OPT Hearing Officer Jobs
Hearing Officer roles fall squarely within the legal and administrative specialty occupation category, making them a strong fit for F-1 OPT authorization. Most positions require a law degree or related graduate credential. Your 12-month OPT window, or up to 36 months on STEM OPT if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to pursue these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsLOCATION: Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Employee Classification: PE
Pay Grade: PT 09
Division: Academic and Student Affairs
Subdivision: Spec Ed and Comm Sci and Disorders
Department: College of Education
Campus Location: Main Campus
GENERAL SUMMARY
Provide therapeutic direction in assessment and treatment for developmental and neurogenic communication delays/disorders/deficits across the lifespan to graduate clinicians in the speech-language pathology practicums.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Core Clinical Duties:
- Supervise students clinical experience by overseeing all components of the therapeutic processes which include:
- Providing written and oral feedback regarding lesson plans, treatment plans, treatment outcomes and SOAP notes, etc.
- Model and guide development of interpersonal skills with clients and families
- Observation of treatment sessions that reflect integration of evidence-based therapy techniques and are based on clients educational/functional needs.
- Observe treatment sessions and demonstrate therapeutic techniques and approaches to speech pathology students.
- Counsel patients and their families in matters related to speech-language disabilities.
- Serve as liaison between Clinic and outside agencies involved with specific clients
- Consult with University personnel and others as needed in the therapeutic process.
- Assure compliance with ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Council on Academic Accreditation (Master's degree accreditation) standards as they relate to clinic operations and student instruction.
- Discuss with faculty student progress in practicum.
- Participate in staff and divisional meetings Provide clinical instruction to students enrolled in designated courses.
- Attend professional meetings.
- Perform related Departmental duties, as required Maintain calendar and supervisor scheduling of student clinicians and clients each semester.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology and administrative duties, typically acquired through the completion of a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and American Speech and Hearing Association Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology, are necessary. Michigan Licensure required.
Four years experience (beyond certification) in the field of speech-language pathology is necessary.
Familiarity with medical terminology and medical/clinical office operations is necessary.
Ability to communicate and work easily with public, faculty, students, and clients with disabilities is necessary.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with a variety of speech and language disorders across the lifespan is desired.
Experience in both hospital/clinic and public school settings is desirable.
Prior supervisory experience with graduate clinicians or clinical fellows is preferred.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
N/A
APPOINTMENT PERCENTAGE
100%
LOCATION: Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States
Employee Classification: PE
Pay Grade: PT 09
Division: Academic and Student Affairs
Subdivision: Spec Ed and Comm Sci and Disorders
Department: College of Education
Campus Location: Main Campus
GENERAL SUMMARY
Provide therapeutic direction in assessment and treatment for developmental and neurogenic communication delays/disorders/deficits across the lifespan to graduate clinicians in the speech-language pathology practicums.
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Core Clinical Duties:
- Supervise students clinical experience by overseeing all components of the therapeutic processes which include:
- Providing written and oral feedback regarding lesson plans, treatment plans, treatment outcomes and SOAP notes, etc.
- Model and guide development of interpersonal skills with clients and families
- Observation of treatment sessions that reflect integration of evidence-based therapy techniques and are based on clients educational/functional needs.
- Observe treatment sessions and demonstrate therapeutic techniques and approaches to speech pathology students.
- Counsel patients and their families in matters related to speech-language disabilities.
- Serve as liaison between Clinic and outside agencies involved with specific clients
- Consult with University personnel and others as needed in the therapeutic process.
- Assure compliance with ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Council on Academic Accreditation (Master's degree accreditation) standards as they relate to clinic operations and student instruction.
- Discuss with faculty student progress in practicum.
- Participate in staff and divisional meetings Provide clinical instruction to students enrolled in designated courses.
- Attend professional meetings.
- Perform related Departmental duties, as required Maintain calendar and supervisor scheduling of student clinicians and clients each semester.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology and administrative duties, typically acquired through the completion of a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and American Speech and Hearing Association Certification of Clinical Competence in Speech Pathology, are necessary. Michigan Licensure required.
Four years experience (beyond certification) in the field of speech-language pathology is necessary.
Familiarity with medical terminology and medical/clinical office operations is necessary.
Ability to communicate and work easily with public, faculty, students, and clients with disabilities is necessary.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Experience with a variety of speech and language disorders across the lifespan is desired.
Experience in both hospital/clinic and public school settings is desirable.
Prior supervisory experience with graduate clinicians or clinical fellows is preferred.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
N/A
APPOINTMENT PERCENTAGE
100%
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Hearing Officer
Target government agencies early
Federal and state agencies hire Hearing Officers regularly and often have structured onboarding timelines. Apply at least three months before your OPT start date so your work authorization is in place before the position begins.
Clarify your OPT dates upfront
Hearing Officer hiring processes can run 60 to 90 days. Share your OPT start and end dates with the recruiter early so neither side wastes time on a timeline that won't work before authorization expires.
Frame your degree field precisely
OPT authorization must be in a field directly related to your degree. Legal studies, public policy, and administrative law are strong qualifying fields for Hearing Officer roles. Be specific when explaining that connection in your application materials.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship intentions early
Government agencies vary in their ability to sponsor H-1B visas. Before investing heavily in a multi-round process, ask whether the agency has sponsored nonimmigrant visas before and whether the role is eligible for future sponsorship.
Emphasize adjudication and administrative law coursework
Hiring managers for Hearing Officer roles look for evidence of structured legal reasoning. Highlight relevant coursework, moot court experience, or clerkships that demonstrate your ability to evaluate evidence and apply regulatory frameworks.
Track your OPT unemployment days carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days on STEM OPT extension. A longer government hiring timeline can eat into that window, so apply early and keep a written record of your job search activity.
Hearing Officer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Hearing Officer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, provided your degree is directly related to the role. Hearing Officer positions typically require a background in law, public administration, or a related field. OPT work authorization must be tied to your specific field of study, so a law or policy degree is the clearest qualifying path. Document the connection between your degree and the position before applying.
Do Hearing Officer employers typically sponsor visas after OPT ends?
It varies significantly. Federal administrative agencies can sometimes sponsor through the Schedule A or special hiring authorities, but many government positions cannot sponsor H-1B visas due to statutory restrictions on using appropriated funds. Quasi-judicial agencies and some state bodies have more flexibility. Research each employer's sponsorship history before accepting an offer, and ask directly during the offer stage.
Where can I find Hearing Officer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best starting point. It surfaces roles from employers who have a demonstrated history of hiring international candidates on work authorization, which saves you from applying to positions where OPT isn't accepted. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers is especially useful for Hearing Officer roles, where government hiring rules around immigration sponsorship can vary widely by agency.
Does a three-year Australian or international law degree qualify me for Hearing Officer OPT work?
USCIS evaluates whether your degree is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher. A three-year law degree from a recognized international institution may qualify, but equivalency is assessed case by case. A credential evaluation from a NACES-approved organization can help establish equivalency if your employer or DSO raises questions about your degree's applicability to the role.
What happens to my OPT status if the Hearing Officer hiring process takes longer than expected?
Your 90-day unemployment clock runs from your OPT start date, not from when you receive an offer. If a government hiring process runs long, that time counts against your unemployment limit. Apply well before your OPT start date, maintain documentation of your active job search, and notify your DSO if you anticipate a gap. STEM OPT extension gives you an additional 150-day buffer if your degree qualifies.