OPT Social Work Assistant Jobs
Social Work Assistant jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in social work, psychology, human services, or related fields. Most roles qualify under STEM-adjacent or standard OPT, offering 12 months of work authorization. Community agencies, nonprofits, and government-funded programs regularly hire OPT candidates for direct client support roles.
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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
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Social Work Assistant
Target mission-driven nonprofits and government agencies
Nonprofits and public agencies funded through state or federal contracts often have established HR processes for hiring OPT workers. They hire on a rolling basis and are more accustomed to work authorization questions than smaller private practices.
Lead with your field placement experience
Supervised field hours from your social work program are directly relevant to Social Work Assistant roles. Quantify the populations you served and the case volumes you managed. Employers treat clinical placement experience as equivalent to professional work history.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with employers
Be transparent about your OPT start date and expiration. Many agencies can begin the H-1B visa sponsorship process before your OPT expires if you raise it early. Waiting until the final months puts unnecessary pressure on both sides.
Check whether the role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Social work degrees are not on the STEM designated degree list, so standard OPT gives you 12 months. Confirm your degree classification with your DSO before assuming extension eligibility, especially if your program had a quantitative or data-focused concentration.
Highlight licensure progress and state requirements
Many Social Work Assistant roles require or prefer candidates working toward LMSW or LCSW licensure. Noting where you are in that process signals commitment to the field and reassures employers that you are a long-term hire worth sponsoring.
Frame visa sponsorship as a structured, manageable process
Many social services employers have not sponsored before and assume the process is prohibitive. Come prepared with a brief overview of H-1B timelines and costs. Reducing the unknown makes sponsorship conversations far more productive and less likely to end the discussion.
Social Work Assistant OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Social Work Assistant jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Social Work Assistant roles qualify under standard F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a closely related field. Your DSO will confirm the connection between your job duties and your degree program before authorizing employment.
Can I work as a Social Work Assistant on OPT without a social work license?
In most states, Social Work Assistant positions do not require independent licensure, since the role operates under the supervision of a licensed social worker. You can work legally on OPT in these roles, though some agencies prefer candidates who are working toward licensure. Check your specific state's requirements, as supervision and title rules vary.
How can I find Social Work Assistant jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is the best place to search. It filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you are not wasting applications on roles that won't work for your situation. Social services roles at nonprofits, county agencies, and community health organizations are the most common listings for OPT candidates in this field.
Will a Social Work Assistant employer sponsor me for an H-1B after OPT?
Some will, particularly larger nonprofits and public health agencies with established HR departments. Social Work Assistant roles can qualify for H-1B sponsorship if the position meets the specialty occupation standard, which typically requires a bachelor's degree in a specific field. Smaller community organizations may be less familiar with the process, so raising sponsorship early in the conversation matters.
Does a social work degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Standard social work degrees are not on the DHS STEM designated degree list, so most Social Work Assistant OPT holders receive 12 months of work authorization rather than the 24-month STEM extension. If your degree had a significant data science or quantitative methods component, confirm your degree's classification with your DSO. Assuming extension eligibility without verifying it is one of the most common OPT planning mistakes.