OPT Public Health Jobs
Public health roles in epidemiology, health policy, biostatistics, and community health frequently qualify for OPT work authorization, including the 24-month STEM extension for quantitative-heavy positions. Most employers in government agencies, nonprofits, and research institutions are familiar with OPT and actively hire international candidates.
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Department - Health
Job Description
OPEN TO CURRENT PIMA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 6018 - Public Health Program Specialist II
Salary Grade: 7
Pay Range:
Hiring Range: $22.18 - $26.05 Per Hour
Pay Range: $22.18 - $29.92 Per Hour
Range Explanation:
- Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
- Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.
THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION ENDING SEPTEMBER 2030.
The Pima County Health Department is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to serve as Home Visitors (HV). In these roles, the HVs provide in-home education on various prenatal and early childhood development topics, which pertain to the Health Start program’s goals and objectives. In addition to being an educator, the HV is also a liaison to other resources and services within the community. These positions work under the direction of the Program Manager for the Health Start program.
Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in our community through client-centered in the Public Health Department.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
- Assists in coordinating program activities, timelines, and resources to ensure smooth program execution;
- Collaborates closely with program coordinators or managers to develop and maintain project plans, objectives, and milestones;
- Monitors program progress, identify potential issues, and recommend solutions;
- Leads community outreach efforts and engagement activities to gather input and assess community needs;
- Develops and implements data collection tools, surveys, and assessment instruments;
- Oversees data collection efforts and ensures data accuracy, quality, and completeness;
- Provides advanced administrative support to program managers and coordinators, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and preparing materials;
- Stays informed about public health best practices and trends through ongoing learning and training opportunities;
- Seeks opportunities for professional growth within the public health field;
- Shares knowledge and mentor less experienced team members.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in healthcare administration, public health, public or business administration or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND one year of experience providing administrative support in a public health or other health related setting.
(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
OR
Two years of experience with Pima County as a Public Health Program Specialist I or other similar level job classification working in a public health program or other closely-related role as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish).
- Minimum six (6) months experience working in Public Health.
- Minimum one (1) year experience working in Maternal-Child Health.
- Minimum six (6) months experience in home visitation.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently remains at stationary position. Frequently moves about inside an office setting. Occasionally travels to other facility locations and events. Action Activity - bending, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - In person, on the phone, and on a cell; Vision - may be required to operate motor vehicle, ability to distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.
Working Conditions: The Public Health Program Specialist II operates within a professional office setting, conducting desk-based tasks and attending meetings. This role can also operate within a clinic or mobile setting.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Description Summary
Department - Health
Job Description
OPEN TO CURRENT PIMA COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY
Job Type: Classified
Job Classification: 6018 - Public Health Program Specialist II
Salary Grade: 7
Pay Range:
Hiring Range: $22.18 - $26.05 Per Hour
Pay Range: $22.18 - $29.92 Per Hour
Range Explanation:
- Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
- Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position.
THIS IS A GRANT-FUNDED POSITION ENDING SEPTEMBER 2030.
The Pima County Health Department is seeking dedicated and compassionate individuals to serve as Home Visitors (HV). In these roles, the HVs provide in-home education on various prenatal and early childhood development topics, which pertain to the Health Start program’s goals and objectives. In addition to being an educator, the HV is also a liaison to other resources and services within the community. These positions work under the direction of the Program Manager for the Health Start program.
Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of families in our community through client-centered in the Public Health Department.
Essential Functions:
As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.
- Assists in coordinating program activities, timelines, and resources to ensure smooth program execution;
- Collaborates closely with program coordinators or managers to develop and maintain project plans, objectives, and milestones;
- Monitors program progress, identify potential issues, and recommend solutions;
- Leads community outreach efforts and engagement activities to gather input and assess community needs;
- Develops and implements data collection tools, surveys, and assessment instruments;
- Oversees data collection efforts and ensures data accuracy, quality, and completeness;
- Provides advanced administrative support to program managers and coordinators, including managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and preparing materials;
- Stays informed about public health best practices and trends through ongoing learning and training opportunities;
- Seeks opportunities for professional growth within the public health field;
- Shares knowledge and mentor less experienced team members.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in healthcare administration, public health, public or business administration or a related field as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment AND one year of experience providing administrative support in a public health or other health related setting.
(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)
OR
Two years of experience with Pima County as a Public Health Program Specialist I or other similar level job classification working in a public health program or other closely-related role as determined by the department head at the time of recruitment.
Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bilingual (English and Spanish).
- Minimum six (6) months experience working in Public Health.
- Minimum one (1) year experience working in Maternal-Child Health.
- Minimum six (6) months experience in home visitation.
Selection Procedure:
Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.
Supplemental Information:
Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.
Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County. This position will require post-job offer proof of immunization(s) or immunization(s) and/or a TB screening.
Physical/Sensory Requirements: Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment. Constantly observes details at close range. Frequently remains at stationary position. Frequently moves about inside an office setting. Occasionally travels to other facility locations and events. Action Activity - bending, reaching, squatting and stooping; Motion Activity - grasping; Hearing Activity - in noisy areas, on a radio, behind themselves, equipment alarms; Speaking Activity - In person, on the phone, and on a cell; Vision - may be required to operate motor vehicle, ability to distinguish colors, have depth perception and have peripheral vision.
Working Conditions: The Public Health Program Specialist II operates within a professional office setting, conducting desk-based tasks and attending meetings. This role can also operate within a clinic or mobile setting.
EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 701+ OPT Public Health Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Public Health Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Public Health
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Public health degrees from programs with CIP codes in biostatistics, epidemiology, or health informatics often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before targeting roles requiring longer authorization windows.
Target government and research employers first
Federal agencies like the CDC, NIH, and state health departments regularly hire OPT students and have dedicated HR processes for work authorization. These employers are significantly more OPT-familiar than small private practices or boutique consulting firms.
Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status
Hiring managers in public health respond to GIS mapping, R, Python, SAS, or epidemiological modeling skills. Frame your application around analytical capabilities first. Address OPT authorization matter-of-factly in the screening call, not in your cover letter.
Apply to nonprofits and NGOs with global health mandates
Organizations like think tanks, foundations, and international health NGOs routinely sponsor or support international candidates because their work itself is globally focused. They are structurally more comfortable with OPT than domestically oriented employers in the same field.
Time your applications around your OPT start date
Public health hiring cycles at agencies and research institutions can run eight to twelve weeks. Submit applications two to three months before your OPT start date so authorization is active before your expected first day of employment.
Highlight any fieldwork, practicum, or capstone with real-world impact
Public health employers weight applied experience heavily. Practicum placements, community intervention projects, or thesis research involving real populations are direct substitutes for years of work experience and strengthen your case significantly in competitive candidate pools.
Public Health OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do public health jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your specific degree program's CIP code, not the job title itself. Degrees in biostatistics, epidemiology, and health informatics commonly qualify. General public health or MPH degrees may or may not qualify depending on the university's designation. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility, and confirm the role involves work directly related to your qualifying degree field.
Which types of public health employers are most open to hiring OPT students?
Federal and state agencies, academic medical centers, and internationally focused nonprofits are consistently the most OPT-comfortable public health employers. The CDC, NIH, and state health departments have established HR processes for work authorization. Smaller local health departments or private consulting firms may be less familiar with OPT and require more upfront education during the hiring process. Migrate Mate filters public health jobs by sponsorship willingness so you can focus your search efficiently.
Can I work in public health on OPT if my undergraduate degree is in a related science field?
Yes, as long as your employment is directly related to your degree field. A biology or chemistry undergraduate on post-completion OPT can work in public health roles that draw on those disciplines, such as laboratory-based epidemiology or environmental health. The connection between your degree and the job responsibilities must be demonstrable. Your DSO can help you assess whether a specific role qualifies before you accept an offer.
How do I handle the OPT employer reporting requirement for public health positions?
Within 10 days of starting a public health role, you must report your employer's name, address, and your job title to your DSO, who updates your SEVIS record. The same applies if you change employers, lose a job, or experience a gap in employment longer than 90 days. Public health contract and fellowship positions count as valid OPT employment as long as the work is related to your degree field.
Are public health fellowships and government internships valid OPT employment?
Yes. Government fellowships, paid research positions, and agency-based practicums all count as valid OPT employment provided the work relates to your degree and you are compensated. Unpaid positions can count toward OPT but only for up to 20 hours per week, and you cannot exceed 90 cumulative days of unemployment during your OPT period. Always confirm compensation structure before accepting a fellowship to avoid inadvertent unemployment accumulation.