OPT Education Counselor Jobs
Education Counselor roles fit F-1 OPT work authorization well when the position requires a degree in counseling, education, psychology, or a related field. Most roles fall under STEM-adjacent or social services fields, giving you up to 12 months of standard OPT to gain U.S. work experience in schools, nonprofits, or higher education settings.
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GENERAL INFORMATION
Location:
US-AZ - Phoenix
Position Type:
Full Time
Virtual Eligible:
Yes
Job Category:
Faculty/Academic Affairs
Ref #:
7637
DESCRIPTION AND REQUIREMENTS
At the University of Phoenix, we are committed to the future of work by providing a fully remote, work-from-home environment. This strategy enables us to attract top talent nationwide. Are you looking for a rewarding and fulfilling position that offers challenging work and the opportunity to make a significant impact while collaborating with a team of fun, innovative individuals? Would you prefer to work with an organization that positively contributes to the world? If so, we would love to hear from you!
Are you searching for a rewarding, fulfilling position that offers challenging work and the ability to make a big impact while working side-by-side with a team of fun, innovative people? Ideally, would you like this position to be with an organization that makes a positive contribution to the world? If so…we would love to hear from you!
About us
University of Phoenix is a leading higher education institution founded in 1976 by Dr. John Sperling. Our mission is to improve the lives of our students, their families and future generations through higher education. Our values (which hopefully you share) are: Brave. Honest. Focused.
Our University values and embraces all team members and their unique perspectives. We fundamentally believe in fostering an environment which deeply respects, celebrates, and actively encourages a diverse workforce. We are committed to hiring – and learning from – those who share our passion to help others achieve their educational aspirations.
We offer excellent benefits, an effective recognition program, and outstanding learning and development tools, including tuition vouchers for employees and their qualified family members.
ABOUT THE POSITION
A Full-time Faculty (FTF) member primarily teaches program-specific courses exclusively in their College, including didactic and/or clinical courses, and engages in specialized outreach to students and various stakeholders to assess and meet the ongoing needs of specific student populations. Additionally, a FTF monitors the quality of education and the profession through effective research. A FTF also carries out various administrative and/or service duties and performs research/professional scholarship activities to ensure that content area expertise remains up-to-date and relevant, and to contribute to the University’s brand and reputation through publication and other means of professional advocacy.
FTF typically work 40 hours per workweek but are expected to work additional hours as needed based on job responsibilities and business need. FTF are eligible for paid vacation, holidays, and sick time in accordance with University policy. FTF teach exclusively or in some combination, didactic and clinical courses as well as residency or other program-specific courses. FTF teach online and/or at local campuses, and may be required to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends, as determined by college leadership. FTF in practice-based disciplines (i.e., Nursing; Counseling) will carry an assignment that includes teaching, administrative/service duties and research/professional scholarship activities. The workload percentage for Teaching and Service/Administrative assignments may vary between categories according to the needs of the College.
FTF are expected to comply with University and College policies, handbooks, resources; observe telecommute policy and maintain a professional home office environment (noise free, etc.) and to be available to colleagues and students on all telecommute and office days during regular working time.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
Teaching – 70%
- Teach the equivalent of 14 courses per year, including introductory courses, didactic courses, residency courses, and clinical courses in the undergraduate and/or graduate program curricula in one of the practice-based disciplines within a College count toward this requirement. All courses must be taught in accordance with established University of Phoenix-approved curriculum, policies and College requirements, and in compliance with regulatory and accreditation agency requirements and standards.
- Based upon individual College needs and requirements, teach one or more program residencies per year; teach and lead Preceptor Courses; participate and supervise in skills and simulation activities and centers (assignment will vary among Colleges).
- Implement instructional strategies appropriate for the learner and content, differentiating instruction to meet diverse learner needs; promote student success by using creative and diverse teaching methods and strategies.
- Communicate with students regularly, using a variety of mechanisms both written and verbal; ensure availability to students based on the learning environment and according to University policy and instructional standards; guide and direct students to resources that support student success, such as the learning management system, academic and professional resources, and University resources.
Service/Administrative/Research/Scholarship – 30%
- Participate in applicable University committees, advising, and other shared governance responsibilities such as General Faculty Meetings, Content Area Meetings, College leadership, faculty and council meetings; and serve on student standards committees.
- Engage in professional development activities to maintain relevancy in educational research, evidence-based practice, discipline trends and best practices in accordance with service and scholarship requirements of the University; maintain active involvement in academic discipline, such as participation in professional organizations, academic conferences, and/or community service.
- Perform all required student, classroom and related teaching activities, including but not limited to assisting with clinical placement, tracking student progress, reviewing student and faculty course feedback. Serve as a coordinator for a variety of positions within the College (e.g. admission, advising, didactic, skills and/or clinical).
- Effectively use a mentor/coach approach to build productive educational relationships with full-time and associate faculty to support the performance and evaluation process. Support new faculty through onboarding and mentoring.
- Conduct research and construct scholarship projects through an active research and scholarship agenda; promote research and scholarship through poster and/or podium presentations at conferences and meetings; publication in peer-reviewed journals; grant writing and submission; or perform other approved scholarly activities.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- When working remotely, maintain a home office environment that maintains professionalism and is conducive to student privacy.
- Perform other duties as assigned or apparent.
NOTE: The primary accountabilities above are intended to describe the general content and requirements of this position and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. The workload equivalency developed by the Colleges serves as a guide for College Deans and other leaders to construct FTF workloads. Incumbents may perform all or most of the primary accountabilities listed above. Specific goals or responsibilities will be documented in the incumbents’ performance objectives as outlined by the incumbents’ immediate supervisor or manager.
JOB SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No direct supervisory responsibility; may be assigned to directly supervise staff as needed.
MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Counseling Education
- Doctorate degree in Counselor Education or related field, or Doctorate degree in another field and one (1) year full-time teaching experience in a counseling program prior to July 1, 2013
- Counselor identity imperative, professional organization membership required
- Current unencumbered State Behavioral Health license; NCC and ACS required within one (1) year of hire. Must be state qualified to provide clinical supervision to counseling students
- One or more years of experience teaching in a graduate Counselor Education program
- One or more years of experience in clinical supervision
- Five or more years of experience working in clinical/organizational counseling setting
- Must have a record of research and scholarly activity
PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Experience teaching diverse adult learner populations
- Experience conducting educational research, studies, or projects
- Able to convey a professional image, as well as effectively represent the University as appropriate in its relationship with students and the community
- Excellent communication skills to effectively deliver information to diverse constituencies
- Self-motivated and proven ability to work independently managing multiple priorities and tasks to deliver required results efficiently and effectively
PAY RANGE
The annual pay range for this position is $65,800 (minimum), $99,400 (midpoint), and $133,000 (maximum).
Typical hiring range is between the minimum and midpoint of the above pay range. Actual starting base pay may vary based on factors such as education, experience, skills, location and budget. Compensation above the midpoint is generally associated with experienced, long-tenured employees who have demonstrated sustained performance and expertise in the role.
Your work is critical to helping adult learners achieve their dreams, and we’re committed to rewarding you for your efforts. We offer a competitive, comprehensive total rewards package designed to help you achieve your health, financial, educational and work-life balance goals.
Full-time employees are eligible for:
- Medical, dental and vision plans; Flexible Spending Accounts; Health Savings Accounts; Life and Disability insurance; and our Wellness incentive program;
- Competitive 401(k) employer match;
- Substantial tuition discount for you and eligible dependents; and,
- A generous time off package, including paid vacation, sick time and company holidays.
The University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of sex/gender. Sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and stalking are forms of sex discrimination, which are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and by University policy. Reports of misconduct, questions regarding Title IX, and concerns about noncompliance should be directed to the Title IX Coordinator:
Kelly Hermann, Vice President, Accessibility & Student Affairs
4035 S. Riverpoint Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85040
TIXC@phoenix.edu
602-387-9936 office / 480-749-5515 mobile
For a complete copy of the University’s Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Nondiscrimination Policy and additional information on Title IX, please click the Title IX Information link at the bottom of the page.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Education Counselor
Target employers with a history of visa sponsorship
Universities, community colleges, and large nonprofit education organizations are more likely to sponsor OPT extensions or H-1B visas than small private practices. Research the employer's size and HR infrastructure before applying.
Frame your degree as a direct match for the role
Education Counselor positions typically require a degree in counseling, psychology, or education. Explicitly connect your academic background to the job description in your cover letter to reduce any uncertainty about your qualifications.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
Let hiring managers know your OPT authorization period and end date early in the process. Schools and institutions plan staffing months ahead, so transparency about your timeline helps them assess sponsorship feasibility without surprises.
Pursue relevant licensure or certification proactively
Many states require school counselors to hold a state license or credential. Demonstrating progress toward licensure signals long-term commitment to employers and strengthens your case for sponsorship when OPT ends.
Emphasize bilingual or multicultural advising skills
Schools and colleges increasingly need counselors who can serve multilingual student populations. If you speak additional languages or have cross-cultural advising experience, lead with that, as it differentiates you and strengthens your hiring case.
Browse OPT-friendly Education Counselor openings on Migrate Mate
Not every job posting indicates sponsorship willingness upfront. Migrate Mate filters for employers open to OPT candidates, saving you time and helping you focus your applications on roles with a realistic path to continued work authorization.
Education Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Education Counselor jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, Education Counselor roles qualify for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in counseling, psychology, social work, or education, this role is a strong match. You'll need to confirm the connection between your degree and the job with your Designated School Official before starting work.
Can I work as an Education Counselor on STEM OPT extension?
Standard counseling and education degrees are not classified as STEM fields, so most Education Counselor roles do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. However, if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as educational technology or data-driven learning analytics, and the role directly applies that training, an extension may be possible. Confirm with your DSO.
What types of employers hire Education Counselors who need OPT sponsorship?
K-12 school districts, community colleges, universities, and nonprofit education organizations are the most common employers for Education Counselors on OPT. Larger institutions with dedicated HR departments are generally better equipped to handle work authorization documentation and future sponsorship. You can browse OPT-friendly openings on Migrate Mate to identify which employers are actively hiring international candidates.
Does an Education Counselor role require a license, and how does that affect OPT?
Many states require school counselors to hold a state-issued credential or license, which typically involves additional coursework or a supervised internship beyond your degree. Licensure requirements don't directly affect your OPT eligibility, but unlicensed candidates may be limited to support roles while working toward full credentials. Confirm your state's requirements before applying to roles that specify licensure.
How should I handle gaps in OPT employment as an Education Counselor?
OPT regulations allow up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the authorization period. Education hiring is often seasonal, with most openings appearing before the fall and spring semesters. If you're between roles, document your job search activity carefully and consult your DSO if you're approaching the 90-day limit. Staying proactive during hiring cycles is the best way to minimize gaps.