logically, perceive potential/actual impact on others.
- Ability to manage resources of personnel and systems in a complex, ever-changing environment.
- Solid math skills to calculate complex contract discounts in order to perform manual calculations, verify system calculations or dispute payer calculations. Skill to accurately add, subtract, multiply and divide whole and decimal numbers using a 10 key calculator.
- Knowledge and skill in working with committees and facilitating group decision-making and conflict resolution.
Preferred Qualifications
- Government Program Hospital Billing experience.
- Academic institution or large integrated health system experience preferred.
- Experience working in hospital revenue cycle, accounts receivable preferred.
- Experience working with interfaced/integrated vendor applications preferred.
- Transplant Billing and accounts receivable experience with Commercial, Medicare, Medi-Cal and GMC payers preferred.
- Knowledge of UCD/UCDH policies and procedures and procedures, collective bargaining agreements for represented staff and how to utilize internal resources to answer questions/resolve issues.
Key Responsibilities
- 50% - Supervision
- 30% - Accounts Receivable Management
- 10% - Interpersonal Skills
- 10% - Project Management
Department Overview
Patient Financial Services Department overseeing the Commercial and Transplant Hospital/Facility Billing.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $2,743.30 - $4,896.55
- Salary Frequency: Biweekly
- Salary Grade: Grade 21
- UC Job Title: PAT BILL AND COLL SUPV 1
- UC Job Code: 004670
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Career
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): 8 hours
- Location: UCDHAS Building (HSP165)
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
- Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
- Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
- Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
- Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Must be able to work occasional overtime and/or flexible hours as needed. Billing and accounts receivable experience. Must be self-directed and able to work autonomously in a professional and productive manner.
Special Requirements
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment.
- This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role—or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
See all OPT Data Collection Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Data Collection Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Collection Specialist
Lead with your degree's direct relevance
Data collection roles typically require a degree in statistics, information systems, or a related field. Frame your coursework and thesis work explicitly around data methodologies to make the connection clear to hiring managers reviewing OPT candidates.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront
Employers often misunderstand OPT duration. Be ready to explain that standard OPT provides 12 months of work authorization, and that STEM-eligible graduates in qualifying fields can extend to 36 months, giving employers a longer runway before any visa sponsorship decision.
Target research-heavy industries
Government contractors, healthcare research firms, market research companies, and academic institutions regularly hire data collection specialists and have established processes for employing OPT workers. These sectors are more familiar with F-1 work authorization than many private startups.
Highlight proficiency in data tools
Employers screening OPT candidates for data collection roles prioritize technical fit quickly. Listing hands-on experience with SQL, REDCap, Qualtrics, or Python data pipelines in your resume increases your chances of passing initial screening before visa status becomes a conversation.
Address STEM OPT extension eligibility clearly
If your degree is in computer science, information science, or applied statistics, confirm your CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT. Sharing this proactively removes a common employer concern about short authorization windows and strengthens your candidacy significantly.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Browse Data Collection Specialist listings on Migrate Mate to identify employers who have sponsored OPT or visa candidates before. Focusing your search on companies with a proven sponsorship track record saves time and improves your offer conversion rate considerably.
Data Collection Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Data Collection Specialists?
Yes. Data Collection Specialist roles qualify under OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A position is considered directly related when it uses knowledge and skills from your major, such as statistical methods, research design, or database management. Your DSO can confirm the connection if you're unsure whether a specific role qualifies.
Do Data Collection Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, depending on your degree's CIP code. If your degree is in fields such as computer science, applied mathematics, information science, or statistics, and your employer has an active E-Verify account, you're likely eligible to extend your OPT from 12 to 36 months. The role itself must also be directly related to your STEM degree, not just data-adjacent work.
How do I find Data Collection Specialist jobs that accept OPT students?
The most efficient approach is to focus on employers with a history of hiring OPT or visa-sponsored candidates. Migrate Mate curates Data Collection Specialist listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, making it straightforward to identify companies already familiar with F-1 work authorization. Research-focused organizations, federal contractors, and healthcare data firms tend to be the most receptive.
What happens if my OPT expires before the employer decides on H-1B sponsorship?
If you're on a STEM OPT extension, you have up to 36 months of work authorization, which typically covers at least two H-1B lottery cycles. If you're on standard 12-month OPT and your employer won't commit to sponsorship in time, options include applying for a cap-exempt position, exploring other nonimmigrant status through school re-enrollment, or considering visa categories your nationality may qualify for.
Is data collection considered a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship purposes?
It depends on the specific role and how it's defined by the employer. A Data Collection Specialist position that requires a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field, such as biostatistics or information systems, can qualify as a specialty occupation. Generic data entry or field interviewing roles that don't require a specific degree typically do not. The job description language matters significantly when USCIS evaluates the petition.