Student Services Counselor Jobs for OPT Students
Student Services Counselor roles sit comfortably within OPT's definition of a specialty occupation, typically requiring a degree in counseling, education, psychology, or a related field. Most positions are at universities or colleges, which are experienced OPT employers. Your 12-month standard OPT window is usually enough to secure H-1B sponsorship through an institution's HR pipeline.
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Get Access To All JobsJob No: 503301
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: University Staff
Department: Student Enrollment Services - 202100
Pay Grade: A - Exempt
Advertised: February 12, 2026
Applications close:
Position Summary:
The Flyer Student Services (FSS) Counselor is a talented individual who values student interactions and is able to solve problems to advance the mission of the Strategic Enrollment Management division and the University of Dayton. The Flyer Student Services Counselor is focused on providing exceptional service and provides essential information, aids in the navigation of online resources and counsels current and former students, parents/families, and alumni in the areas of student records and registration, financial aid, billing, and payments.
To be successful in this role, an individual will understand federal, state and institutional policies and be able to communicate those to students and families in a relevant and timely manner. This position requires a strong working knowledge of service areas of FSS, the use of professional judgement to update accounts, as well as the ability to work directly with Home Office Liaisons on more in-depth inquiries. This individual is expected to use problem solving skills to drive ongoing continuous improvement of services. This role will report to the Associate Director, FSS and also support the FSS team with training, campus wide events and proactive outreach to promote retention of students.
As a Catholic, Marianist University, we believe that diversity, and inclusion are essential to the success of students and staff. The FSS Counselor will work individually and as a member of a team to make tangible contributions to UD’s mission. All employees are empowered to attend workshops, seminars, and other educational experiences to deepen their understanding of our mission and strategic priorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years of experience working in higher education or a customer service environment with progressive growth of responsibilities
- At least one year of experience providing service in a professional, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- The ability to work with multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail
- The successful candidate must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- Enrollment Management or Higher Education experience
- Strong customer-oriented approach and the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with families and students of diverse backgrounds
- Strong oral communication skills and evidence of strong interpersonal skills
- Knowledge and experience with Ellucian Banner software and Salesforce CRM environments
- Ability to work with staff, students, and families in a manner consistent with Catholic and Marianist values and principles
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.
Closing Statement:
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.
Job No: 503301
Work Type: Staff Full Time (1500 hours or greater)
Location: Dayton, OH
Category: University Staff
Department: Student Enrollment Services - 202100
Pay Grade: A - Exempt
Advertised: February 12, 2026
Applications close:
Position Summary:
The Flyer Student Services (FSS) Counselor is a talented individual who values student interactions and is able to solve problems to advance the mission of the Strategic Enrollment Management division and the University of Dayton. The Flyer Student Services Counselor is focused on providing exceptional service and provides essential information, aids in the navigation of online resources and counsels current and former students, parents/families, and alumni in the areas of student records and registration, financial aid, billing, and payments.
To be successful in this role, an individual will understand federal, state and institutional policies and be able to communicate those to students and families in a relevant and timely manner. This position requires a strong working knowledge of service areas of FSS, the use of professional judgement to update accounts, as well as the ability to work directly with Home Office Liaisons on more in-depth inquiries. This individual is expected to use problem solving skills to drive ongoing continuous improvement of services. This role will report to the Associate Director, FSS and also support the FSS team with training, campus wide events and proactive outreach to promote retention of students.
As a Catholic, Marianist University, we believe that diversity, and inclusion are essential to the success of students and staff. The FSS Counselor will work individually and as a member of a team to make tangible contributions to UD’s mission. All employees are empowered to attend workshops, seminars, and other educational experiences to deepen their understanding of our mission and strategic priorities.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree or 3 years of experience working in higher education or a customer service environment with progressive growth of responsibilities
- At least one year of experience providing service in a professional, fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- The ability to work with multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Strong written communication skills and attention to detail
- The successful candidate must be self-motivated and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications:
While not everyone may possess all of the preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:
- Enrollment Management or Higher Education experience
- Strong customer-oriented approach and the demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with families and students of diverse backgrounds
- Strong oral communication skills and evidence of strong interpersonal skills
- Knowledge and experience with Ellucian Banner software and Salesforce CRM environments
- Ability to work with staff, students, and families in a manner consistent with Catholic and Marianist values and principles
Special Instructions to Applicants:
To apply please submit a cover letter addressing each minimum qualification and any applicable preferred qualifications that you meet.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. The University does not provide work visa sponsorship for this position.
Closing Statement:
Informed by its Catholic and Marianist mission, the University is committed to the dignity of every human being. Informed by this commitment, we seek to increase diversity in all of its forms, achieve fair outcomes, and model inclusion across our campus community. The University is committed to policies of affirmative action designed to increase the employment opportunities of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in compliance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1973.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Student Services Counselor
Target higher education institutions first
Universities and community colleges hire Student Services Counselors regularly and often have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship processes. Their HR departments understand work authorization timelines better than most private employers, making the sponsorship conversation considerably more straightforward.
Connect your degree directly to the role
OPT requires a direct connection between your field of study and your job. A degree in counseling, higher education administration, psychology, or social work maps cleanly to this title. Be ready to articulate that connection clearly in every application and interview.
Start the sponsorship conversation early
Raise H-1B sponsorship before you accept an offer, not after. Most institutions that hire Student Services Counselors have legal counsel familiar with immigration filings. Knowing their policy upfront saves you from a difficult conversation three months before your OPT expires.
Use your STEM extension if it applies
If your qualifying degree is in psychology, data-driven education research, or another STEM-designated field, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. That gives you significantly more time to secure sponsorship and reduces urgency for the employer.
Highlight student-facing outcomes in your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT workers want to see low-risk, high-value hires. Quantify your impact: retention rates improved, caseloads managed, programs launched. Concrete outcomes reduce hiring hesitation and make the sponsorship investment feel justified to decision-makers.
Apply to institutions with existing international staff
Colleges that already employ international faculty or staff on work visas have active immigration counsel relationships and understand the H-1B process. Checking a department's existing team composition can signal whether sponsorship is a realistic conversation before you apply.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Student Services Counselor role qualify as a specialty occupation for OPT?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS generally recognizes Student Services Counselor positions as specialty occupations when the employer requires a bachelor's degree or higher in counseling, psychology, social work, or a directly related field. The key is that the degree requirement must be specific to the field, not a generic preference for any bachelor's degree. Roles at accredited institutions with formal education requirements are the strongest fit.
Which employers commonly sponsor OPT students for Student Services Counselor positions?
Universities, community colleges, and large K-12 school districts are the most consistent sponsors for this role. These institutions hire Student Services Counselors at scale, have dedicated HR and legal teams experienced with immigration filings, and often already employ international staff. Browse Migrate Mate to find Student Services Counselor openings specifically filtered for OPT-friendly and visa-sponsoring employers.
Can I work as a Student Services Counselor during my OPT if my degree is in a related but not identical field?
Yes, as long as there is a clear and logical connection between your degree field and the counselor role. A degree in higher education administration, educational psychology, or even sociology can support a Student Services Counselor position under OPT. USCIS and your Designated School Official assess the relationship between your degree and your job duties, so the stronger the overlap, the better.
How does the 60-day grace period affect my job search for Student Services Counselor roles?
If your OPT authorization ends or your position ends before OPT expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment or change your visa status. During this window, you cannot work. Higher education hiring cycles can be slow, so plan ahead. If you are approaching the end of your OPT and still searching, prioritize institutions with active openings and be transparent about your authorization end date.
Does a Student Services Counselor role at a university typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Many universities do sponsor H-1B petitions for Student Services Counselors, but it is not automatic. Larger research universities and systems with established international hiring pipelines are more likely to sponsor than small private colleges with limited HR capacity. Ask directly during the offer negotiation stage. If H-1B sponsorship is a firm requirement, prioritize institutions that already have a track record of filing for nonimmigrant workers.
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