OPT Employment Specialist Jobs
Employment Specialist roles involve career counseling, job placement, and workforce development work that maps directly to degrees in human resources, counseling, social work, and psychology. OPT students have 12 months of work authorization, with STEM OPT extension available if your degree qualifies. Employers in workforce agencies, nonprofits, and university career centers regularly hire for these positions.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Employment Services, the Employment Specialist will serve as a workforce development resource for program participants, working collaboratively with the employment services team, Supportive Housing staff, and other service providers to support participants in achieving their employment, educational, and long-term self-sufficiency goals. The Employment Specialist will cultivate a network of employment, internship, training, and career development opportunities for youth and adults through partnerships with workforce development organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community-based organizations.
The Employment Specialist will build supportive, engaging, and strength-based relationships with participants to help them identify career interests, vocational goals, and pathways to employment. Through individualized career planning, skill development, job placement, and retention support, the Employment Specialist will assist participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment that contributes to their long-term success and independence.
The Employment Specialist will collaborate closely with the Supportive Housing team to ensure employment services are integrated into participants' overall service plans and aligned with their long-term goals. The specialist will take a compassionate, nonjudgmental, person-centered approach to service delivery and will be trained in and implement evidence-based practices that support engagement, employment success, and self-sufficiency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION:
- Provide individualized career planning, job readiness training, job development, placement, and retention services to support participants in achieving their employment goals.
- Provide services both in office and meeting job seekers at their supportive housing locations to ensure strong client engagement and hands-on employment support.
- Conduct vocational assessments and assist participants in identifying career pathways that support economic self-sufficiency and personal growth.
- Deliver job search assistance, including resume development, interview preparation, application support, and career exploration activities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and training providers to identify employment and career advancement opportunities.
- Provide ongoing job coaching, workplace support, and retention services to help participants maintain successful employment outcomes.
- Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate, timely documentation in all required databases, case records, and reporting systems.
- Facilitate career readiness workshops, hiring events, employer information sessions, career fairs, and other workforce development activities that prepare participants for employment and connect them to job placement, training, and career advancement opportunities.
- Ensure all employment-eligible referrals are contacted within two (2) business days of receipt and scheduled for an intake appointment within one (1) week, maintaining timely engagement, responsiveness, and accurate documentation of outreach efforts.
- Advocate for participants and assist in addressing barriers that may impact employment success.
- Collaborate with the Supportive Housing team and other interdisciplinary service providers to support each participant's long-term goals, ensuring employment services are aligned with broader objectives related to independence, stability, and community integration.
- Participate in case conferences, service plan meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions to coordinate services and support participant success.
- Maintain knowledge of workforce development resources, labor market trends, benefits planning considerations, and community-based support services.
- Meet established performance goals and outcomes related to participant engagement, employment placements, retention, and service quality.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope, responsibilities, and level of the position, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or equivalent
- Experience: 1-3 years experience working with youth ages 14-26 required, 5-7 years strongly preferred.
- Bi-Lingual: Not required, but helpful if possessed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Preferred Education: Master's degree or equivalent
STANDARD HOURS
- 9 am - 5 pm (Monday – Friday) 40 Hours Flex
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Examples:
- Constantly required to exchange accurate information
- Constantly operates a computer and other office tools
- Frequently required to stand
- Occasionally moves about inside a building or residential setting
- Must be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds
- Weekly travel to supportive housing sites and employment related events as needed
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE
The work environment outlines the physical environment, working conditions and time spent working. Examples:
- Residential setting requiring adjustments or changes with scheduling, working with a team, and include regular contact with individuals receiving Heartshare services.
- Active work environment that may include standing, walking, community travel, and crisis response.
- Professional office environment with a balance of independent work and cross-functional collaboration.
- Dynamic human services environment serving diverse populations with a strong focus on compassion, flexibility, and responsiveness.
- Trauma-informed and client-centered workplace requiring adaptability, professionalism, and teamwork.
BENEFITS
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:
- Rewarding Work in a team environment.
- Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
- 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
- Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
- Tuition Assistance Program.
- Professional Development opportunities.
- Wellhub Discount
- Verizon Wireless Discount.
- BJs Membership discount.
- Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more
HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.
ABOUT HEARTSHARE
Who WE ARE:
For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.
To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook.
HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
INTRODUCTION
Under the supervision of the Vice President of Employment Services, the Employment Specialist will serve as a workforce development resource for program participants, working collaboratively with the employment services team, Supportive Housing staff, and other service providers to support participants in achieving their employment, educational, and long-term self-sufficiency goals. The Employment Specialist will cultivate a network of employment, internship, training, and career development opportunities for youth and adults through partnerships with workforce development organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and community-based organizations.
The Employment Specialist will build supportive, engaging, and strength-based relationships with participants to help them identify career interests, vocational goals, and pathways to employment. Through individualized career planning, skill development, job placement, and retention support, the Employment Specialist will assist participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment that contributes to their long-term success and independence.
The Employment Specialist will collaborate closely with the Supportive Housing team to ensure employment services are integrated into participants' overall service plans and aligned with their long-term goals. The specialist will take a compassionate, nonjudgmental, person-centered approach to service delivery and will be trained in and implement evidence-based practices that support engagement, employment success, and self-sufficiency.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES OF POSITION:
- Provide individualized career planning, job readiness training, job development, placement, and retention services to support participants in achieving their employment goals.
- Provide services both in office and meeting job seekers at their supportive housing locations to ensure strong client engagement and hands-on employment support.
- Conduct vocational assessments and assist participants in identifying career pathways that support economic self-sufficiency and personal growth.
- Deliver job search assistance, including resume development, interview preparation, application support, and career exploration activities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with employers, community partners, and training providers to identify employment and career advancement opportunities.
- Provide ongoing job coaching, workplace support, and retention services to help participants maintain successful employment outcomes.
- Monitor participant progress and maintain accurate, timely documentation in all required databases, case records, and reporting systems.
- Facilitate career readiness workshops, hiring events, employer information sessions, career fairs, and other workforce development activities that prepare participants for employment and connect them to job placement, training, and career advancement opportunities.
- Ensure all employment-eligible referrals are contacted within two (2) business days of receipt and scheduled for an intake appointment within one (1) week, maintaining timely engagement, responsiveness, and accurate documentation of outreach efforts.
- Advocate for participants and assist in addressing barriers that may impact employment success.
- Collaborate with the Supportive Housing team and other interdisciplinary service providers to support each participant's long-term goals, ensuring employment services are aligned with broader objectives related to independence, stability, and community integration.
- Participate in case conferences, service plan meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions to coordinate services and support participant success.
- Maintain knowledge of workforce development resources, labor market trends, benefits planning considerations, and community-based support services.
- Meet established performance goals and outcomes related to participant engagement, employment placements, retention, and service quality.
- Performs other job-related duties as assigned, consistent with the scope, responsibilities, and level of the position, and in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and organizational policies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or equivalent
- Experience: 1-3 years experience working with youth ages 14-26 required, 5-7 years strongly preferred.
- Bi-Lingual: Not required, but helpful if possessed
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Preferred Education: Master's degree or equivalent
STANDARD HOURS
- 9 am - 5 pm (Monday – Friday) 40 Hours Flex
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Examples:
- Constantly required to exchange accurate information
- Constantly operates a computer and other office tools
- Frequently required to stand
- Occasionally moves about inside a building or residential setting
- Must be able to lift or move up to 25 pounds
- Weekly travel to supportive housing sites and employment related events as needed
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE
The work environment outlines the physical environment, working conditions and time spent working. Examples:
- Residential setting requiring adjustments or changes with scheduling, working with a team, and include regular contact with individuals receiving Heartshare services.
- Active work environment that may include standing, walking, community travel, and crisis response.
- Professional office environment with a balance of independent work and cross-functional collaboration.
- Dynamic human services environment serving diverse populations with a strong focus on compassion, flexibility, and responsiveness.
- Trauma-informed and client-centered workplace requiring adaptability, professionalism, and teamwork.
BENEFITS
At HeartShare we offer a comprehensive benefit package based on full-time/part-time status. You can expect:
- Rewarding Work in a team environment.
- Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
- 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
- Health, dental, vision and life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Flexible spending account (Dependent Care, Medical, Parking, and Transit).
- Employee Appreciation Programs and Events.
- Tuition Assistance Program.
- Professional Development opportunities.
- Wellhub Discount
- Verizon Wireless Discount.
- BJs Membership discount.
- Discounts on Broadway tickets, movie tickets, theme parks, sporting events, gift certificates & more
HeartShare is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). If you need to request accommodation during the recruiting process, please reach out to Leaves@heartshare.org.
ABOUT HEARTSHARE
Who WE ARE:
For over 150 years, Heartshare has been dedicated to championing and empowering New Yorkers society has too often overlooked and underestimated.
To learn more about HeartShare, please visit our website at www.heartshare.org or Follow us on Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram Facebook.
HeartShare Human Services of New York nurtures and empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
See all 68+ OPT Employment Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Employment Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Employment Specialist
Target workforce development organizations
Nonprofits, government-contracted workforce agencies, and community colleges hire Employment Specialists regularly and tend to have more flexible sponsorship policies than corporate employers. These organizations often have experience navigating work authorization for mission-driven hires.
Connect your degree directly to the role
Employment Specialist positions typically require a degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or human resources. In your application materials, make the connection explicit between your field of study and the role's core responsibilities like career assessment and job coaching.
Highlight case management experience
Employers hiring Employment Specialists want evidence of structured client interaction. Internships, practicums, or volunteer roles involving intake assessments, service plans, or client caseloads are strong differentiators that demonstrate you can handle the job from day one.
Apply early in your OPT window
Starting your search in the first few months of OPT authorization gives employers and their HR teams time to process your work authorization documentation without urgency. Late-stage OPT applications with weeks remaining often get deprioritized by cautious hiring managers.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field like applied psychology or information systems, confirm your eligibility for a 24-month extension before interviewing. Communicating a longer authorization runway directly reduces employer hesitation about investing in onboarding and training.
Prepare a clear work authorization one-pager
Many Employment Specialist hiring managers work in social services or education, not corporate HR, and may be unfamiliar with OPT. A brief, jargon-free summary explaining your authorization period, what employers are required to do, and E-Verify obligations removes common friction points early.
Employment Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Employment Specialists?
Yes. Employment Specialist roles qualify for OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in counseling, social work, human resources, or psychology typically satisfy this requirement. You'll need to ensure the job description aligns with your major before accepting an offer, as unrelated work can jeopardize your F-1 status.
Where can I find Employment Specialist jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by work authorization compatibility. Workforce development agencies, nonprofit career centers, and university employment offices post these roles most frequently. Migrate Mate lets you browse Employment Specialist openings without having to manually filter out employers unwilling to work with OPT candidates.
Do Employment Specialist roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Only if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field. Most Employment Specialist positions are tied to degrees in counseling, social work, or human resources, which are not STEM-designated. However, if you studied applied psychology, organizational behavior, or a data-focused HR discipline listed on the STEM OPT designated degree program list, you may qualify for the 24-month extension.
What types of employers hire Employment Specialists on OPT?
The most common employers are government-contracted workforce development agencies, community action nonprofits, university career centers, vocational rehabilitation programs, and state labor departments. These organizations regularly work with candidates who have temporary work authorization and are more accustomed to the E-Verify process and OPT documentation requirements than smaller private employers.
What should I tell an employer who is unfamiliar with OPT authorization?
Explain that OPT is federally authorized work permission for F-1 students, that it requires no sponsorship or petition filing from the employer during the initial 12-month period, and that employers simply verify your Employment Authorization Document through E-Verify. Providing a brief written summary of these points early in the hiring process tends to resolve most employer hesitation quickly.