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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Posting Number PG194733EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Employment Coordinator for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Anticipated Hiring Range $70,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department IPSE
About the Department
About the NC State College of Education
As one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges of education, NC State’s College of Education leads the way in North Carolina in preparing extraordinary educators, conducting transformational research, and engaging communities where they are to improve the educational outcomes of all learners and advance the greater good. The college’s faculty are widely-recognized thought leaders who use their research to transform the practice of teaching, learning, and leading. They have particular strengths in improving technology-enhanced learning and teaching; fostering community-based learning and PK-16 partnerships; and innovating leadership and workforce development, educational policy, and evaluation. About two-thirds of the faculty are grant active. They are engaged in over 225 active projects totaling $151 million, making them the most productive in terms of research activity compared with other colleges of education in North Carolina and among the Top 5% in the nation. In FY24, the college’s research expenditures exceeded $20 million.
The college has over 1,600 students studying across five graduate certificates, seven undergraduate majors, two undergraduate minors, 13 master’s degrees, three Ph.D., and two Ed.D. programs housed in three academic departments: Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education; and Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, with approximately 130 tenure-track and professional-track faculty, 110 support and professional staff, and about 160 graduate and teaching assistants. The College of Education is also home to the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Elevate, NC State’s inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The college has over 18,000 living alumni, with over 6,000 working in public schools in every county in North Carolina. Those who are teachers rate among the highest in effectiveness on surveys of school employers in North Carolina.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Elevate, NC State’s inclusive postsecondary education program, accepted its first cohort of students in Spring 2025. Administratively housed in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences in the College of Education, Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and offers educational credentials, such as certificates. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and will offer educational credentials, such as certificates. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement. The Employment Coordinator will support the Elevate program’s mission by managing and coordinating internships and work experiences for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position emphasizes creating person-centered, strengths-based employment opportunities that align with each student’s aspirations. Additionally, the coordinator will offer technical support to employers, helping them create a successful workplace environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Internship & Employment Coordination: Work with students, based on their person-centered plans, to find meaningful internships and employment opportunities that promote their professional growth and self-determination.
Person-Centered Planning: Develop personalized employment goals that align with the student’s academic, social, and professional aspirations, as outlined by Elevate’s pillars of success: advocacy, transition, and employment.
Employer Support Advocacy: Provide training and ongoing technical assistance to employers to create and maintain accessible, work environments for students with intellectual disabilities.
Student Advocacy & Monitoring: Advocate for students’ rights in the workplace and monitor their progress throughout their internships or work experiences. Adjust plans as needed to ensure success and fulfillment of their career goals.
Workshops & Career Readiness Training: Develop and facilitate workshops on workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and professional development.
Collaborative Networking: Build partnerships with local businesses and organizations to expand opportunities for student internships and employment.
Other Responsibilities
* Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
Knowledge of effective career preparation and employment strategies for individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of strategies that support the development of self-determination skills.
Knowledge of instructional and support strategies for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, families, employers, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a related field.
Experience with employment placement for individuals with IDD.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
* N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/24/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00111071
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 131103 - IPSE
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
Posting Information
Posting Number PG194733EP
Internal Recruitment No
Working Title Employment Coordinator for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
Anticipated Hiring Range $70,000
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm
Job Location Raleigh, NC
Department IPSE
About the Department
About the NC State College of Education
As one of the nation’s top-ranked colleges of education, NC State’s College of Education leads the way in North Carolina in preparing extraordinary educators, conducting transformational research, and engaging communities where they are to improve the educational outcomes of all learners and advance the greater good. The college’s faculty are widely-recognized thought leaders who use their research to transform the practice of teaching, learning, and leading. They have particular strengths in improving technology-enhanced learning and teaching; fostering community-based learning and PK-16 partnerships; and innovating leadership and workforce development, educational policy, and evaluation. About two-thirds of the faculty are grant active. They are engaged in over 225 active projects totaling $151 million, making them the most productive in terms of research activity compared with other colleges of education in North Carolina and among the Top 5% in the nation. In FY24, the college’s research expenditures exceeded $20 million.
The college has over 1,600 students studying across five graduate certificates, seven undergraduate majors, two undergraduate minors, 13 master’s degrees, three Ph.D., and two Ed.D. programs housed in three academic departments: Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development; Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education; and Teacher Education and Learning Sciences, with approximately 130 tenure-track and professional-track faculty, 110 support and professional staff, and about 160 graduate and teaching assistants. The College of Education is also home to the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research, the Friday Institute for Educational Innovation, and Elevate, NC State’s inclusive postsecondary education program for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The college has over 18,000 living alumni, with over 6,000 working in public schools in every county in North Carolina. Those who are teachers rate among the highest in effectiveness on surveys of school employers in North Carolina.
NC State promotes an integrated approach to problem solving that transforms lives and provides leadership for social, economic, and technological development across North Carolina and around the world. NC State’s land grant mission of teaching, research and service is dedicated to the service of North Carolina and its people. Applicants are encouraged to review the institution’s mission, vision and strategic plan, and consider how their background, interest and experience would enable them to support the university.
Elevate, NC State’s inclusive postsecondary education program, accepted its first cohort of students in Spring 2025. Administratively housed in the Department of Teacher Education and Learning Sciences in the College of Education, Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and offers educational credentials, such as certificates. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement.
Wolfpack Perks and Benefits
As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.
What we offer:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Flexible Spending Account
Retirement Programs
Disability Plans
Life Insurance
Accident Plan
Paid Time Off and Other Leave Programs
12 Holidays Each Year
Tuition and Academic Assistance
And so much more!
Attain work-life balance with our Childcare benefits, Wellness & Recreation Membership, and Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.
Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.
Essential Job Duties
Elevate is a university-wide initiative designed for North Carolina residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and will offer educational credentials, such as certificates. The program focuses on five pillars of success: academics, employment, personal development, independent living and social engagement. The Employment Coordinator will support the Elevate program’s mission by managing and coordinating internships and work experiences for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This position emphasizes creating person-centered, strengths-based employment opportunities that align with each student’s aspirations. Additionally, the coordinator will offer technical support to employers, helping them create a successful workplace environment.
Key Responsibilities:
Internship & Employment Coordination: Work with students, based on their person-centered plans, to find meaningful internships and employment opportunities that promote their professional growth and self-determination.
Person-Centered Planning: Develop personalized employment goals that align with the student’s academic, social, and professional aspirations, as outlined by Elevate’s pillars of success: advocacy, transition, and employment.
Employer Support Advocacy: Provide training and ongoing technical assistance to employers to create and maintain accessible, work environments for students with intellectual disabilities.
Student Advocacy & Monitoring: Advocate for students’ rights in the workplace and monitor their progress throughout their internships or work experiences. Adjust plans as needed to ensure success and fulfillment of their career goals.
Workshops & Career Readiness Training: Develop and facilitate workshops on workplace readiness, self-advocacy, and professional development.
Collaborative Networking: Build partnerships with local businesses and organizations to expand opportunities for student internships and employment.
Other Responsibilities
* Other tasks and responsibilities may be assigned based on the needs of the organization and evolving priorities.
Qualifications
Minimum Education and Experience
* Require post-baccalaureate credentials or a bachelor’s degree plus alternative or equivalent professional training and experience may be substituted for the advanced degree on an exceptional basis.
Other Required Qualifications
Knowledge of effective career preparation and employment strategies for individuals with disabilities.
Knowledge of strategies that support the development of self-determination skills.
Knowledge of instructional and support strategies for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
Strong communication, organizational, interpersonal, and advocacy skills.
Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with students, families, employers, faculty, staff, and community partners.
Ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Education, Social Work, Vocational Rehabilitation, or a related field.
Experience with employment placement for individuals with IDD.
Required License(s) or Certification(s)
* N/A
Valid NC Driver's License required Yes
Commercial Driver's License required No
Recruitment Dates and Special Instructions
Job Open Date 06/24/2026
Anticipated Close Date Open Until Filled
Special Instructions to Applicants
Please include as attachments a resume/CV and contact information for at least 3 professional references.
Position Details
Position Number 00111071
Position Type EPS/SAAO
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) (1.0 = 40 hours/week) 1.0
Appointment 12 Month Recurring
Mandatory Designation - Adverse Weather Non Mandatory - Adverse Weather
Mandatory Designation - Emergency Events Non Mandatory - Emergency Event
Department ID 131103 - IPSE
EEO
NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.
If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at (919) 515-2135 or workatncstate@ncsu.edu.
Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.
NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.
See all 99+ 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.