OPT Team Lead Jobs
Team Lead jobs on OPT require employers to sponsor or extend your work authorization before your OPT period expires. Most roles combine people management with hands-on technical or operational work, making them strong candidates for STEM OPT extension if the underlying field qualifies.
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Get Access To All JobsBy joining Sedgwick, you'll be part of something truly meaningful. It’s what our 33,000 colleagues do every day for people around the world who are facing the unexpected. We invite you to grow your career with us, experience our caring culture, and enjoy work-life balance. Here, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Newsweek Recognizes Sedgwick as America’s Greatest Workplaces National Top Companies
Certified as a Great Place to Work®
Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance
Workforce Absence Team Lead
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To supervise the operations of multiple teams of examiners and technical staff for disability claims for clients; to monitor colleagues' workload, provide training, and monitor individual claim activities; to provide technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication; and to maintain a diary on claims within the teams including frequent diaries on complex or high exposure claims.
Our teams connect! We collaborate onsite and have a hybrid work arrangement. All candidates must live near one of our centers of excellence:
Dubuque, IA: 4141 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises multiple teams of examiners and/or several technical operations colleagues for a wide span of control; may delegate some duties to others within the unit.
- Identifies and advises management of trends, problems, and issues as well as recommended course of action; informs management of new procedures and ideas for continuous process improvement; and coordinates with management projects for the office.
- Provides technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication.
- Compiles, reviews, and analyzes management reports and takes appropriate action.
- Performs quality review on claims in compliance with audit requirements, service contract requirements, and quality standards.
- Acts as second level of appeal for client and claimant issues regarding claim specific, procedural or special requests; implements final disposition of the appeal.
- Reviews reserve amounts on high cost claims and claims over the authority of the individual examiner.
- Monitors third party claims; maintains periodical review of litigated claims, serious vocational rehabilitation claims, questionable claims and sensitive claims as determined by client.
- Maintains contact with the client on claims and promotes a professional client relationship; makes recommendations to client as suggested by the claim status; and provides written resumes of specific claims as requested by client.
- Assures that direct reports are properly licensed in the jurisdictions serviced.
- Ensures claims files are coded correctly and adequate documentation is made by claims examiners.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Supports the organization's quality program(s).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administers company personnel policies in all areas and follows company staffing standards and training recommendations.
- Interviews, hires, and establishes colleague performance development plans; conducts colleague performance discussions.
- Provides support, guidance, leadership and motivation to promote maximum performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Licensing
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred. Licenses as required. Professional certifications as applicable to line of business preferred.
Experience
Six (6) years of claims experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Two (2) years of claims supervisory experience preferred.
Skills & Knowledge
- Thorough knowledge of claims management procedures and processes for disability
- Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
- PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
- Leadership/management/motivational skills
- Analytical and interpretive skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies
WORK ENVIRONMENT
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.
Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required
Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, consider applying for it anyway! Sedgwick is building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and recognizes that each person possesses a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
By joining Sedgwick, you'll be part of something truly meaningful. It’s what our 33,000 colleagues do every day for people around the world who are facing the unexpected. We invite you to grow your career with us, experience our caring culture, and enjoy work-life balance. Here, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Newsweek Recognizes Sedgwick as America’s Greatest Workplaces National Top Companies
Certified as a Great Place to Work®
Fortune Best Workplaces in Financial Services & Insurance
Workforce Absence Team Lead
PRIMARY PURPOSE: To supervise the operations of multiple teams of examiners and technical staff for disability claims for clients; to monitor colleagues' workload, provide training, and monitor individual claim activities; to provide technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication; and to maintain a diary on claims within the teams including frequent diaries on complex or high exposure claims.
Our teams connect! We collaborate onsite and have a hybrid work arrangement. All candidates must live near one of our centers of excellence:
Dubuque, IA: 4141 Westmark Drive, Dubuque, IA 52002
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Supervises multiple teams of examiners and/or several technical operations colleagues for a wide span of control; may delegate some duties to others within the unit.
- Identifies and advises management of trends, problems, and issues as well as recommended course of action; informs management of new procedures and ideas for continuous process improvement; and coordinates with management projects for the office.
- Provides technical/jurisdictional direction to examiner reports on claims adjudication.
- Compiles, reviews, and analyzes management reports and takes appropriate action.
- Performs quality review on claims in compliance with audit requirements, service contract requirements, and quality standards.
- Acts as second level of appeal for client and claimant issues regarding claim specific, procedural or special requests; implements final disposition of the appeal.
- Reviews reserve amounts on high cost claims and claims over the authority of the individual examiner.
- Monitors third party claims; maintains periodical review of litigated claims, serious vocational rehabilitation claims, questionable claims and sensitive claims as determined by client.
- Maintains contact with the client on claims and promotes a professional client relationship; makes recommendations to client as suggested by the claim status; and provides written resumes of specific claims as requested by client.
- Assures that direct reports are properly licensed in the jurisdictions serviced.
- Ensures claims files are coded correctly and adequate documentation is made by claims examiners.
ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Supports the organization's quality program(s).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Administers company personnel policies in all areas and follows company staffing standards and training recommendations.
- Interviews, hires, and establishes colleague performance development plans; conducts colleague performance discussions.
- Provides support, guidance, leadership and motivation to promote maximum performance.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education & Licensing
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred. Licenses as required. Professional certifications as applicable to line of business preferred.
Experience
Six (6) years of claims experience or equivalent combination of education and experience required. Two (2) years of claims supervisory experience preferred.
Skills & Knowledge
- Thorough knowledge of claims management procedures and processes for disability
- Excellent oral and written communication, including presentation skills
- PC literate, including Microsoft Office products
- Leadership/management/motivational skills
- Analytical and interpretive skills
- Strong organizational skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to meet or exceed Performance Competencies
WORK ENVIRONMENT
When applicable and appropriate, consideration will be given to reasonable accommodations.
Mental: Clear and conceptual thinking ability; excellent judgment, troubleshooting, problem solving, analysis, and discretion; ability to handle work-related stress; ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously; and ability to meet deadlines
Physical: Computer keyboarding, travel as required
Auditory/Visual: Hearing, vision and talking
The statements contained in this document are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a colleague assigned to this description. They are not intended to constitute a comprehensive list of functions, duties, or local variances. Management retains the discretion to add or to change the duties of the position at any time.
Sedgwick is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace.
If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, consider applying for it anyway! Sedgwick is building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace and recognizes that each person possesses a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and experience. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
See all 1,114+ OPT Team Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Team Lead
Clarify sponsorship early in the process
Ask about visa sponsorship before your first interview, not after an offer. Framing it as a timeline question, such as when you'd need authorization in place, keeps the conversation practical and avoids late-stage surprises.
Determine if your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Team Lead roles in engineering, data, or IT often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension if your degree is STEM-designated. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility, as leadership titles alone do not guarantee qualification.
Quantify your leadership impact in applications
Employers sponsoring OPT want low-risk hires. Document team size managed, projects delivered, and measurable outcomes. Concrete results make your case stronger than titles alone and reduce employer hesitation around the sponsorship commitment.
Target employers with an established OPT track record
Companies that have sponsored OPT students before have existing HR processes, reducing friction for you. Look for organizations with international teams or university recruiting programs, as they are more familiar with DSO paperwork and authorization timelines.
Understand your OPT end date before negotiating offers
Know exactly how many months remain on your EAD before you enter salary and start-date negotiations. Employers need enough runway to sponsor H-1B visa or other long-term status, so presenting a clear timeline builds confidence in your candidacy.
Leverage your cross-functional experience as a differentiator
Team Leads who bridge technical execution and stakeholder communication are harder to replace, which matters to sponsors investing in your long-term authorization. Highlight cross-functional projects that demonstrate you add value beyond your individual contributor work.
Team Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Team Lead on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes F-1 students to work in any role directly related to their field of study, including leadership positions. A Team Lead role qualifies as long as the work is tied to your degree field. Your employer does not need to file any petition with USCIS during your initial OPT period, but you must have a valid EAD and remain employed in a qualifying role.
Do Team Lead jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They can, but the job title is not the deciding factor. STEM OPT eligibility depends on whether the role requires application of STEM knowledge from a qualifying degree and whether your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. A Team Lead overseeing a software engineering or data analytics team at a qualifying employer would typically meet the criteria. Confirm with your DSO that your degree's CIP code is STEM-designated before applying for the extension.
How do I find Team Lead jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Browse Migrate Mate to find Team Lead roles posted by employers who are actively open to sponsoring or hiring OPT candidates. Filtering by visa-friendly employers saves time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't support your authorization. Migrate Mate surfaces roles where OPT and sponsorship details are already part of the posting.
Will employers sponsor H-1B after hiring me as a Team Lead on OPT?
Many will, but it depends on the employer's sponsorship policy and your performance. Team Lead roles carry enough seniority that employers often view H-1B sponsorship as a worthwhile investment. Ask about the company's sponsorship history during the offer stage, and be specific about H-1B lottery timing relative to your OPT expiration date so both sides can plan accordingly.
What happens to my Team Lead role if my OPT expires between H-1B filing and approval?
If your employer files your H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have a timely filed STEM extension, you may be protected by cap-gap provisions that extend your work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year. Coordinate closely with your DSO and the employer's immigration counsel well before your EAD expiration date to avoid any gap in employment eligibility.