Social Work Jobs for OPT Students
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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INTRODUCTION
Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:
- Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
- Family-focused benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs
- And more
DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Social Work Care Manager I (SW CM I) is responsible for patient care coordination from admission through discharge; ensuring smooth transitions of care as the patient is discharged from the hospital setting, ensuring and facilitating high quality clinical and cost outcomes, procuring and securing post-acute services, coordinating and advocating for patients and families with both internal and external stakeholders, and identifying and addressing potential barriers to care coordination/discharge planning in an effort to foster efficient care delivery and maximize reimbursement. The SW CM will begin the process of care coordination at the time of the patients admission by completing a thorough admission assessment and/or psychosocial assessment which will allow for a timely and accurate capture of information as well as foster the ability to begin working towards a discharge plan. The SW CM is an integral part of the interdisciplinary care team who is required to attend rounds, care conferences, and/or care team meetings. The SW CM will act as a representative of both the hospital care team and the patient/family in an effort to balance patient/family choice and projected care coordination needs with the ability to execute such services. The SW CM will work with the hospital care team and the patient/family in order to plan and implement the best possible plan for the patient while taking various factors, limitations, and patient/family preference into consideration. The SW CM will identify post-acute services and will complete referrals to appropriate post-acute care providers in a timely manner, coordinating directly with the patient/family as well as the care team. Through continuous assessment and review, the SW CM will apply critical thinking to ensure alignment and appropriateness of post acute services as the patient clinically progresses throughout their stay. Ultimately, the SW CM is responsible for ensuring the discharge plan is aligned to be executed with the patients medically cleared for discharge date as well as the projected length of stay as provided by the payor. The SW CM identifies and participates in the development of strategies to reduce unnecessary length of stay and/or resource consumption. The SW CM escalates cases, as appropriate, to management, Physician Advisor, Complex Care team and/or Ethics committee. It is the role of the SW CM to educate patients/families as well as the care team as it relates to post acute services, transitions of care, readmission mitigation, appropriate post-acute level of care choices and available resources. The SW CM provides supportive and therapeutic communication for patients, families and loved ones who are experiencing anxiety or stress due to illness, injury or physical limitations. The SW CM responds to suspected violent, assault, abuse and/or neglect cases in accordance with social work professional ethics. The SW CM must communicate confidently, effectively, and therapeutically while being assertive and conveying an impression which reflects favorably upon the organization. In collaboration with Utilization Review, the SW CM will initiate and facilitate discussions with the payors to act as an advocate on behalf of the patient and hospital in an effort to reduce non-covered, non-authorized, or denied services. The SW CM serves as a resource to the Physician, Interdisciplinary Care Team, and patient for the interpretation of external regulations and organizational policies and procedures as it pertains to Discharge Planning and Care Coordination. The SW CM will ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements as it relates to Government and Commercial Payors. The SW CM will ensure compliance with all third party payers and federal and state regulatory agencies. The SW CM will ensure proper use of Case Management Systems and workflows.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a Masters in Social Work from an accredited Institution. 1 year recent healthcare experience preferred, experience in Acute Care setting preferred. Must have working knowledge of software/Eemr applications. ACM, CCM preferred. Must meet all quality and productivity expectations and successfully complete yearly competencies.
Physical Requirements
(MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste, Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.

INTRODUCTION
Be inspired. Be rewarded. Belong. At Emory Healthcare.
At Emory Healthcare we fuel your professional journey with better benefits, valuable resources, ongoing mentorship and leadership programs for all types of jobs, and a supportive environment that enables you to reach new heights in your career and be what you want to be. We provide:
- Comprehensive health benefits that start day 1
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance & Reimbursement Programs
- Family-focused benefits
- Wellness incentives
- Ongoing mentorship, development, and leadership programs
- And more
DESCRIPTION
JOB DESCRIPTION: The Social Work Care Manager I (SW CM I) is responsible for patient care coordination from admission through discharge; ensuring smooth transitions of care as the patient is discharged from the hospital setting, ensuring and facilitating high quality clinical and cost outcomes, procuring and securing post-acute services, coordinating and advocating for patients and families with both internal and external stakeholders, and identifying and addressing potential barriers to care coordination/discharge planning in an effort to foster efficient care delivery and maximize reimbursement. The SW CM will begin the process of care coordination at the time of the patients admission by completing a thorough admission assessment and/or psychosocial assessment which will allow for a timely and accurate capture of information as well as foster the ability to begin working towards a discharge plan. The SW CM is an integral part of the interdisciplinary care team who is required to attend rounds, care conferences, and/or care team meetings. The SW CM will act as a representative of both the hospital care team and the patient/family in an effort to balance patient/family choice and projected care coordination needs with the ability to execute such services. The SW CM will work with the hospital care team and the patient/family in order to plan and implement the best possible plan for the patient while taking various factors, limitations, and patient/family preference into consideration. The SW CM will identify post-acute services and will complete referrals to appropriate post-acute care providers in a timely manner, coordinating directly with the patient/family as well as the care team. Through continuous assessment and review, the SW CM will apply critical thinking to ensure alignment and appropriateness of post acute services as the patient clinically progresses throughout their stay. Ultimately, the SW CM is responsible for ensuring the discharge plan is aligned to be executed with the patients medically cleared for discharge date as well as the projected length of stay as provided by the payor. The SW CM identifies and participates in the development of strategies to reduce unnecessary length of stay and/or resource consumption. The SW CM escalates cases, as appropriate, to management, Physician Advisor, Complex Care team and/or Ethics committee. It is the role of the SW CM to educate patients/families as well as the care team as it relates to post acute services, transitions of care, readmission mitigation, appropriate post-acute level of care choices and available resources. The SW CM provides supportive and therapeutic communication for patients, families and loved ones who are experiencing anxiety or stress due to illness, injury or physical limitations. The SW CM responds to suspected violent, assault, abuse and/or neglect cases in accordance with social work professional ethics. The SW CM must communicate confidently, effectively, and therapeutically while being assertive and conveying an impression which reflects favorably upon the organization. In collaboration with Utilization Review, the SW CM will initiate and facilitate discussions with the payors to act as an advocate on behalf of the patient and hospital in an effort to reduce non-covered, non-authorized, or denied services. The SW CM serves as a resource to the Physician, Interdisciplinary Care Team, and patient for the interpretation of external regulations and organizational policies and procedures as it pertains to Discharge Planning and Care Coordination. The SW CM will ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements as it relates to Government and Commercial Payors. The SW CM will ensure compliance with all third party payers and federal and state regulatory agencies. The SW CM will ensure proper use of Case Management Systems and workflows.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have a Masters in Social Work from an accredited Institution. 1 year recent healthcare experience preferred, experience in Acute Care setting preferred. Must have working knowledge of software/Eemr applications. ACM, CCM preferred. Must meet all quality and productivity expectations and successfully complete yearly competencies.
Physical Requirements
(MediumMax 25lbs): up to 25 lbs, 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 25 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure, Bio-hazardous waste, Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors, Communicable diseases, Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.
Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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 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.
See which Social Work employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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