OPT Fire Investigator Jobs
Fire Investigator jobs on OPT require STEM or criminal justice backgrounds, and most roles sit with local fire departments, insurance carriers, or federal agencies. Your OPT work authorization is employer-specific, so you'll need a role that matches your degree field and supports your 12-month authorization window.
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DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist 3)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Vancouver, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We're looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.
Some of what you will do
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts
- Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes
- Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software application systems
- Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs
- Identify and refer at-risk and vulnerable adults to appropriate service groups
- Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices
- Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
- Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations
- Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable
Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:
- One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Master's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Bachelor's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 6 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Additional information:
These positions require travel to meet business needs.
- A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period.
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
- Opportunities in this job classification that perform unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect of vulnerable adult individuals, may be eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06484.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS HCLA APS - Adult Protective Service Investigator (Social Service Specialist 3)
Adult Protective Services (APS) is excited to offer multiple opportunities for experienced professionals to join our team as a Social Service Specialist 3 in Vancouver, WA. This rewarding career allows you to grow within DSHS while working alongside a dedicated team committed to protecting vulnerable adults across Washington State.
We're looking for strong investigative, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to independently assess reports of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. In this role, your ability to gather evidence, conduct timely and thorough investigations, and connect individuals with services that support their safety and dignity will be key to your success.
Some of what you will do
- Conduct face-to-face interviews with alleged victims, alleged perpetrators, and other collateral contacts
- Collect and evaluate relevant information to make decisions related to the investigation, services, and outcomes
- Document all pertinent activity for each investigation and record electronically using computer software application systems
- Collaborate with law enforcement, judicial entities, families, facilities, local office staff, other regional offices, and community agencies/partners regarding client needs
- Identify and refer at-risk and vulnerable adults to appropriate service groups
- Provide client advocacy, consultation, networking, family support, and crisis intervention
- Prepare and provide testimony at administrative hearings, court proceedings, and criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings
Desired knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Proven ability to assess complex situations and develop effective, practical solutions
- Strong time management and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and effective documentation practices
- Familiarity with Medicaid terminology, regulations, and policies
- Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing policies and organizational priorities
- Strong critical thinking skills with the ability to maintain focus under pressure
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions, including in urgent safety-related situations
- Experience assessing risk and ensuring the safety of vulnerable adults or children is highly desirable
Who should apply?
We are searching for professionals with:
- One year as a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Master's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field and one year of paid social service experience equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- A Bachelor's degree in human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice or an allied field, and two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 2.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education and/or work experience in social services, human services, criminal law/justice or an allied field totaling 6 years will substitute in lieu of degree requirement.
Practicum work will be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
Additional information:
These positions require travel to meet business needs.
- A hybrid telework or flexible work schedule may be considered upon successful completion of the training period.
- Employees must successfully complete the formal training course sponsored by their division within one year of their appointment.
- Opportunities in this job classification that perform unannounced visits in unregulated environments, such as private residences, to conduct investigations for allegations of abuse and/or neglect of vulnerable adult individuals, may be eligible for an additional 10% assignment pay in addition to the advertised salary.
Bring your compassion, dedication, and professionalism to a role where you’ll be partnering with people to provide support, care, and resources.
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #06484.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant’s suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here (Download PDF reader). Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
See all 121+ OPT Fire Investigator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Fire Investigator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Fire Investigator
Match your degree to the role explicitly
Fire investigation draws from forensic science, chemistry, and engineering programs. When applying, map your coursework directly to the job description. Employers unfamiliar with OPT respond better when the degree-to-role connection is obvious and requires no explanation from them.
Target agencies with prior OPT hiring history
Federal and state fire marshal offices, ATF, and large municipal fire departments have HR infrastructure familiar with work authorization. Smaller private investigators may lack that familiarity. Prioritizing institutional employers reduces friction during the hiring process significantly.
Address OPT early and directly
Don't wait for an offer to raise your work authorization status. Mention it in your cover letter in one clear sentence. Employers appreciate transparency, and it filters out roles where authorization would be a dealbreaker before you invest interview time.
Highlight certifications alongside your degree
IAAI-CFI or NFPA certifications signal professional credibility and reduce employer hesitation around OPT. If you're still pursuing certification, note your progress. Credentials specific to fire investigation carry weight beyond your academic background in this field.
Pursue STEM OPT extension if your degree qualifies
Forensic science, chemistry, and engineering degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers are far more willing to invest in training when your authorization window extends meaningfully beyond one year.
Lead with field experience in applications
Internships with fire departments, insurance carriers, or forensic labs demonstrate practical exposure that classroom training alone cannot. Even volunteer or observation hours with a licensed investigator strengthen your application and reassure employers that you understand the operational realities of the role.
Fire Investigator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Fire Investigator on OPT?
Yes, if your degree field is directly related to the role. Forensic science, chemistry, fire protection engineering, and criminal justice degrees commonly support fire investigator positions. Your OPT authorization is tied to your major, so the employer will want to see a clear connection between your coursework and the investigative responsibilities of the job.
Do Fire Investigator roles typically require U.S. citizenship or security clearances?
Some do. Positions with federal agencies like the ATF or Department of Homeland Security often require U.S. citizenship or at minimum permanent residency, which disqualifies OPT students. Roles with municipal fire departments, private insurance firms, and forensic consulting companies generally do not carry that restriction and are more accessible on OPT.
Where can I find Fire Investigator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists fire investigator and related forensic roles filtered for candidates on OPT and other nonimmigrant work authorization. Searching there saves time compared to filtering through generalist boards where work authorization requirements aren't disclosed upfront. Most listings on Migrate Mate include sponsorship and authorization details directly.
Does the STEM OPT extension apply to Fire Investigator roles?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated in forensic science, chemistry, or fire protection engineering, your degree is likely on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, making you eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12 months. Criminal justice degrees generally do not qualify for STEM OPT, so your total authorization window would remain 12 months.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change employers mid-authorization?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the change in your SEVIS record through your designated school official within 10 days. Your new position still needs to be directly related to your degree field. If you're on STEM OPT, you'll also need to update your formal training plan with the new employer before starting work.