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.
Find OPT Social Work JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 84+ Social Work jobs
See all 84+ Social Work Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Social Work roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.
SALARY
Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Work Location: Onsite (Texas Medical Center)
WHY US?
Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Counseling
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
- Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
- Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
- Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs
Care Coordination
- Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
- Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
- Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care
Documentation & Compliance
- Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
- Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies
Collaboration
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
- Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members
Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education
- Required: Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
- Preferred: Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
- Required: LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 183186
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: No
LI-Onsite
INTRODUCTION
The Social Work Counselor role supports the Social Work department, which helps patients, families, and caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges associated with a cancer diagnosis. The team focuses on reducing psychosocial barriers to care through comprehensive support and intervention. MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention.
As a Social Work Counselor, you will provide direct support and counseling across the care continuum. This position plays a vital role in ensuring patients receive timely, compassionate care that aligns with treatment goals. The Social Work Counselor collaborates closely with a multidisciplinary team to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.
The ideal candidate has at least one year of social work experience, preferably in an oncology setting, along with demonstrated competency in biopsychosocial assessment, counseling, and resource navigation. A background in managing complex emotional, social, and practical needs is highly beneficial.
SALARY
Minimum $77,000 - Midpoint $97,000 - Maximum $116,500
The typical work schedule Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm. Work Location: Onsite (Texas Medical Center)
WHY US?
Joining MD Anderson as a Social Work Counselor allows you to make a meaningful impact on patient care while building your clinical expertise in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. This role supports career growth, stability, and work-life balance through comprehensive benefits and professional development opportunities.
- Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
- Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
- Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
- Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.
Responsibilities
Patient Assessment & Counseling
- Conduct biopsychosocial assessments using appropriate diagnostic criteria
- Recommend, facilitate, and implement interventions aligned with treatment plans
- Provide individual, family, and group counseling across the disease trajectory
- Support end-of-life, survivorship, and bereavement needs
Care Coordination
- Participate in continuity of care and discharge planning
- Facilitate advance care planning with patients and caregivers
- Link patients to internal and external resources to reduce barriers to care
Documentation & Compliance
- Document all patient care activities within the institutional electronic health record
- Ensure documentation aligns with departmental and institutional policies
Collaboration
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to support treatment compliance
- Communicate patient needs and progress effectively to care team members
Other Duties
- Perform other duties as assigned
Education
- Required: Master's Degree Social Work (MSW or MSSW) from an accredited program approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Required: None
- Preferred: Experience working in hospital and with oncology patients.
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Required: LMSW - Licensed Master Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire or
- Required: LCSW - Licensed Clinical Social Worker State of Texas. Upon Hire
The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.
This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.
It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.
Additional Information
- Requisition ID: 183186
- Employment Status: Full-Time
- Employee Status: Regular
- Work Week: Days
- Minimum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 77,500
- Midpoint Salary: US Dollar (USD) 97,000
- Maximum Salary: US Dollar (USD) 116,500
- FLSA: exempt and not eligible for overtime pay
- Fund Type: Hard
- Work Location: Onsite
- Pivotal Position: Yes
- Referral Bonus Available?: No
- Relocation Assistance Available?: No
LI-Onsite
See all 84+ OPT Social Work Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Social Work Jobs.
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.