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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DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in our Spokane Maple CSO, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
In this role, you will support participants in both the WorkFirst and Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) programs by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized plans, and delivering ongoing case management. You’ll work with clients facing a wide range of vocational, medical, psychological, and social challenges, helping them navigate services, access resources, and move toward greater independence.
You will also assist individuals in gathering and coordinating documentation for federal disability benefits, collaborating with medical providers, community partners, and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely support. This position involves both office-based work and occasional travel for home or alternate-site visits, allowing you to meet clients where they are and provide equitable, meaningful service.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees
- Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program
- Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs
- Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency
- Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs
- Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities
- Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity
- Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect
- Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational, educational, social, and health history
- Authorize referrals to medical specialists and referrals to other agencies
Performs home and alternate site visits to assist customers experiencing poverty.
Who should apply?
Professionals that meet the following criteria:
- Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
OR
- A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
OR
- A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education/experience of six or more years.
NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment.
NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
What we're looking for:
- Effective verbal and written communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners
- Consistent ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
- Successful at de-escalation in situations
- Willingness and commitment to work with underserved, homeless, people with mental illness, and chemically dependent clients
- Ability to use automated software applications
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03906.
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.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Description
DSHS ESA Social Service Specialist 2
Join our team as a Social Service Specialist 2 with the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA), Community Services Division (CSD) in our Spokane Maple CSO, where you will provide vital, client-centered support to individuals and families working to overcome barriers to stability and self-sufficiency.
In this role, you will support participants in both the WorkFirst and Aged, Blind, or Disabled (ABD) programs by conducting comprehensive assessments, developing individualized plans, and delivering ongoing case management. You’ll work with clients facing a wide range of vocational, medical, psychological, and social challenges, helping them navigate services, access resources, and move toward greater independence.
You will also assist individuals in gathering and coordinating documentation for federal disability benefits, collaborating with medical providers, community partners, and internal teams to ensure accurate and timely support. This position involves both office-based work and occasional travel for home or alternate-site visits, allowing you to meet clients where they are and provide equitable, meaningful service.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide case management for people with social, cultural, vocational, and medical impairments of varying degrees
- Conduct assessments and create case plans for participants in the WorkFirst program
- Complete program assessments and eligibility determination for Aged, Blind, and Disabled/Housing & Essential Needs
- Create, implement, monitor, and modify case plans for customers to help achieve self-sufficiency
- Review and examine cases on a periodic basis to assess client progress and determine continuing compliance with social services programs
- Coordinate services with other agencies such as behavioral health, Employment Security, substance abuse programs, vocational rehabilitation, and developmental disabilities
- Apply medical diagnostic terminology and categories to assess and determine client employability or incapacity
- Provide services collaboratively and with empathy and respect
- Interview clients and provide a comprehensive assessment of vocational, educational, social, and health history
- Authorize referrals to medical specialists and referrals to other agencies
Performs home and alternate site visits to assist customers experiencing poverty.
Who should apply?
Professionals that meet the following criteria:
- Twelve months of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1 AND completion of the agency’s Social Service Specialist training program.
OR
- A master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND one year as a Social Service Specialist 1 or equivalent paid social service experience. A two-year master's degree in one of the above fields that included a practicum may be substituted for one year of paid social service experience.
OR
- A bachelor's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, criminal law/justice, or an allied field, AND two years of paid social service experience performing functions equivalent to a Social Service Specialist 1.
OR
- An equivalent combination of education/experience of six or more years.
NOTE: Employees must successfully complete the formal training course within eighteen months of their appointment.
NOTE: Paid Social Service experience must include assessing risk and safety to children and/or adults and providing direct family-centered practice services.
What we're looking for:
- Effective verbal and written communication skills when interviewing clients and interacting with coworkers, community partners, medical providers, attorneys, and community partners
- Consistent ability to serve the public with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness
- Successful at de-escalation in situations
- Willingness and commitment to work with underserved, homeless, people with mental illness, and chemically dependent clients
- Ability to use automated software applications
Interested?
Along with your application, please include:
- An updated resume
- Three professional references with contact information
Questions?
Please reach out to DSHS Recruiter Saleen Hernandez at saleen.hernandez@dshs.wa.gov and reference job number #03906.
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.
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.
E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
See all 209+ OPT Social Services Specialist Jobs
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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.