OPT Social Work Jobs
Social work roles in the U.S. typically require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW), making them a strong fit for OPT authorization. Most positions qualify under STEM-adjacent behavioral science fields. Clinical roles often require state licensure, so start that process early alongside your OPT application.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Provides assessment and intervention to assist clients/families to improve social and economic difficulties interfering with health and wellness through use of casework process and principles, strategies, and community resources. Provides professional discharge planning services through assessments, and coordination of post hospital care needs to patients and their families; providing them with resources and choices to effectively link them to the needed level of emotional, medical and spiritual care. Receives referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team members.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED:
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Performs assessment on assigned patients, with focus on identifying those with complex psych-social or financial issues, placement needs and on the next business day after admission.
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Identifies and assesses barriers early in the patient’s stay, formulating a plan with the patient, family, internal and external members of the healthcare team, payers, and community resources (e.g., LOS barriers to D/C).
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Assesses patient and family needs for support and community service needs (Meals on Wheels, Council on Aging, substance abuse etc.); educates and refers them to community resources, access to services, and establishes rapport with other agencies.
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Assesses risk of readmission for specified patient populations and initiates assigned interventions that will enhance the patient’s ability to successfully transition along the care continuum.
-
Identifies the need for, arranges, and participates in family care conferences; participates in interdisciplinary conferences and provides consultation for patient, families, and clinical staff (e.g., attends care conferences/unit rounds/huddles).
-
Uses knowledge of insurance benefits and coverage guidelines to maximize appropriate utilization of resources.
-
Documents in the EMR: assessment, plans, interventions, barriers, and reassessments as necessary to facilitate discharge and/or transitions; ensures all pertinent information is transferred to post-acute agency.
-
Works collaboratively with the RN Care Manager/Supervisor, other disciplines, and internal and external members of the healthcare team to ensure a safe, appropriate, and timely transition to the next level of care, taking into consideration the patient’s available resources and preferences.
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Performs other related duties as required and directed.
REQUIRED:
- Clinical Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker
PREFERRED:
- Clinical Licensed Master’s Social Worker
- Discharge planning experience preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years clinical experience in a hospital setting preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Schedule: Full-time
- Requisition ID: 26012098
- Daily Work Times: 8AM - 4PM
- Hours Per Pay Period: 80
- On Call: No
- Weekends: No
About us
The McLaren system includes 12 hospitals across the state, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 730-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 242,000 Michigan lives, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. McLaren has 20,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 93,000 network providers throughout Michigan.
INTRODUCTION
Provides assessment and intervention to assist clients/families to improve social and economic difficulties interfering with health and wellness through use of casework process and principles, strategies, and community resources. Provides professional discharge planning services through assessments, and coordination of post hospital care needs to patients and their families; providing them with resources and choices to effectively link them to the needed level of emotional, medical and spiritual care. Receives referrals for individuals from at-risk populations from interdisciplinary team members.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES AS ASSIGNED:
-
Performs assessment on assigned patients, with focus on identifying those with complex psych-social or financial issues, placement needs and on the next business day after admission.
-
Identifies and assesses barriers early in the patient’s stay, formulating a plan with the patient, family, internal and external members of the healthcare team, payers, and community resources (e.g., LOS barriers to D/C).
-
Assesses patient and family needs for support and community service needs (Meals on Wheels, Council on Aging, substance abuse etc.); educates and refers them to community resources, access to services, and establishes rapport with other agencies.
-
Assesses risk of readmission for specified patient populations and initiates assigned interventions that will enhance the patient’s ability to successfully transition along the care continuum.
-
Identifies the need for, arranges, and participates in family care conferences; participates in interdisciplinary conferences and provides consultation for patient, families, and clinical staff (e.g., attends care conferences/unit rounds/huddles).
-
Uses knowledge of insurance benefits and coverage guidelines to maximize appropriate utilization of resources.
-
Documents in the EMR: assessment, plans, interventions, barriers, and reassessments as necessary to facilitate discharge and/or transitions; ensures all pertinent information is transferred to post-acute agency.
-
Works collaboratively with the RN Care Manager/Supervisor, other disciplines, and internal and external members of the healthcare team to ensure a safe, appropriate, and timely transition to the next level of care, taking into consideration the patient’s available resources and preferences.
-
Performs other related duties as required and directed.
REQUIRED:
- Clinical Licensed Bachelor’s Social Worker
PREFERRED:
- Clinical Licensed Master’s Social Worker
- Discharge planning experience preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years clinical experience in a hospital setting preferred.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Schedule: Full-time
- Requisition ID: 26012098
- Daily Work Times: 8AM - 4PM
- Hours Per Pay Period: 80
- On Call: No
- Weekends: No
About us
The McLaren system includes 12 hospitals across the state, ambulatory surgery centers, imaging centers, a 730-member employed primary and specialty care physician network, commercial and Medicaid HMOs covering more than 242,000 Michigan lives, home health, infusion and hospice providers, pharmacy services, a clinical laboratory network, and a wholly owned medical malpractice insurance company. McLaren operates Michigan’s largest network of cancer centers and providers, anchored by the Karmanos Cancer Institute, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center. McLaren has 20,000 full-, part-time and contracted employees and more than 93,000 network providers throughout Michigan.
See all 90+ OPT Social Work Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Social Work
Prioritize MSW programs with field placements
Employers in clinical and hospital settings expect supervised field hours. Highlighting your practicum experience signals you can hit the ground running, which matters when hiring managers are weighing the administrative overhead of OPT work authorization.
Address licensure requirements upfront
Many social work roles require an LMSW or LCSW. Know your state's supervised hours requirement and timeline. Telling employers you have a clear licensure plan removes a major objection before it becomes a reason to pass on your application.
Target nonprofits and government agencies first
Nonprofits, county agencies, and federally funded programs hire social workers regularly and are often more familiar with OPT authorization than private practices. These organizations also tend to offer supervision hours needed for licensure while you work.
Frame your international background as an asset
Social work values cultural competency. If you work with immigrant or refugee populations, your language skills and lived experience are genuine differentiators. Lead with this in cover letters when applying to community-based or multicultural service organizations.
Apply before your OPT start date
Onboarding for social work roles often involves background checks, credential verification, and agency orientation. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to complete that process without pressure.
Search OPT-friendly social work roles on Migrate Mate
Not every employer understands OPT work authorization. Migrate Mate filters jobs to surface employers already open to sponsoring international candidates, saving you time and reducing rejection from employers unfamiliar with the process.
Social Work OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do social work jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Social work positions tied to a BSW or MSW degree qualify for OPT. If your degree is classified under a STEM-designated CIP code, you may also be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, though social work degrees are not always STEM-designated. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming extension eligibility.
Can I work as a social worker on OPT without a state license?
It depends on the role and state. Many entry-level and case management positions don't require licensure and can be performed under supervision during OPT. Clinical roles, including therapy and independent practice, typically require an LMSW or LCSW. Research your state's specific requirements and ask prospective employers whether the role is license-exempt or supervision-based.
How do I find social work employers who accept OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to find social work roles from employers already open to OPT candidates. Targeting nonprofits, hospital social work departments, and government-funded agencies is also effective, as these organizations frequently work with international hires and are more likely to understand OPT timelines and authorization requirements.
Does OPT allow me to work in school social work or government roles?
Yes. OPT permits employment in public schools, county agencies, and government-funded social services, provided the work is directly related to your degree field. Some government positions have citizenship requirements, particularly at the federal level, so confirm eligibility with each employer before applying. State and local roles are generally more accessible to OPT students.
What happens to my OPT if my social work employer can't transition me to H-1B?
If your employer cannot or does not file an H-1B visa petition before your OPT expires, your work authorization ends. Social work roles can qualify for H-1B as specialty occupations, particularly MSW-level clinical positions. It's worth discussing long-term sponsorship intentions with your employer early, ideally during or shortly after the offer stage, so you have time to explore options.