OPT School Social Worker Jobs
School Social Worker jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in social work, counseling, or a related field. Most positions require state licensure, which can take time to obtain, so starting the licensure process early alongside your OPT application is essential for a smooth transition into the role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join our team in the New Story school, in Circleville!
Compensation
$51,500 + Productivity Bonuses!
ABOUT THE ROLE
School-based Clinician with National Youth Advocate Program work as part of an integral service team. Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor or designee, this position works closely with youth, family, foster parents, and community partners, providing advocacy and support. When school is not in session during extended breaks and summer months, you will maintain your caseload and continue to provide services to your students by meeting with them in the community.
WORKING AT NYAP:
- Generous Time off: 22 Days of Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays, Half Day Friday’s during the summer!
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare packages for you and your family; Paid Parental leave
- Professional Growth: CEU’s, ongoing training/education, student loan repayment program, and supervision hours
- And So Much More: 401K and 401K Matching, flexible hours, mileage reimbursement, phone allowance
Responsibilities
- Provides appropriate individual, group, and family mental health services, and other evidence-based clinical services as required.
- Coordinates and monitors clinical services for the youth and family in the community, including mental health, special educational services, medication management, and psychological services.
- Regularly reviews and modifies youth-based plans.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with youth, school staff & partners, parents, and families of origin.
- Assists in stabilization efforts with youth consistent with the youth’s case plan.
- Provides crisis response and behavioral stabilization services as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution.
- A valid professional license (LSW) in Ohio.
- 2 years of work experience working in direct service with youth and families.
- A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours as needed; at least 2-3 evening appointments/week.
- Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
DRIVING AND VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable personal transportation
- Good driving record
- Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability
Apply today!
Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
INTRODUCTION
Join our team in the New Story school, in Circleville!
Compensation
$51,500 + Productivity Bonuses!
ABOUT THE ROLE
School-based Clinician with National Youth Advocate Program work as part of an integral service team. Under the general supervision of the Clinical Supervisor or designee, this position works closely with youth, family, foster parents, and community partners, providing advocacy and support. When school is not in session during extended breaks and summer months, you will maintain your caseload and continue to provide services to your students by meeting with them in the community.
WORKING AT NYAP:
- Generous Time off: 22 Days of Paid Time Off + 11 Paid Holidays, Half Day Friday’s during the summer!
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive healthcare packages for you and your family; Paid Parental leave
- Professional Growth: CEU’s, ongoing training/education, student loan repayment program, and supervision hours
- And So Much More: 401K and 401K Matching, flexible hours, mileage reimbursement, phone allowance
Responsibilities
- Provides appropriate individual, group, and family mental health services, and other evidence-based clinical services as required.
- Coordinates and monitors clinical services for the youth and family in the community, including mental health, special educational services, medication management, and psychological services.
- Regularly reviews and modifies youth-based plans.
- Establishes and maintains strong relationships with youth, school staff & partners, parents, and families of origin.
- Assists in stabilization efforts with youth consistent with the youth’s case plan.
- Provides crisis response and behavioral stabilization services as required.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or comparable Human Services field from an accredited institution.
- A valid professional license (LSW) in Ohio.
- 2 years of work experience working in direct service with youth and families.
- A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours as needed; at least 2-3 evening appointments/week.
- Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
DRIVING AND VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
- Valid driver’s license
- Reliable personal transportation
- Good driving record
- Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability
Apply today!
Benefits listed are for eligible employees as outlined by our benefit policy.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.
See all OPT School Social Worker Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT School Social Worker Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in School Social Worker
Target public school districts over private schools
Public school districts are government entities with established HR processes and experience hiring international staff. They're more likely to have navigated OPT authorization before and may be more open to sponsoring H-1B visas down the line.
Start your state licensure process immediately
Most states require a Licensed School Social Worker credential before you can be hired. Licensure applications take weeks to months. Filing before your OPT start date ensures you're ready to accept an offer without delays holding up your work authorization clock.
Highlight your CSWE-accredited degree explicitly
Employers reviewing OPT candidates want confirmation your degree meets specialty occupation standards. Stating your degree is from a CSWE-accredited program signals professional credibility and helps HR confirm your background aligns with the role's educational requirements.
Frame your bilingual skills as a direct service asset
School districts serving multilingual student populations actively prioritize bilingual social workers. If you speak a language common among students in the district, lead with that. It repositions your international background from a complexity to a competitive advantage worth sponsoring.
Contact district HR departments directly about OPT hiring
Many school districts don't advertise whether they accept OPT candidates on job postings. A brief, professional email to the HR coordinator asking about their process for F-1 students can open a conversation before you formally apply and saves time on unresponsive listings.
Apply early in the school hiring cycle
School districts recruit heavily between January and April for fall positions. Applying outside this window significantly reduces your options. Aligning your OPT start date with the spring hiring cycle gives you the best chance of securing a full-year contract before the school year begins.
School Social Worker OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a School Social Worker role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes. School social work qualifies as a specialty occupation because the role typically requires at minimum a master's degree in social work (MSW) from an accredited program. USCIS recognizes positions requiring a specific degree in a directly related field as specialty occupations, which supports OPT eligibility and future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work as a School Social Worker on STEM OPT extension?
Social work degrees are not on the STEM designated degree program list, so a standard MSW does not qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You would be limited to the initial 12-month OPT period. If you hold a dual degree that includes a STEM-designated program, consult your DSO about whether the STEM extension applies to your specific situation.
Where can I find School Social Worker jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Browsing School Social Worker roles on Migrate Mate surfaces positions where employers are open to OPT candidates, saving you time screening out listings that won't consider international students.
Do I need state licensure before I can start working on OPT as a school social worker?
In most states, yes. School districts require candidates to hold or be eligible for a state school social work license or certification before they can be hired. The requirements and timelines vary by state, but most involve submitting transcripts, passing an exam, and completing a background check. Starting this process before your OPT authorization begins is strongly advisable.
Will school districts sponsor H-1B visas after my OPT period ends?
Some public school districts do sponsor H-1B visas, particularly larger urban districts with dedicated HR teams experienced in immigration paperwork. Nonprofit and government employer status can also make certain districts cap-exempt, meaning they can file H-1B petitions year-round without competing in the annual lottery. It's worth asking about this directly during the interview process.