Social Worker Jobs for OPT Students

Social Worker jobs on OPT are available across hospitals, nonprofits, schools, and government agencies. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations under STEM-adjacent or social sciences fields, supporting OPT authorization. Clinical positions often require state licensure, so confirm your DSO has approved your employer and role before starting.

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Overview

Open Jobs2,118+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type89% On-site
Salary Range$34K – $44K
Top LocationBronx, NY
Most JobsLifeStance Health

Showing 5 of 2,118+ Social Worker jobs

Net2Source (N2S)
Social Worker
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Net2Source (N2S)
New 24m ago
Social Worker
Net2Source (N2S)
Detroit, Michigan
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$48/hr - $55/hr
On-Site
5+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Prime Healthcare Services
Social Worker I
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Prime Healthcare Services
New 45m ago
Social Worker I
Prime Healthcare Services
Chino, California
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Social Work & Counseling
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$23/hr - $34/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Brown University Health
Social Worker BSW
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Brown University Health
New 3h ago
Social Worker BSW
Brown University Health
Newport, Rhode Island
Healthcare Administration
Allied Health
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Mental & Behavioral Health
$50,523/yr - $83,345/yr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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LifeStance Health
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)-Telehealth
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LifeStance Health
New 3h ago
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)-Telehealth
LifeStance Health
Brunswick, Maine
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
$95,000 - $131,000/yr
Hybrid
Master's

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Evergreen Center
Early Intervention Social Worker (All Locations)
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Evergreen Center
New 4h ago
Early Intervention Social Worker (All Locations)
Evergreen Center
Milford, Massachusetts
Allied Health
Healthcare Administration
Mental & Behavioral Health
Social Work & Counseling
Patient Services & Wellbeing
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Social Worker

Confirm your role qualifies as a specialty occupation

Social work positions tied to a specific degree field, like clinical social work or psychiatric social work, are stronger OPT fits. Avoid roles with vague degree requirements, as these can complicate future H-1B sponsorship with the same employer.

Target employers with existing H-1B sponsorship history

Hospitals, university counseling centers, and large nonprofits like Catholic Charities and Lutheran Social Services regularly sponsor H-1B visas. Prioritizing these employers gives you a realistic path from OPT employment to long-term work authorization.

Get your state licensure process started early

Most clinical social work roles require a state license, which can take months to obtain. Start the application process before your OPT period begins so licensure delays do not interrupt your authorized employment timeline.

Clarify supervision requirements with your employer

Many states require supervised clinical hours before licensure. Confirm your employer can provide a licensed supervisor and that the arrangement is documented, since USCIS may request proof of your employment structure during OPT verification.

Apply to roles that align with your degree field

OPT requires your job to be directly related to your major. A degree in social work, counseling, or human services supports most social worker roles. Document the connection clearly in case your DSO or USCIS requests verification.

Plan your H-1B timeline around the cap deadline

Social work roles at for-profit employers are subject to the H-1B lottery, which opens in March each year. Talk to your employer about sponsorship intentions at least six months before your OPT expires to avoid a gap in status.

Social Worker jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work as a Social Worker on OPT?

Yes. Social work qualifies for OPT authorization when your role is directly related to your degree field, such as a bachelor's or master's in social work, counseling, or a related discipline. Clinical roles at hospitals, nonprofits, and schools are common placements. Confirm with your DSO that your specific employer and job duties align with your academic program before accepting an offer.

Does social work qualify for STEM OPT extension?

Standard social work degrees do not appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, so most social work graduates are limited to 12 months of OPT. However, graduates with degrees in fields like applied psychology, public health informatics, or data-focused social science may qualify for the 24-month STEM extension depending on their CIP code. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility.

Will social work employers sponsor me for an H-1B after OPT?

Some will. Hospitals, large healthcare systems, and university-affiliated programs have established immigration pathways and are more likely to sponsor. Smaller nonprofits often lack the legal infrastructure for H-1B filings. Use Migrate Mate to filter for social worker roles at employers with a documented sponsorship history, which significantly improves your chances of transitioning from OPT to long-term status.

Do I need a state license to work as a Social Worker on OPT?

Licensure requirements depend on your role and state. Licensed Clinical Social Worker positions typically require a state license, which involves post-degree supervised hours and a licensing exam. Entry-level case manager or social services roles may not require licensure immediately. Research your target state's requirements early, since the licensing process can take three to six months and affects when you can legally practice.

What counts as unemployment on OPT for social work students?

USCIS allows a maximum of 90 days of unemployment during standard OPT, or 150 days if you have a STEM extension. Unpaid internships at nonprofits or government agencies can count as authorized OPT employment if the work directly relates to your degree. Volunteer work without formal employment documentation does not count. Gaps between positions count toward your unemployment limit, so avoid extended breaks between roles.

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