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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Get Access To All JobsJob Description
The Employment Counselor provides Workforce Development, guidance, and counseling functions to prisoners inside prisons and follows up with FOA and other agencies once the prisoner is on parole to collect data. This position helps to prepare and place trained offenders into employment and post-secondary opportunities. The Employment Counselor takes direction from the School Principal and the Education Manager. The position is located within the secure perimeter of the Muskegon Correctional Facility but will also service Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility and Oaks Correctional Facility.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in a field of education or with a major in guidance and counseling, sociology, psychology, or social work.
Experience
Employment Counselor 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Employment Counselor 10
One year of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or seeking to complete a postsecondary education degree or skills certificate equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor 9.
Employment Counselor P11
Two years of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or seeking to complete a postsecondary education degree or skills certificate equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor, including one year equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Employment And Education Counselor 9
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or one year of professional experience providing guidance, resources, and advice to individuals regarding college costs, financial aid, or course planning may be substituted for the education requirement.
Additional Requirements and Information
The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
Job Description
The Employment Counselor provides Workforce Development, guidance, and counseling functions to prisoners inside prisons and follows up with FOA and other agencies once the prisoner is on parole to collect data. This position helps to prepare and place trained offenders into employment and post-secondary opportunities. The Employment Counselor takes direction from the School Principal and the Education Manager. The position is located within the secure perimeter of the Muskegon Correctional Facility but will also service Earnest C. Brooks Correctional Facility and Oaks Correctional Facility.
Required Education and Experience
Education
Possession of a bachelor's degree in a field of education or with a major in guidance and counseling, sociology, psychology, or social work.
Experience
Employment Counselor 9
No specific type or amount is required.
Employment Counselor 10
One year of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or seeking to complete a postsecondary education degree or skills certificate equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor 9.
Employment Counselor P11
Two years of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or seeking to complete a postsecondary education degree or skills certificate equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor, including one year equivalent to an Employment and Education Counselor 10.
Alternate Education and Experience
Employment And Education Counselor 9
Possession of a bachelor's degree in any major and one year of professional experience counseling and placing individuals seeking employment or one year of professional experience providing guidance, resources, and advice to individuals regarding college costs, financial aid, or course planning may be substituted for the education requirement.
Additional Requirements and Information
The Michigan Department of Corrections is proud to be a Michigan Veteran's Affairs Agency (MVAA) Gold Level Veteran Friendly Employer. MDOC is proud to employ nearly 1,500 veterans and actively serving military members across the department. The Department has many benefits and services available to support our military and veteran employees, spouses, and families. Learn more about what makes MDOC a Gold-Level Veteran Friendly Employer here.
The Department of Corrections may screen out job applicants who have been convicted of a felony in accordance with Public Act 191 of 2017. Applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony are ineligible for employment with the Department of Corrections until satisfactory completion of any sentence imposed, including parole or probation.
New hires to the MDOC along with previous MDOC employees that are returning after being away from the department for more than two years will complete Non-Custody New Employee Training (NCNET) either 40 hours or 80 hours of initial in-person training based on their level of offender contact and job classification. All new employees will complete additional online training to successfully complete their non-custody new employee training.
Accommodations
If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application or selection processes, please contact the ADA coordinator for the agency that posted this position vacancy.
See all 75+ OPT Education Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Education Counselor Jobs.
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.