OPT Medical Social Worker Jobs
Medical Social Worker jobs on OPT require employers to support your STEM or standard OPT authorization, depending on your degree field. Most roles are in hospitals, clinics, or community health settings and need a Master of Social Work (MSW). Your OPT timeline, including any STEM extension eligibility, depends on how your degree was classified.
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HCPA Medical Social Worker
Location: Home Care-VNA of Northwest PA
Location of Job: US:PA:Bradford
Work Type: Full-Time
Shift: 1
Job Description
Plans, implements, renders and evaluates social work services in the home care setting using professionally approved assessment and therapeutic skills and modalities in accordance with the scope of practice for a Licensed Medical Social Worker in New York State.
Education And Credentials
Master’s Degree in Social Work. Current licensure to practice as a Medical Social Worker in NYS. Valid NYS drivers license.
Experience
One (1) year experience providing patient/client counseling.
Working Conditions
Essential:
- Weight Requirement - Medium (up to 50 lbs)
Job Details
Department: NWPA Certified Home Care
Standard Hours Bi-Weekly: 80.25
Weekend/Holiday Requirement: No
On Call Required: No
With Rotation:
Scheduled Work Hours: 8a-4:30p
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Union Code: U33 - CWA 1122 NWPA
Requisition ID#: 25533
Recruiter: Adrian G. Mudd
Grade: 3
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Salary Range: $35.31 - $41.70* Wage will be determined based on factors such as candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and any applicable collective bargaining agreement.
The VNA's mission is to advance the health of our community, and we believe our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategic work is mission-critical for the good of our workforce and the community who need and depend on our care and services. We understand that racism and health inequities stand firmly in the way of advancing the health of our community, and the VNA envisions DEI as the pursuit of equity and restorative justice for every person. We will exemplify courage and accountability through both the professing and practice of our core values for our friends, colleagues, and community. The VNA is committed to creating a culture of equity and inclusion where diversity is valued and celebrated!
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Medical Social Worker
Confirm your OPT end date before applying
Medical Social Worker hiring cycles can take two to three months. Know exactly when your OPT expires so you only pursue roles where you have enough authorized time remaining to complete onboarding and begin working legally.
Target hospital systems over private practices
Large hospital networks like academic medical centers have dedicated HR teams familiar with OPT documentation. Smaller private practices often lack experience with work authorization, making the sponsorship conversation harder to navigate early in the process.
Clarify your MSW degree field for STEM extension eligibility
Most MSW programs are not STEM-classified, limiting OPT to 12 months. If your program had a quantitative or data-focused track, verify your CIP code with your DSO before assuming STEM extension eligibility in your job search.
Lead with your clinical licensure progress, not your visa status
Employers hiring medical social workers prioritize LMSW or LCSW licensure. Establish your clinical qualifications first in interviews, then address OPT authorization separately. Framing yourself as a licensed candidate reduces friction around work authorization discussions.
Ask directly whether the employer has sponsored OPT workers before
Before investing time in lengthy interview rounds, ask HR whether they have previously employed staff on OPT. Employers with prior experience understand E-Verify requirements and reporting obligations, which significantly shortens onboarding timelines for international students.
Plan your H-1B transition timeline from day one
Medical social work roles in healthcare systems can qualify for H-1B visa sponsorship. Identify employers willing to file before your OPT expires. The April H-1B lottery registration window is a hard deadline that requires early coordination with your employer.
Medical Social Worker OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Medical Social Worker on OPT?
Yes, if your OPT is authorized and your employment directly relates to your degree field. Most Medical Social Worker roles require an MSW, which aligns with social work or human services degree classifications. Your job offer must fall within your authorized field of study, and your DSO should confirm the match before you accept.
Do Medical Social Worker employers typically support OPT students?
Large hospital systems and federally funded community health organizations are more likely to hire OPT students because they have HR infrastructure for compliance. Smaller clinical settings may be unfamiliar with the reporting and E-Verify requirements tied to OPT employment. Migrate Mate lists Medical Social Worker roles from employers who have hired international students, which helps you identify receptive employers faster.
Is a Medical Social Worker role eligible for STEM OPT extension?
Most MSW programs are not classified under a STEM CIP code, so the standard 12-month OPT period applies in most cases. A small number of social work programs with strong quantitative or public health informatics tracks may carry a STEM classification. Confirm your exact CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming you qualify for the 24-month STEM extension.
What OPT reporting requirements apply when I start a Medical Social Worker job?
You must report your employer's name, address, and your start date to your DSO within 10 days of beginning work. Any change in employer or work location also requires timely reporting. Failing to update your SEVP portal record can jeopardize your status, so coordinate with your international student office as soon as you receive a formal offer.
What happens to my OPT status if my Medical Social Worker contract ends early?
If your position ends before your OPT authorization expires, you enter a 60-day grace period. You can use that window to secure a new role in your authorized field, transfer to a new visa status, or prepare to depart. Any new employer must also fall within your degree-related field, and the new employment must be reported to your DSO promptly.