OPT Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs
Psychiatric Social Worker jobs on OPT require active LCSW licensure or supervised hours toward it, making early license planning critical. Most roles fall under STEM-adjacent healthcare categories, and many hospitals and community mental health centers have sponsored H-1B visas for clinical social workers, giving OPT students a realistic path to long-term status.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.
LOCATION
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
JOB DESCRIPTION
General Summary:
This position provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to children and their families, assisting patients and families with understanding and adhering to treatment plans, linking patients and families to community agencies and services and protective services for patients and families at risk.
Essential Job Functions:
- Independently performs comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of children identifying special developmental needs.
- Provides individual, family and group therapy to children and families per program. Collaborates and provides clinical consultation as needed with team members across the continuum, including intra- and inter-departmentally within the Hospital setting.
- Provides individual, family and group therapy to children and families.
- Links patients and families to community agencies and services and protective services for patients and families at risk.
- Completes all case management duties of assigned cases including discharge planning, completion of the diagnostic evaluation and referrals to appropriate support services as needed.
- Provides clinical supervision to designated personnel (trainees, staff, and interns) as assigned per program.
- Participates in rounds, treatment meetings, patient care conferences, staffing, multidisciplinary case conferences, etc. Maintains clinical documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
- Addresses the psychosocial/spiritual/developmental/cultural needs of the child and family throughout the continuum of care. Particularly collaborates closely with assigned team in addressing the social and emotional concerns of families served.
- Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.
- Other job functions as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Master’s degree in social work from university approved by the council for social work education is required.
- License Requirements: LCSW required. Consideration will be provided to qualified LSW candidates who are within 3-6 months of obtaining LCSW Illinois licensure.
- Minimum of two (2) years of work experience or internship completion in a health care, child welfare or mental health setting is required. Experience working with children and families.
- Ability to think proactively, acts creatively, and takes initiative appropriately. Excellent communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a part of multiple teams.
- Special physical requirements – sits and stands throughout the day. Physical management of patients in crisis situation may be necessary.
- Basic Life Support Certification required.
Education
PAY RANGE
$34.00-$55.59 Hourly
At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offers a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.
BENEFIT STATEMENT
For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Employer paid group term life and disability
- Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
- 403(b) with a 5% employer match
Various voluntary benefits:
- Supplemental Life, AD and Disability
- Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
- Tuition assistance
- Student loan servicing and support
- Adoption benefits
- Backup Childcare and Eldercare
- Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
- Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
- Discount purchasing program
There’s a Place for You with Us
At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively “Lurie Children’s”), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.
Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org
AI NOTICE
Lurie Children’s utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.
It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.
For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org
INTRODUCTION
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.
LOCATION
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
JOB DESCRIPTION
General Summary:
This position provides diagnostic and therapeutic services to children and their families, assisting patients and families with understanding and adhering to treatment plans, linking patients and families to community agencies and services and protective services for patients and families at risk.
Essential Job Functions:
- Independently performs comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of children identifying special developmental needs.
- Provides individual, family and group therapy to children and families per program. Collaborates and provides clinical consultation as needed with team members across the continuum, including intra- and inter-departmentally within the Hospital setting.
- Provides individual, family and group therapy to children and families.
- Links patients and families to community agencies and services and protective services for patients and families at risk.
- Completes all case management duties of assigned cases including discharge planning, completion of the diagnostic evaluation and referrals to appropriate support services as needed.
- Provides clinical supervision to designated personnel (trainees, staff, and interns) as assigned per program.
- Participates in rounds, treatment meetings, patient care conferences, staffing, multidisciplinary case conferences, etc. Maintains clinical documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
- Addresses the psychosocial/spiritual/developmental/cultural needs of the child and family throughout the continuum of care. Particularly collaborates closely with assigned team in addressing the social and emotional concerns of families served.
- Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers and others.
- Other job functions as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Master’s degree in social work from university approved by the council for social work education is required.
- License Requirements: LCSW required. Consideration will be provided to qualified LSW candidates who are within 3-6 months of obtaining LCSW Illinois licensure.
- Minimum of two (2) years of work experience or internship completion in a health care, child welfare or mental health setting is required. Experience working with children and families.
- Ability to think proactively, acts creatively, and takes initiative appropriately. Excellent communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a part of multiple teams.
- Special physical requirements – sits and stands throughout the day. Physical management of patients in crisis situation may be necessary.
- Basic Life Support Certification required.
Education
PAY RANGE
$34.00-$55.59 Hourly
At Lurie Children’s, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children’s offers a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.
BENEFIT STATEMENT
For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental and vision insurance
- Employer paid group term life and disability
- Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
- 403(b) with a 5% employer match
Various voluntary benefits:
- Supplemental Life, AD and Disability
- Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
- Tuition assistance
- Student loan servicing and support
- Adoption benefits
- Backup Childcare and Eldercare
- Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
- Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
- Discount purchasing program
There’s a Place for You with Us
At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively “Lurie Children’s”), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints — recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.
Lurie Children’s and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org
AI NOTICE
Lurie Children’s utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.
It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.
For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org
See all OPT Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Psychiatric Social Worker
Target employers with H-1B sponsorship history
Hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and VA facilities have the strongest track record of sponsoring clinical social workers. Search OPT-friendly Psychiatric Social Worker roles on Migrate Mate to filter for employers already familiar with the sponsorship process.
Get your supervised hours documented from day one
Most states require 2,000 to 3,000 post-master's supervised hours for LCSW licensure. Start tracking hours immediately on OPT. Delays in documentation can stall both licensure and H-1B petitions that depend on your licensed status.
Prioritize nonprofit and government mental health employers
Nonprofit community mental health centers and government agencies are often more willing to sponsor visas than private practices. They also qualify for H-1B cap exemptions, meaning they can file year-round without waiting for the annual lottery window.
Confirm state licensure requirements before accepting a role
Psychiatric Social Worker licensing requirements vary significantly by state. Some states allow supervised practice under an LMSW before full licensure. Verify your target state's rules early so your OPT employment authorization aligns with what the role legally requires.
Raise sponsorship directly during the offer stage
Many mental health employers are unfamiliar with OPT timelines but open to sponsoring once informed. Bring up H-1B sponsorship during offer negotiations, not after. Framing it as a retention tool rather than a burden increases the likelihood of a positive response.
Use your OPT period to build specialized clinical credentials
Certifications in trauma-informed care, dialectical behavior therapy, or crisis intervention make you a stronger H-1B sponsorship candidate. Employers are more motivated to navigate immigration paperwork for candidates with specialized skills that are difficult to replace quickly.
Psychiatric Social Worker OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Psychiatric Social Worker on OPT without full LCSW licensure?
Yes, in most states. Many entry-level Psychiatric Social Worker roles accept candidates with an MSW degree working toward licensure under supervision. Your OPT employment authorization covers supervised clinical positions, but the job title and supervision structure must comply with your state's social work licensing board requirements. Confirm this before accepting any offer.
Do Psychiatric Social Worker jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Social work degrees are generally not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, so most Psychiatric Social Worker roles do not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You'll typically have a 12-month OPT period to work and secure H-1B sponsorship. Planning your job search and sponsorship conversations early in your OPT window is essential.
Where can I find Psychiatric Social Worker jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to work with OPT work authorization. Browsing Psychiatric Social Worker listings on Migrate Mate lets you focus on roles at organizations with sponsorship history rather than applying broadly and finding out late in the process that a company won't sponsor.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor H-1B visas for Psychiatric Social Workers?
Hospital systems, federally qualified health centers, VA medical centers, and large nonprofit behavioral health organizations have the strongest sponsorship track records for clinical social workers. Cap-exempt employers like nonprofit hospitals and universities can file H-1B petitions year-round, which removes the lottery risk and makes them especially valuable targets during your OPT period.
What happens to my OPT status if my supervised hours are delayed or my licensure is postponed?
Your OPT authorization is tied to your employment being directly related to your degree, not to holding a specific license. A delay in licensure does not automatically invalidate your OPT, but you must remain in a role that is consistent with your MSW degree. If your employer requires licensure as a condition of continued employment, a delay could affect your job status, which would then affect your OPT.