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 JobsPosition Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department School of Social Work
Summary
Use appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for both BSW & MSW courses.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit.
THIS POSITION IS ON CAMPUS ONLY. REMOTE IS NOT AN OPTION.
Duties
- Teaching responsibilities consist of 12 credit hours per semester in the BSW and/or MSW core curriculum, electives, and social work field practicum courses using synchronous and asynchronous educational technologies.
- Serves as Lead Instructor for select social work core and elective courses in areas of expertise, including the development of course syllabi and online course design using department approved course template(s), including mentoring and management of adjunct faculty teaching courses for which the individual serves as Lead Instructor.
- Advises students for BSW and MSW Social Work degree plans, including professional and career advising in the field of Social Work.
- Supervises students participating in student-directed research.
- Attends monthly department meetings and program meetings working in close collaboration with School of Social Work full and part time faculty and staff.
- Participates in School of Social Work admission process including collaborating with team members to review applications for admission to the program utilizing established admission standards.
- Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy, CSWE standards, and the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Participates in assessment and reporting in accordance with CSWE, department, and university policies/practices.
- Participates in timely and professional communication.
- Conducts research program or other scholarship activities suitable to a small, teaching university that accommodates the inclusion of undergraduate students.
- Provides professional contributions within areas of expertise as appropriate.
- Participates in departmental and University committees and special projects.
- Provides a broad range of administrative and supervisory functions. Supervises assigned staff in accordance with WNMU personnel practices including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, guidance, etc. Participates in the process of ongoing personal and professional development. Maintains comprehensive communication among all contacts (internal and external). Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution plus a minimum of two years of post-MSW practice experience is required; Ph.D. or ABD in Social Work with at least five years of post-MSW practice preferred. Proficiency in the use of online synchronous and asynchronous educational technology is required. Candidates must be eligible for social work licensure in New Mexico. Bilingual (Spanish) and experience working with diverse populations preferred.
Job Knowledge
Must be able to adapt to instructional needs of the department depending on circumstances. Must be knowledgeable of University policies and procedures. Must be able to handle multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy. Must be able to demonstrate cultural competence and humility in accordance with NASW, CSWE, and University standards. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications and technology typically used in online teaching and learning environments.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal office, may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal office equipment and materials. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
THIS POSITION IS ON CAMPUS ONLY. REMOTE IS NOT AN OPTION.
Apply By
Location Silver City
Salary Range $63,087 w/o terminal degree to $68,430 with terminal degree
Length of Contract 9 Months
Advertising Summary
Position Classification Faculty
Employment Type Full-Time
Benefits Full Time Benefitted
Department School of Social Work
Summary
Use appropriate teaching methods to facilitate student learning for both BSW & MSW courses.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit.
THIS POSITION IS ON CAMPUS ONLY. REMOTE IS NOT AN OPTION.
Duties
- Teaching responsibilities consist of 12 credit hours per semester in the BSW and/or MSW core curriculum, electives, and social work field practicum courses using synchronous and asynchronous educational technologies.
- Serves as Lead Instructor for select social work core and elective courses in areas of expertise, including the development of course syllabi and online course design using department approved course template(s), including mentoring and management of adjunct faculty teaching courses for which the individual serves as Lead Instructor.
- Advises students for BSW and MSW Social Work degree plans, including professional and career advising in the field of Social Work.
- Supervises students participating in student-directed research.
- Attends monthly department meetings and program meetings working in close collaboration with School of Social Work full and part time faculty and staff.
- Participates in School of Social Work admission process including collaborating with team members to review applications for admission to the program utilizing established admission standards.
- Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy, CSWE standards, and the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Participates in assessment and reporting in accordance with CSWE, department, and university policies/practices.
- Participates in timely and professional communication.
- Conducts research program or other scholarship activities suitable to a small, teaching university that accommodates the inclusion of undergraduate students.
- Provides professional contributions within areas of expertise as appropriate.
- Participates in departmental and University committees and special projects.
- Provides a broad range of administrative and supervisory functions. Supervises assigned staff in accordance with WNMU personnel practices including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, guidance, etc. Participates in the process of ongoing personal and professional development. Maintains comprehensive communication among all contacts (internal and external). Models professional standards and ethics in accordance with WNMU philosophy.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Education/Background
MSW from a CSWE-accredited institution plus a minimum of two years of post-MSW practice experience is required; Ph.D. or ABD in Social Work with at least five years of post-MSW practice preferred. Proficiency in the use of online synchronous and asynchronous educational technology is required. Candidates must be eligible for social work licensure in New Mexico. Bilingual (Spanish) and experience working with diverse populations preferred.
Job Knowledge
Must be able to adapt to instructional needs of the department depending on circumstances. Must be knowledgeable of University policies and procedures. Must be able to handle multiple deadlines and maintain accuracy. Must be able to demonstrate cultural competence and humility in accordance with NASW, CSWE, and University standards. Fluent in Microsoft Office Applications and technology typically used in online teaching and learning environments.
Working Conditions/ Physical Demands (With or Without Accommodations)
Normal office, may travel some within the community when needed. May be required to transport normal office equipment and materials. Ability to comprehend and work with a variety of information from various sources. Able to clearly communicate with a diverse population of individuals. Ability to compose correspondence and reports and remain in a sedentary position for prolonged periods of time. May be required to work additional hours or days depending on circumstances.
Other Requirements
THIS POSITION IS ON CAMPUS ONLY. REMOTE IS NOT AN OPTION.
Apply By
Location Silver City
Salary Range $63,087 w/o terminal degree to $68,430 with terminal degree
Length of Contract 9 Months
Advertising Summary
See all 84+ OPT Social Work Assistant Jobs
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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.