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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PUBLIC SERVICES MANAGER III – WEST PARK
HOURS: Minimum of five 7.5-hour days per week based on operational need. Management may include extended hours for anchor or hub locations and off-hour meeting room use.
PAY GRADE: 7 ($77,825.00)
LOCATION: West Park Campus
EXTERNAL POSTING OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Cleveland Public Library strives to be the driving force behind a powerful culture of learning that will inspire Clevelanders from all walks of life to continually learn, share, and seek out new knowledge.
The successful applicant will be a self-directed professional with a strong work ethic, a collaborative work style, and the skill set to thrive in a welcoming service environment for patrons and staff.
JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an anchor or hub library branch including, but not limited to, supervising staff; performing community outreach and engagement efforts to increase the use of Library services and programs; and collaborating with other departments and staff. Must strive to meet the Library’s mission, exemplify its core values, and exercise appropriate discretion and judgement.
Job Requirements:
Education: Master’s Degree required. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Four years’ supervisory experience required, preferably in a union environment.
- Five years’ library public service experience required, preferably in a metropolitan setting.
Technical Expertise:
- Knowledge of library theory, standards and best practices. General principles and objectives of information technology systems and programs.
- Accomplish goals and tasks through others by delegation, follow-up and oversight.
- Ability to work as part of a team and work effectively with persons and communities from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Experience working with all levels within an organization is required.
- Experience modifying and adapting existing programs, services, policies and processes to meet changing needs and expectations is required.
- Working with community leaders, public officials, and other community stakeholders is preferred.
- Experience managing budgets, resources and people is required.
- Experience in public library, public-sector, and a union environment is preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office or similar software is required. Relevant business management systems such as general ledger, HRIS, CRM, etc., is preferred.
Certifications: N/A
Driver License: Required
Other License: N/A
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluation of this position is based primarily on performance of the following essential functions, which include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinate, schedule, supervise and assign work assignments to staff. Provide direct supervision of staff including orientation, training, discipline, and performance evaluations. Comply with collective bargaining agreement(s). Ensure staff provide exceptional customer service to Library patrons and visitors.
- Plan and implement programming reflective of the community and its needs. This can include, but is not limited to: regular Saturday programming, themed or large scale exhibits, dedicated adult/senior programming, specialized programming such as digital literacy, flexible maker space, gaming, etc.
- May provide and support Passport services.
- Develop collaborative relationships with schools, community groups and leaders, political and leadership representatives, etc. Initiate community outreach, engagement and education efforts to increase the use of Library services and programs.
- Plan and manage the day-to-day operations of a Library branch in conjunction with Public Services leadership, partner departments, etc. This includes, but is not limited to, staffing, ensuring basic safety and security measures are followed, maintaining a safe work environment, requesting routine and emergency maintenance requests, etc.
- Manage and maintain large popular and special collections in consultation with Collections staff. May provide collections supportive of local authors. Possible oversight of non-traditional circulation items such as tools, technology, kitchen goods, etc.
- Oversee regional duties including, but not limited to, book boxes, managing Assistant Manager, assisting in the selection and management of substitutes, providing disability services for the region, etc.
- May have additional responsibilities related to recruitment, hiring or training of various staff.
- Demonstrate fiscal accountability for branch resources and the ability to achieve outcomes within allocated resources. Demonstrate an understanding of financial data and reports.
- Identify and implement policies, procedures and opportunities regarding program/service needs that affect both internal staff and Library services.
- Assure effective and respectful relations with all Library personnel, patrons, and community representatives.
- Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of branch services and programs.
- Apply broad knowledge, in-depth business and process knowledge and understanding of internal and external environment to formulate branch and/or organizational goals that support the Library's vision, strategy, and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
To apply, please submit a current or updated resume.
EXTERNAL POSTING OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Description
PUBLIC SERVICES MANAGER III – WEST PARK
HOURS: Minimum of five 7.5-hour days per week based on operational need. Management may include extended hours for anchor or hub locations and off-hour meeting room use.
PAY GRADE: 7 ($77,825.00)
LOCATION: West Park Campus
EXTERNAL POSTING OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Cleveland Public Library strives to be the driving force behind a powerful culture of learning that will inspire Clevelanders from all walks of life to continually learn, share, and seek out new knowledge.
The successful applicant will be a self-directed professional with a strong work ethic, a collaborative work style, and the skill set to thrive in a welcoming service environment for patrons and staff.
JOB SUMMARY: This position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of an anchor or hub library branch including, but not limited to, supervising staff; performing community outreach and engagement efforts to increase the use of Library services and programs; and collaborating with other departments and staff. Must strive to meet the Library’s mission, exemplify its core values, and exercise appropriate discretion and judgement.
Job Requirements:
Education: Master’s Degree required. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university strongly preferred.
Experience:
- Four years’ supervisory experience required, preferably in a union environment.
- Five years’ library public service experience required, preferably in a metropolitan setting.
Technical Expertise:
- Knowledge of library theory, standards and best practices. General principles and objectives of information technology systems and programs.
- Accomplish goals and tasks through others by delegation, follow-up and oversight.
- Ability to work as part of a team and work effectively with persons and communities from diverse cultural, social, and ethnic backgrounds.
- Experience working with all levels within an organization is required.
- Experience modifying and adapting existing programs, services, policies and processes to meet changing needs and expectations is required.
- Working with community leaders, public officials, and other community stakeholders is preferred.
- Experience managing budgets, resources and people is required.
- Experience in public library, public-sector, and a union environment is preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office or similar software is required. Relevant business management systems such as general ledger, HRIS, CRM, etc., is preferred.
Certifications: N/A
Driver License: Required
Other License: N/A
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Evaluation of this position is based primarily on performance of the following essential functions, which include, but are not limited to:
- Coordinate, schedule, supervise and assign work assignments to staff. Provide direct supervision of staff including orientation, training, discipline, and performance evaluations. Comply with collective bargaining agreement(s). Ensure staff provide exceptional customer service to Library patrons and visitors.
- Plan and implement programming reflective of the community and its needs. This can include, but is not limited to: regular Saturday programming, themed or large scale exhibits, dedicated adult/senior programming, specialized programming such as digital literacy, flexible maker space, gaming, etc.
- May provide and support Passport services.
- Develop collaborative relationships with schools, community groups and leaders, political and leadership representatives, etc. Initiate community outreach, engagement and education efforts to increase the use of Library services and programs.
- Plan and manage the day-to-day operations of a Library branch in conjunction with Public Services leadership, partner departments, etc. This includes, but is not limited to, staffing, ensuring basic safety and security measures are followed, maintaining a safe work environment, requesting routine and emergency maintenance requests, etc.
- Manage and maintain large popular and special collections in consultation with Collections staff. May provide collections supportive of local authors. Possible oversight of non-traditional circulation items such as tools, technology, kitchen goods, etc.
- Oversee regional duties including, but not limited to, book boxes, managing Assistant Manager, assisting in the selection and management of substitutes, providing disability services for the region, etc.
- May have additional responsibilities related to recruitment, hiring or training of various staff.
- Demonstrate fiscal accountability for branch resources and the ability to achieve outcomes within allocated resources. Demonstrate an understanding of financial data and reports.
- Identify and implement policies, procedures and opportunities regarding program/service needs that affect both internal staff and Library services.
- Assure effective and respectful relations with all Library personnel, patrons, and community representatives.
- Assist in the development, implementation and evaluation of branch services and programs.
- Apply broad knowledge, in-depth business and process knowledge and understanding of internal and external environment to formulate branch and/or organizational goals that support the Library's vision, strategy, and goals.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
To apply, please submit a current or updated resume.
EXTERNAL POSTING OPEN UNTIL FILLED
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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.