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.
Find OPT Public Health JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 428+ Public Health jobs
See all 428+ Public Health Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Public Health roles.
Get Access To All JobsDescription
DSHS HCLA – Public Benefits Specialist
Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) statewide. In this role, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports.
HCLA promotes, plans, and provides long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. You’ll be a team member of Statewide Eligibility and Service Delivery (SESD) that advances a unified statewide approach that strengthens financial-eligibility work and delivers a consistent experience for clients and staff.
Some of what you will do:
- Review information, documents, and client circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports.
- Conduct confidential interviews with clients, families, representatives, attorneys, and medical providers — in person and by phone.
- Explain program requirements in plain language and help clients understand their options, rights, and next steps.
- Apply state rules, policies, and procedures to make fair, timely, and accurate decisions.
- Review financial and legal documents (such as hospice plans, court orders, trusts, or property records) to understand how they affect eligibility.
- Use multiple computer systems to review information, document decisions, and keep case records accurate and up to date.
- Identify when clients need accommodations or language access and arrange interpreters, accessible formats, or other supports.
- Recognize and correct errors, respond to audits, and ensure decisions meet program standards.
- Coordinate with social workers, case managers, medical providers, and community partners to support client needs.
- Manage a caseload by prioritizing tasks, meeting required timelines, and following through on commitments.
Applicants qualify through one of the following:
- Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least one year in areas such as eligibility work, customer service supporting historically marginalized communities, loan processing, medical or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or reviewing and verifying financial or program information.
- Experience in hospital, skilled nursing, or long-term care settings where you helped residents, families, or care teams understand services, coverage, or eligibility processes.
- Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs (financial, medical, or food benefits), which may count toward the experience requirement.
- Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher, and at least twelve months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
We’re looking for people who bring skills like:
- Using critical thinking & mathematic calculations to review information and make fair, accurate decisions.
- Communicating clearly and compassionately, especially when explaining complex information.
- Asking clear follow-up questions to get the information needed for fair and accurate eligibility decisions.
- Listening actively, showing empathy, and staying calm during stressful situations.
- Managing a workload by organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following through.
- Learning new computer systems and keeping information accurate and organized.
- Adapting to changing client needs, policies, and systems while maintaining service quality.
- Working well with clients, families, social workers, and community partners.
Preferred knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Experience working with long-term services and supports programs or state & federal medical assistance programs.
- Comfortable working with detailed rules and procedures, interpreting complex situations, and adjusting as policies change.
- Comfort using multiple computer systems and Microsoft Office.
- Skill in working with people in difficult or emotional situations.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Ability to explain complex information in a clear, respectful, and supportive way.
Additional Information:
- Employees in Pierce and Snohomish Counties are eligible for an ORCA Card for transportation needs.
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for an ORCA Card for transportation needs.
Interested? Along with your application, please include:
- Three professional references with contact information.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition mainline (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 07551.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS HCLA – Public Benefits Specialist
Home & Community Living Administration (HCLA) is seeking a Public Benefits Specialist 4 (PBS4) statewide. In this role, you will provide comprehensive consultation about complex eligibility qualifications and skilled financial guidance to high-risk clients who are financially and medically dependent upon a full range of services and supports.
HCLA promotes, plans, and provides long-term services and supports that help people with disabilities, older adults, and caregivers maintain independence, dignity, and quality of life. You’ll be a team member of Statewide Eligibility and Service Delivery (SESD) that advances a unified statewide approach that strengthens financial-eligibility work and delivers a consistent experience for clients and staff.
Some of what you will do:
- Review information, documents, and client circumstances to determine eligibility for long-term services and supports.
- Conduct confidential interviews with clients, families, representatives, attorneys, and medical providers — in person and by phone.
- Explain program requirements in plain language and help clients understand their options, rights, and next steps.
- Apply state rules, policies, and procedures to make fair, timely, and accurate decisions.
- Review financial and legal documents (such as hospice plans, court orders, trusts, or property records) to understand how they affect eligibility.
- Use multiple computer systems to review information, document decisions, and keep case records accurate and up to date.
- Identify when clients need accommodations or language access and arrange interpreters, accessible formats, or other supports.
- Recognize and correct errors, respond to audits, and ensure decisions meet program standards.
- Coordinate with social workers, case managers, medical providers, and community partners to support client needs.
- Manage a caseload by prioritizing tasks, meeting required timelines, and following through on commitments.
Applicants qualify through one of the following:
- Five years of combined higher education and/or equivalent experience, including at least one year in areas such as eligibility work, customer service supporting historically marginalized communities, loan processing, medical or rehabilitation claims, unemployment insurance claims, or reviewing and verifying financial or program information.
- Experience in hospital, skilled nursing, or long-term care settings where you helped residents, families, or care teams understand services, coverage, or eligibility processes.
- Out-of-state experience conducting financial eligibility determination for public assistance programs (financial, medical, or food benefits), which may count toward the experience requirement.
- Twelve months of experience as a Public Benefits Specialist 3.
- A bachelor’s degree or higher, and at least twelve months as a Public Benefits Specialist 2 determining eligibility for public assistance or long-term care services.
We’re looking for people who bring skills like:
- Using critical thinking & mathematic calculations to review information and make fair, accurate decisions.
- Communicating clearly and compassionately, especially when explaining complex information.
- Asking clear follow-up questions to get the information needed for fair and accurate eligibility decisions.
- Listening actively, showing empathy, and staying calm during stressful situations.
- Managing a workload by organizing tasks, meeting deadlines, and following through.
- Learning new computer systems and keeping information accurate and organized.
- Adapting to changing client needs, policies, and systems while maintaining service quality.
- Working well with clients, families, social workers, and community partners.
Preferred knowledge, skills, & abilities:
- Experience working with long-term services and supports programs or state & federal medical assistance programs.
- Comfortable working with detailed rules and procedures, interpreting complex situations, and adjusting as policies change.
- Comfort using multiple computer systems and Microsoft Office.
- Skill in working with people in difficult or emotional situations.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment.
- Ability to explain complex information in a clear, respectful, and supportive way.
Additional Information:
- Employees in Pierce and Snohomish Counties are eligible for an ORCA Card for transportation needs.
- King County employees receive 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary and are eligible for an ORCA Card for transportation needs.
Interested? Along with your application, please include:
- Three professional references with contact information.
The Department of Social and Health Services’ (DSHS) vision that people find human services to shape their own lives requires that we come together with a sense of belonging, common purpose, shared values, and meaningful work. It is crucial to our agency’s vision that you bring a fairness, access, and social justice commitment to your work with DSHS. We strive to support all Washingtonians, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, people with physical, behavioral health, and intellectual disabilities, elders, LGBTQIA+ individuals, immigrants and refugees, and families building financial security.
Questions? Please reach out to DSHS sharon.sterling@dshs.wa.gov or call Talent Acquisition mainline (360) 725-5810 and reference job number 07551.
Supplemental Information
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history may be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the job. This announcement may be used to fill multiple vacancies. Employees driving on state business must have a valid driver's license. Employees driving a privately owned vehicle on state business must have liability insurance on the privately owned vehicle.
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in any area of employment, its programs or services on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, marital status, race, creed, color, national origin, religion or beliefs, political affiliation, military status, honorably discharged veteran, Vietnam Era, recently separated or other protected veteran status, the presence of any sensory, mental, physical disability or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, equal pay or genetic information. Persons requiring accommodation in the application process or this job announcement in an alternative format may contact the Recruiter at (360) 725-5810. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.
Relationship and Reporting Structure (Nepotism) Disclosure: If you are selected for hire, you must disclose whether you have a relative, household member, close friend, or romantic partner within your potential supervisory chain of command. DSHS has a Relationships and the Reporting Structure policy that prohibits nepotism and can be reviewed here. Applicants whose appointment would result in a prohibited reporting relationship are not eligible for appointment to that position.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
See all 428+ 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.