OPT School Counselor Jobs
School Counselor OPT jobs are a strong fit for F-1 students with degrees in counseling, psychology, or social work. Most positions require state licensure, which affects your timeline, so understanding how your 12-month OPT window interacts with credentialing requirements is critical before you apply.
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Get Access To All JobsSchool Counselor
Job Number: P177612
Posting Date: Nov 6, 2026, 10:45:34 AM
Primary Location: North/Northwest Side - 2121 North Keeler Avenue (William P Nixon School)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39
JOB DESCRIPTION -
Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement
Reports to: Principal
Evaluated by: Principal
PRIMARY FUNCTION
As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive, developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. School counselors provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) REACH Framework for School Counselors:
The Framework is aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs and outlines a comprehensive counseling program that delivers services equitably to all students in the building.
Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews to Determine and Prioritize Student Needs:
The school counselor will conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need. The school counselor will then create targeted program goals aligned to the schoolwide goals, mission, and vision. This ensures that school counseling services address critical areas of demonstrated need, resulting in improved academic achievement.
Implement the School Counseling Core Curriculum:
In order to reach all students, the school counselor will design, conduct, and co-teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and/or school wide settings, based on the academic, career, postsecondary and social/emotional needs of the students so as to facilitate the infusion of school counseling as an integral component of the total education curricula. Activities to support this objective may include: classroom guidance; high school/college/career fairs; high school/college/career tours; grade-level or school-wide team building activities.
Provide Individual Student Planning Activities:
In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the school counselor will create an academic plan that ultimately results in the successful obtainment of a diploma and postsecondary option(s) of choice. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance; transition activities (i.e orientations, HS app process); events to inform families of test results and their implications for educational planning; advisement to ensure students are on-track to the next grade level or phase in life.
Provide Responsive Services:
In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the school counselor will provide responsive services to address students’ barriers to academic achievement. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of small groups; structured, short-term, goal-oriented individual counseling sessions; participation in building-level student assistance teams; facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families; consultation with teachers, families, and external partners regarding the developmental needs of students; schoolwide support during crisis or emergency situations; participation in IEP/504 Plan teams. Please note that school counselors do NOT provide therapeutic treatment of a mental, emotional, or bodily disorder.
Provide Indirect Student Support:
Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselor’s interactions with others. Activities to support this objective may include: referral of students/families to district and community resources; sharing strategies that support student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators, and community organizations; serving as a student advocate to promote student development within the three domains; serving as the school’s resident expert on student development; reaching out to other experts and stakeholders to obtain information on students’ needs; teaming/partnering/serving on committees and advisory boards; creating formalized partnerships with community based organizations.
Provide System Support:
As professionals, leaders, and advocates in the school building, the school counselor will coordinate, conduct and participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved school counseling program. Activities to support this objective may include: creation of an annual school counseling Evidence-Based Implementation Plan and Annual Agreement to support overall school goals and objectives; creation and delivery of needs assessments to determine the primary needs of students according to a variety of audiences; collection and aggregation of multiple data sources in order to determine need, as well as to progress monitor counseling interventions; protection of planning time for the creation and modification of counseling interventions; coordination of professional development/inservice programs for faculty and staff.
Participate in Regular Professional Development:
So as to stay current with evidenced-based practices in the field, the school counselor will actively participate in district, state, and national professional development; participate in professional associations; read professional journals; attend workshops and conferences; engage in continuing education coursework.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
School Counselor
Job Number: P177612
Posting Date: Nov 6, 2026, 10:45:34 AM
Primary Location: North/Northwest Side - 2121 North Keeler Avenue (William P Nixon School)
Salary Range: $64,469.94 to $82,839.39
JOB DESCRIPTION -
Requirements: Master's degree in school counseling AND current ISBE Professional Educator License (PEL) with a School Counseling Endorsement
Reports to: Principal
Evaluated by: Principal
PRIMARY FUNCTION
As vital members of the school’s educational leadership team, professional school counselors provide comprehensive, developmental supports within the academic, personal/social, and career domains to ensure that today's students become the productive, well-adjusted adults of tomorrow. School counselors are uniquely trained professional educators with a mental health perspective who understand and respond to the challenges presented by today’s diverse student population. School counselors provide proactive leadership to engage all stakeholders in the delivery of programs and services to help all students achieve success in school.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Create, Implement, and Evaluate a Comprehensive School Counseling Program aligned with the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) REACH Framework for School Counselors:
The Framework is aligned to the American School Counselor Association National Model for School Counseling Programs and outlines a comprehensive counseling program that delivers services equitably to all students in the building.
Conduct Annual Needs Assessments and Data Reviews to Determine and Prioritize Student Needs:
The school counselor will conduct an annual needs assessment and data review to identify critical areas of student need. The school counselor will then create targeted program goals aligned to the schoolwide goals, mission, and vision. This ensures that school counseling services address critical areas of demonstrated need, resulting in improved academic achievement.
Implement the School Counseling Core Curriculum:
In order to reach all students, the school counselor will design, conduct, and co-teach learning activities in classroom, large group, and/or school wide settings, based on the academic, career, postsecondary and social/emotional needs of the students so as to facilitate the infusion of school counseling as an integral component of the total education curricula. Activities to support this objective may include: classroom guidance; high school/college/career fairs; high school/college/career tours; grade-level or school-wide team building activities.
Provide Individual Student Planning Activities:
In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the school counselor will create an academic plan that ultimately results in the successful obtainment of a diploma and postsecondary option(s) of choice. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of completion of the Individual Learning Plan in Naviance; transition activities (i.e orientations, HS app process); events to inform families of test results and their implications for educational planning; advisement to ensure students are on-track to the next grade level or phase in life.
Provide Responsive Services:
In collaboration with students, staff, and families, the school counselor will provide responsive services to address students’ barriers to academic achievement. Activities to support this objective may include: facilitation of small groups; structured, short-term, goal-oriented individual counseling sessions; participation in building-level student assistance teams; facilitation of conferences with students, teachers, and families; consultation with teachers, families, and external partners regarding the developmental needs of students; schoolwide support during crisis or emergency situations; participation in IEP/504 Plan teams. Please note that school counselors do NOT provide therapeutic treatment of a mental, emotional, or bodily disorder.
Provide Indirect Student Support:
Indirect services are provided on behalf of students as a result of the school counselor’s interactions with others. Activities to support this objective may include: referral of students/families to district and community resources; sharing strategies that support student achievement with parents, teachers, other educators, and community organizations; serving as a student advocate to promote student development within the three domains; serving as the school’s resident expert on student development; reaching out to other experts and stakeholders to obtain information on students’ needs; teaming/partnering/serving on committees and advisory boards; creating formalized partnerships with community based organizations.
Provide System Support:
As professionals, leaders, and advocates in the school building, the school counselor will coordinate, conduct and participate in activities that contribute to the effective operation of the school consistent with the approved school counseling program. Activities to support this objective may include: creation of an annual school counseling Evidence-Based Implementation Plan and Annual Agreement to support overall school goals and objectives; creation and delivery of needs assessments to determine the primary needs of students according to a variety of audiences; collection and aggregation of multiple data sources in order to determine need, as well as to progress monitor counseling interventions; protection of planning time for the creation and modification of counseling interventions; coordination of professional development/inservice programs for faculty and staff.
Participate in Regular Professional Development:
So as to stay current with evidenced-based practices in the field, the school counselor will actively participate in district, state, and national professional development; participate in professional associations; read professional journals; attend workshops and conferences; engage in continuing education coursework.
Benefits:
Health & Wellness: Your Care, Your Choice
CPS is committed to providing comprehensive health coverage to our employees and their eligible dependents. You'll have access to a variety of choices to best fit your needs:
- Medical Plan Options
- Pharmacy
- Dental
- Vision
- Behavioral Health & EAP
- Employee Wellness Program
Financial Security: Planning for Today and Tomorrow
We understand the importance of financial stability, which is why CPS offers strong retirement and savings options:
- Basic Life Insurance
- Life and Disability Insurance
- Pension Plans
- Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b))
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Spot Pet Insurance
Work-Life Balance: Supporting Your Personal and Professional Life
CPS values the well-being of its employees and offers competitive paid time off policies:
- Paid Leave
- Sick Leave
- Vacation Days
- Parental Leaves
- Short-Term Disability
- Religious Holidays
- Leaves
Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.
See all 112+ OPT School Counselor Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT School Counselor Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a School Counselor
Target public school districts over private schools
Public school districts are government entities, making them cap-exempt H-1B visa sponsors. If you need long-term sponsorship after OPT, public employers are significantly more accessible than private schools with limited HR infrastructure.
Start your state licensure process immediately
Most states require a counseling license before you can work in schools. Applications take two to six months. Begin the process as soon as your OPT is approved so licensure gaps don't eat into your authorized work period.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early
School Counselor roles typically fall under non-STEM CIP codes, meaning standard 12-month OPT applies. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying to avoid incorrect assumptions about your authorized work duration.
Frame your international background as an asset
Districts serving English Language Learner populations actively value bilingual, multicultural counselors. Highlight language skills and cross-cultural competency in your application materials to stand out and ease employer sponsorship hesitation.
Negotiate your start date around your OPT approval timeline
School districts hire on academic-year cycles. If your OPT approval is pending, communicate your expected authorization date clearly. Most districts plan months ahead and can accommodate a delayed August or September start date.
Ask about long-term sponsorship intent before accepting offers
Some districts sponsor H-1B or permanent residence for hard-to-fill counselor roles. Ask HR directly during late interview stages whether they have prior sponsorship experience, so you avoid investing in roles with no long-term pathway.
School Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a School Counselor on OPT without a state license?
It depends on the state and the specific role. Most states legally require a school counseling credential or license to hold the title. Some districts offer provisional or intern positions that allow unlicensed counselors to work under supervision while completing licensure, which can be a practical bridge during your OPT period.
Do School Counselor jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Generally no. School Counseling programs are typically classified under CIP code 13.1101, which is not on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. This means most School Counselor OPT positions fall under the standard 12-month authorization. Confirm your specific degree CIP code with your Designated School Official before making any employment plans based on a 24-month STEM extension.
Where can I find School Counselor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by visa sponsorship compatibility. Searching there lets you identify districts and employers already open to work-authorized candidates, saving you from applying to roles where OPT status will disqualify you before the interview stage.
Are public school districts more likely to sponsor OPT and H-1B for School Counselors?
Yes, public school districts are among the more accessible employers for international candidates. As government entities, they are cap-exempt for H-1B purposes, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without waiting for the annual lottery. Districts in areas with counselor shortages are especially motivated to sponsor qualified candidates who are already working on OPT.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm hired for a school year contract that ends in June?
A contract ending in June does not automatically terminate your OPT. You enter unemployment status, and USCIS allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during your OPT period. If you secure a new position before exceeding that limit, your OPT remains valid. Plan your job search to begin well before the contract end date to stay within the 90-day threshold.