OPT Social Services Specialist Jobs
Social Services Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in social work, psychology, or public health. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT extension categories only if the employer codes the position correctly. Government and nonprofit employers frequently hire on OPT and are familiar with the authorization process.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation: Ascension Via Christi - Wichita, KS
Facility: Rehab Hospital
Department: Case Management
Schedule: Day Shift l Full-time | Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
COMPENSATION
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Craft holistic care plans that don’t just address medical charts, but honor the unique needs, cultural preferences, and personal goals of every patient.
- Use your expertise to assess the intricate intersection of emotional, psychological, and physical health, identifying exactly where and how social work intervention can change a patient’s trajectory.
- Serve as a dedicated advocate within the medical system, ensuring our patients’ voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their care remains respectful and individualized.
- Maintain a continuous, strategic dialogue with leadership and the care transition team to ensure care plans are effectively executed and evolve as the patient’s journey progresses.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure / Certification / Registration: Case Manager credentialed from the American Case Management Association (ACMA) or Case Manager Certification (CCMC) preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work required.
Work Experience: 3 years of experience is preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Case Management or Discharge Planning.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (BSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW) credentialed by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Equal employment opportunity employer
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
Fraud prevention notice
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process, our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-Verify statement
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
Location: Ascension Via Christi - Wichita, KS
Facility: Rehab Hospital
Department: Case Management
Schedule: Day Shift l Full-time | Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm
COMPENSATION
- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Craft holistic care plans that don’t just address medical charts, but honor the unique needs, cultural preferences, and personal goals of every patient.
- Use your expertise to assess the intricate intersection of emotional, psychological, and physical health, identifying exactly where and how social work intervention can change a patient’s trajectory.
- Serve as a dedicated advocate within the medical system, ensuring our patients’ voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their care remains respectful and individualized.
- Maintain a continuous, strategic dialogue with leadership and the care transition team to ensure care plans are effectively executed and evolve as the patient’s journey progresses.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure / Certification / Registration: Case Manager credentialed from the American Case Management Association (ACMA) or Case Manager Certification (CCMC) preferred.
Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work required.
Work Experience: 3 years of experience is preferred.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Case Management or Discharge Planning.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (BSW) or Licensed Master Social Worker (MSW) credentialed by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board.
Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.
Equal employment opportunity employer
Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.
Fraud prevention notice
Prospective applicants should be vigilant against fraudulent job offers and interview requests. Scammers may use sophisticated tactics to impersonate Ascension employees. To ensure your safety, please remember: Ascension will never ask for payment or to provide banking or financial information as part of the job application or hiring process, our legitimate email communications will always come from an @ascension.org email address; do not trust other domains, and an official offer will only be extended to candidates who have completed a job application through our authorized applicant tracking system.
E-Verify statement
Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.
See all 50+ OPT Social Services Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Social Services Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Social Services Specialist
Target employers with OPT hiring experience
Government agencies, nonprofits, and healthcare systems regularly hire OPT students for social services roles. These employers understand work authorization timelines and are less likely to withdraw an offer due to unfamiliarity with F-1 status.
Confirm your degree field supports the role
Social Services Specialist positions typically require a degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field. Confirm your degree aligns with the job description before applying to avoid authorization complications during onboarding.
Clarify STEM OPT eligibility with your DSO early
Some Social Services Specialist roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if the employer files an I-983 training plan. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm eligibility.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Many social services employers run background checks and credentialing processes that take four to six weeks. Starting your job search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you enough buffer to clear these requirements.
Address your work authorization status directly
Hiring managers in social services are often unfamiliar with OPT. Briefly explain that you're authorized to work for any employer without sponsorship during your OPT period. This removes hesitation early and keeps the focus on your qualifications.
Highlight client-facing and case management experience
Internships, practicum placements, and volunteer work in social services count as relevant experience. Quantify outcomes where possible, such as caseload size or program participation rates, to stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
Social Services Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Social Services Specialists?
Yes. F-1 students with post-completion OPT authorization can work as Social Services Specialists for any qualifying employer. The role must be directly related to your field of study, which typically means a degree in social work, psychology, counseling, public health, or a closely related discipline. Your EAD card serves as your work authorization document.
Do Social Services Specialist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how your degree is classified. Social work and psychology degrees do not typically fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, which means most Social Services Specialist roles will not qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. However, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as public health informatics or applied behavioral science, you may qualify. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO.
Do Social Services Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Government agencies and large nonprofits sometimes sponsor H-1B visas for social services roles, but it is less common than in technology or finance sectors. Social work positions also face specialty occupation scrutiny during H-1B adjudication. Starting conversations about long-term sponsorship intent during the offer stage, rather than after onboarding, gives you a clearer picture before committing.
Where can I find Social Services Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by work authorization compatibility. Browsing Social Services Specialist listings on Migrate Mate lets you identify employers already familiar with OPT and avoid wasting time on roles that require permanent work authorization or citizenship from the start of the process.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer files for H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires before an H-1B is filed or approved, you lose work authorization and must stop working. The H-1B cap-subject lottery takes place once per year with an October 1 start date. Planning your OPT end date against the H-1B timeline is critical. If your OPT ends in a gap year, a cap-exempt employer or a change of status through other visa categories may be options worth exploring with an immigration attorney.