Pediatric Social Worker Jobs for OPT Students
Pediatric Social Worker jobs on OPT require employers to support your work authorization, whether you're on standard 12-month OPT or a 24-month STEM extension through a related field like social work or public health. Hospitals, school districts, and child welfare agencies are among the most active sponsors in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsEmployment Type Full time
Shift Day Shift
Position Purpose
At Mercy Care Atlanta, we believe every child deserves compassionate, holistic care. As a Pediatric Social Worker (LCSW), you will provide vital support to children, adolescents, and their families, helping them navigate emotional, social, and practical challenges related to medical conditions and developmental needs. This role ensures continuity of care and promotes overall well-being through collaboration with pediatric providers and multidisciplinary teams.
What You Will Do
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify family strengths and barriers.
- Coordinate care by connecting families to community resources, financial assistance, and insurance programs.
- Assist with access to medical supplies, durable equipment, and respite care services.
- Support hospital discharge planning and transitions to early intervention, behavioral health, and developmental programs.
- Advocate for patients across medical, educational, and social systems.
- Address issues of abuse, neglect, or safety as a mandated reporter to DFCS.
- Participate in team meetings and provide consultation on psychosocial factors impacting care.
- Maintain accurate documentation and engage in quality improvement initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
- Licensure: LMSW or LCSW in the State of Georgia.
- Experience: 2+ years in pediatric or family social work preferred; healthcare or outpatient experience desirable.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Position Highlights And Benefits
- Day-1 Benefits (PTO accrual, retirement plan and match, health insurance and more!)
- Opportunity to get paid daily – through DailyPay
- Paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Discounts with major vendors; AT&T, Verizon, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Quicken Loans, AND MORE!
- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Enjoy lower-cost medical services when you visit facilities within the Trinity Health network.
- Fast response interview times and job offers.
Ministry/Facility Information
Mercy Care Atlanta, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and comprised of 300 plus colleagues, is a healthcare organization that provides a range of health services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the Atlanta, Georgia area. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to individuals across all demographics. Rooted in the Mercy Philosophy, we prioritize respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence in all aspects of care delivery.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Type Full time
Shift Day Shift
Position Purpose
At Mercy Care Atlanta, we believe every child deserves compassionate, holistic care. As a Pediatric Social Worker (LCSW), you will provide vital support to children, adolescents, and their families, helping them navigate emotional, social, and practical challenges related to medical conditions and developmental needs. This role ensures continuity of care and promotes overall well-being through collaboration with pediatric providers and multidisciplinary teams.
What You Will Do
- Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to identify family strengths and barriers.
- Coordinate care by connecting families to community resources, financial assistance, and insurance programs.
- Assist with access to medical supplies, durable equipment, and respite care services.
- Support hospital discharge planning and transitions to early intervention, behavioral health, and developmental programs.
- Advocate for patients across medical, educational, and social systems.
- Address issues of abuse, neglect, or safety as a mandated reporter to DFCS.
- Participate in team meetings and provide consultation on psychosocial factors impacting care.
- Maintain accurate documentation and engage in quality improvement initiatives.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program.
- Licensure: LMSW or LCSW in the State of Georgia.
- Experience: 2+ years in pediatric or family social work preferred; healthcare or outpatient experience desirable.
- Language: Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.
Position Highlights And Benefits
- Day-1 Benefits (PTO accrual, retirement plan and match, health insurance and more!)
- Opportunity to get paid daily – through DailyPay
- Paid holidays and generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Discounts with major vendors; AT&T, Verizon, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Quicken Loans, AND MORE!
- Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance plans. Enjoy lower-cost medical services when you visit facilities within the Trinity Health network.
- Fast response interview times and job offers.
Ministry/Facility Information
Mercy Care Atlanta, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and comprised of 300 plus colleagues, is a healthcare organization that provides a range of health services to underserved and vulnerable populations in the Atlanta, Georgia area. We are dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality care to individuals across all demographics. Rooted in the Mercy Philosophy, we prioritize respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence in all aspects of care delivery.
Our Commitment
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Pediatric Social Worker
Target large hospital systems and children's hospitals
Large pediatric hospital networks, such as children's hospitals affiliated with academic medical centers, have dedicated HR infrastructure for work authorization. They hire social workers regularly and are far more likely to support OPT than smaller private clinics.
Check whether your degree qualifies for a STEM extension
Social work degrees are not STEM-designated, but degrees in public health, behavioral science, or psychology sometimes are. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Address licensure requirements early in your job search
Most pediatric social work roles require state licensure, such as LMSW or LCSW. Confirm your OPT authorization timeline aligns with your licensure exam schedule, since some employers won't hire unlicensed candidates even under supervised practice exceptions.
Emphasize your field placement experience in child welfare settings
Employers want to see direct pediatric experience. Supervised field placements in child welfare agencies, pediatric wards, or school counseling settings are strong signals that you can contribute immediately, which makes visa sponsorship feel lower-risk to hiring managers.
Ask about sponsorship during the offer stage, not the application stage
Raise your OPT status after receiving a verbal offer, not in your cover letter. At that point, the employer has already decided they want you, making them far more willing to engage with work authorization questions than at the screening stage.
Focus on nonprofit and government-funded child welfare agencies
Federally funded nonprofits and county child protective services agencies frequently hire social workers and often have experience with work authorization. Their funding structures and longer hiring cycles mean they are better equipped to plan around OPT timelines.
Pediatric Social Worker jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Pediatric Social Worker on OPT?
Yes, F-1 students who have completed a degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field can work as Pediatric Social Workers during their OPT period. Your employment must be directly related to your degree program. You have up to 12 months of standard OPT, and if your degree carries a STEM designation, you may qualify for a 24-month extension, though most social work degrees are not STEM-designated.
Do Pediatric Social Worker employers typically support OPT students?
Larger employers in this field, including children's hospitals, academic medical centers, school districts, and federally funded nonprofits, are generally more experienced with OPT work authorization than smaller private practices. Employers who regularly hire social workers often have HR teams familiar with the process. Browse OPT-friendly Pediatric Social Worker roles on Migrate Mate to find employers already open to sponsoring F-1 students.
Does my social work degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Master of Social Work (MSW) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs are not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, which means they typically do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. However, degrees in public health, applied behavior analysis, or certain psychology programs may qualify. Check your degree's CIP code with your Designated School Official to confirm your eligibility before making employment plans based on a STEM extension.
How does state licensure affect my OPT job search as a Pediatric Social Worker?
Most pediatric social work positions require a state license such as the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Licensing timelines vary by state and can take several months after graduation. If your OPT start date and licensure exam date overlap, some employers will hire you under a supervised practice arrangement while you complete licensing requirements, but you should confirm this before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT if my Pediatric Social Worker job ends before my authorization period expires?
If your job ends before your OPT period expires, you have up to 90 days of unemployment during your OPT period to find new qualifying employment. The new role must still be directly related to your degree. If you exceed 90 cumulative days of unemployment, you fall out of OPT status. Finding a new position quickly is critical, so keeping your job search active throughout your authorization period is strongly recommended.
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