OPT Substance Abuse Counselor Jobs
Substance Abuse Counselor roles can qualify for OPT authorization under social work, psychology, or counseling degree programs. Many positions require state licensure, which takes time to obtain, so start that process early. STEM OPT extension is not available for this field, making your 12-month window critical to plan around.
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Get Access To All JobsPay: $19/hr.
Location: 5168 Ezell Rd., Graceville, FL., 32440
Status: Full Time, Monday – Friday, 7AM-3:30PM
Benefit package includes:
- Health/dental/vision/life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- 9 paid holidays
- Opportunities for job advancement
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville, FL, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
Position Summary:
Reports to the substance abuse supervisor. Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of an effective alcohol and other drug abuse program with emphasis placed on awareness, prevention, staff training and networking with community resources in compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, Management & Training Corporation (MTC), Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) and Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) directives.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and implement a system to promote the coordination and integration of the substance abuse prevention components with other facility programs.
- Ensure the documentation of all inmates’ assessments and plans are in inmates' medical records regarding substance abuse problems.
- Provide ongoing comprehensive training for all staff members in the substance abuse area.
- Assist in providing substance abuse related materials and information in the health education program and development of health services standing orders and facility operating procedures regarding substance abuse.
- Conduct substance abuse and cognitive behavioral classes, group educational, peer support and other prevention sessions for inmates/staff.
- Encourage awareness of substance abuse issues throughout the facility.
- Develop linkages with community resources for substance abuse services.
- Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed.
- Maintain accountability of inmates and property; adhere to safety practices.
It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as determined by management.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminology or related field and where applicable, must possess appropriate certification. Two (2) years of substance abuse treatment experience preferred. Directly related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education requirements if approved by management. Valid driver's license in the state of Florida with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.
Post Hire Requirements:
Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
Pay: $19/hr.
Location: 5168 Ezell Rd., Graceville, FL., 32440
Status: Full Time, Monday – Friday, 7AM-3:30PM
Benefit package includes:
- Health/dental/vision/life insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off (PTO)
- 9 paid holidays
- Opportunities for job advancement
Impact lives with Management & Training Corporation (MTC)! At the Graceville Correctional Facility in Graceville, FL, our foundation is based upon the philosophies of caring about others, giving back, and making a social impact. We provide a safe and secure working environment for our staff while helping an at-risk population receive the treatment necessary for success on their road back to a healthy, productive life.
Position Summary:
Reports to the substance abuse supervisor. Responsible for the implementation and maintenance of an effective alcohol and other drug abuse program with emphasis placed on awareness, prevention, staff training and networking with community resources in compliance with American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, Management & Training Corporation (MTC), Florida Department of Corrections (FDOC) and Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) directives.
Essential Functions:
- Develop and implement a system to promote the coordination and integration of the substance abuse prevention components with other facility programs.
- Ensure the documentation of all inmates’ assessments and plans are in inmates' medical records regarding substance abuse problems.
- Provide ongoing comprehensive training for all staff members in the substance abuse area.
- Assist in providing substance abuse related materials and information in the health education program and development of health services standing orders and facility operating procedures regarding substance abuse.
- Conduct substance abuse and cognitive behavioral classes, group educational, peer support and other prevention sessions for inmates/staff.
- Encourage awareness of substance abuse issues throughout the facility.
- Develop linkages with community resources for substance abuse services.
- Promote the development of positive social skills through modeling appropriate behaviors and intervening when inappropriate behaviors are observed.
- Maintain accountability of inmates and property; adhere to safety practices.
It is expected that the incumbent shall perform other duties as assigned within his/her capabilities as determined by management.
Education and Experience Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, psychology, criminology or related field and where applicable, must possess appropriate certification. Two (2) years of substance abuse treatment experience preferred. Directly related experience may be considered in lieu of formal education requirements if approved by management. Valid driver's license in the state of Florida with an acceptable driving record required, unless waived by management.
Post Hire Requirements:
Must successfully complete annual in-service training requirements.
Management & Training Corporation (MTC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, disabled status, veteran status, genetic information, national origin, or any other category protected by federal law. MTC participates in E-Verify. We strive to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities, including disabled veterans, in our job application and hiring process. If you are interested in employment opportunities with Management & Training Corporation and need assistance, please contact our staffing department through customersupport@mtctrains.com or 801-693-2888.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Substance Abuse Counselor
Target employers familiar with OPT
Community health centers, nonprofit treatment facilities, and hospital systems hire internationally trained counselors regularly. These organizations are more likely to understand OPT work authorization and have HR processes in place to support it without requiring lengthy internal approvals.
Get your state licensure process started immediately
Most Substance Abuse Counselor roles require a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor credential or state-specific license. Applications take months. Starting the process before graduation protects your OPT timeline and signals to employers that you are ready to practice without delays.
Clarify your OPT authorization in your cover letter
Many behavioral health employers are unfamiliar with OPT. A single sentence explaining that you are authorized to work for any employer for 12 months without employer sponsorship removes the most common objection before it becomes a barrier during the hiring process.
Frame your degree field clearly on your resume
OPT must be directly related to your degree. If your degree is in social work, psychology, or counseling, state that clearly and connect it to the counselor role. Ambiguity about the degree-to-role connection can create compliance concerns for cautious employers or DSO reviewers.
Pursue supervised hours during OPT intentionally
Many licensure pathways require 2,000 to 4,000 supervised clinical hours. OPT employment counts toward those hours if the role qualifies. Choosing an employer that offers formal supervision structures lets you build toward licensure while simultaneously fulfilling your OPT employment requirement.
Apply to government and publicly funded programs
County behavioral health agencies, VA-affiliated facilities, and federally qualified health centers regularly hire substance abuse counselors. These employers operate under clear HR policies, are accustomed to verifying work authorization, and often offer more stable onboarding timelines than smaller private practices.
Substance Abuse Counselor OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Substance Abuse Counselor role qualify as OPT-eligible employment?
Yes, if your degree is in a directly related field such as social work, counseling, psychology, or behavioral health. OPT employment must be directly related to your major area of study, and your DSO will assess that connection. A clinical counseling or addiction studies degree connects clearly. A degree in an unrelated field would not qualify, regardless of the job title.
Can I work as a Substance Abuse Counselor on OPT without a state license?
It depends on your state and the employer. Some entry-level or associate-level counselor roles allow you to work under supervision while pursuing licensure. Others require full licensure before your start date. Check your state's credentialing board requirements before applying, and ask employers during interviews whether they hire counselors who are license-eligible but not yet licensed.
Is the STEM OPT extension available for Substance Abuse Counselor positions?
No. Substance Abuse Counseling falls under social work and behavioral health, not a STEM-designated field. You are limited to the standard 12-month OPT period. Planning for H-1B visa sponsorship or another visa pathway before your OPT expires is essential. Some employers in this field will sponsor H-1B petitions, particularly larger hospital systems and nonprofit networks.
Where can I find Substance Abuse Counselor jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate lists behavioral health and counseling jobs from employers open to candidates on OPT and visa sponsorship. Filtering by job type lets you focus on roles where work authorization has already been confirmed, saving you time compared to applying broadly and discovering OPT restrictions late in the hiring process.
Does supervised clinical work during OPT count toward licensure hours?
Yes, in most states. If your OPT employment involves direct client services under a licensed supervisor, those hours typically count toward your state licensure requirements. Confirm with your state's credentialing board that the role and supervisor both meet their standards. Structured supervision documentation from your employer will be required when you apply for licensure.