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 JobsJOB DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
REPORTS TO: Principal
PURPOSE: To help all students develop skills in the areas of personal-social growth, educational planning, and career and vocational development.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be licensed by the State of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in counseling or able to obtain licensure in this area.
School counselors shall implement a comprehensive developmental school counseling program in their schools. Counselors shall spend at least eighty percent (80%) of their work time providing direct services to students. Direct services do not include the coordination of standardized testing.
Direct services shall consist of:
(1) Delivering the school guidance curriculum through large group guidance, interdisciplinary curriculum development, group activities, and parent workshops.
(2) Guiding individual student planning through individual or small group assistance and individual or small group advisement.
(3) Providing responsive services through consultation with students, families, and staff; individual and small group counseling; crisis counseling; referrals; and peer facilitation.
(4) Performing other student services listed in the Department of Public Instruction school counselor job description that has been approved by the State Board of Education. School counseling program support activities do not include the coordination of standardized testing. During the remainder of their work time, school counselors may assist other staff with the coordination of standardized testing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Program Planning
The school counselor establishes the school-counseling program and develops activities and resources to implement and evaluate the program.
The school counselor involves other school staff in making decisions about the school counseling program.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Counseling
The school counselor provides individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Consulting
The school counselor consults with students, parents, teachers, and other school community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of students.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Coordinating
The school counselor coordinates all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.
The counselor also assists teachers with the Guidance Curriculum.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Student Appraisal
The school counselor accurately interprets test results and other student data.
The counselor also assists teachers with the educational placement of students by using appropriate educational assessment strategies.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Professional Practices and Development
The school counselor adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the schools.
The counselor also participates in professional associations and upgrades professional knowledge and skills when needed.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Learning Management system for Online Program
All online courses are taught using the Alpha Academy or other recommended Learning Management System. Counselors assigned to the Virtual Learning Program are expected to attend professional development trainings in order to be proficient in the use of the management system.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of an approved program in school counseling at the master's level or above. Required coursework as determined by the institute of higher education approved school counseling program at the master's level or above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, typewriters, copiers, calculators, etc.
Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication:
Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions.
Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, forms, press releases, etc.
Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using a variety of technical or professional languages including counseling terminology.
Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; and to apply the theories of descriptive statistics.
Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination:
Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Physical Communication:
Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
Hearing:
Perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
General knowledge of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
Skill in counseling and motivating students.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the effectiveness of student programs.
Ability to coordinate the efforts of support services personnel and outside agencies.
Ability to use common office machines and popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and statistics and to develop meaningful reports from them.
Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.
JOB DESCRIPTION OF THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR
REPORTS TO: Principal
PURPOSE: To help all students develop skills in the areas of personal-social growth, educational planning, and career and vocational development.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be licensed by the State of North Carolina Department of Public Instruction in counseling or able to obtain licensure in this area.
School counselors shall implement a comprehensive developmental school counseling program in their schools. Counselors shall spend at least eighty percent (80%) of their work time providing direct services to students. Direct services do not include the coordination of standardized testing.
Direct services shall consist of:
(1) Delivering the school guidance curriculum through large group guidance, interdisciplinary curriculum development, group activities, and parent workshops.
(2) Guiding individual student planning through individual or small group assistance and individual or small group advisement.
(3) Providing responsive services through consultation with students, families, and staff; individual and small group counseling; crisis counseling; referrals; and peer facilitation.
(4) Performing other student services listed in the Department of Public Instruction school counselor job description that has been approved by the State Board of Education. School counseling program support activities do not include the coordination of standardized testing. During the remainder of their work time, school counselors may assist other staff with the coordination of standardized testing.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Program Planning
The school counselor establishes the school-counseling program and develops activities and resources to implement and evaluate the program.
The school counselor involves other school staff in making decisions about the school counseling program.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Counseling
The school counselor provides individual and group counseling services to meet the developmental, preventive, and remedial needs of students.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Consulting
The school counselor consults with students, parents, teachers, and other school community personnel to assist in meeting the needs of students.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Coordinating
The school counselor coordinates all counseling services for students and assists with the coordination and implementation of student services in the school.
The counselor also assists teachers with the Guidance Curriculum.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Student Appraisal
The school counselor accurately interprets test results and other student data.
The counselor also assists teachers with the educational placement of students by using appropriate educational assessment strategies.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Professional Practices and Development
The school counselor adheres to ethical standards of the counseling profession and abides by the laws, policies, and procedures that govern the schools.
The counselor also participates in professional associations and upgrades professional knowledge and skills when needed.
- MAJOR FUNCTION: Learning Management system for Online Program
All online courses are taught using the Alpha Academy or other recommended Learning Management System. Counselors assigned to the Virtual Learning Program are expected to attend professional development trainings in order to be proficient in the use of the management system.
MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of an approved program in school counseling at the master's level or above. Required coursework as determined by the institute of higher education approved school counseling program at the master's level or above.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Physical Requirements:
Must be physically able to operate a variety of equipment including computers, typewriters, copiers, calculators, etc.
Must be able to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, and pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
Light Work usually requires walking or standing to a significant degree.
Data Conception:
Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, structural or composite characteristics (whether similar or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.
Interpersonal Communication:
Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes receiving instructions, assignments or directions.
Language Ability:
Requires the ability to read a variety of correspondence, reports, forms, press releases, etc.
Requires the ability to prepare correspondence, reports, forms, etc., using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style.
Requires the ability to speak before groups of people with poise, voice control and confidence.
Intelligence:
Requires the ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagrammatic form; and to deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Verbal Aptitude:
Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow oral and written instructions.
Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently using a variety of technical or professional languages including counseling terminology.
Numerical Aptitude:
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract; multiply and divide; utilize decimals and percentages; and to apply the theories of descriptive statistics.
Form/Spatial Aptitude:
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape.
Motor Coordination:
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes rapidly and accurately in using office equipment.
Manual Dexterity:
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
Color Discrimination:
Does not require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color.
Interpersonal Temperament:
Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.
Physical Communication:
Requires the ability to talk and hear: (Talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words.
Hearing:
Perceiving nature of sounds by ear.) Must be able to communicate via telephone.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
General knowledge of the ethical guidelines applicable to the position as outlined by professional organizations and/or federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.
General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
General knowledge of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study.
Skill in counseling and motivating students.
Ability to plan, coordinate, and evaluate the effectiveness of student programs.
Ability to coordinate the efforts of support services personnel and outside agencies.
Ability to use common office machines and popular computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet and file maintenance programs.
Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and statistics and to develop meaningful reports from them.
Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.
DISCLAIMER
The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.
See all 184+ 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.