OPT Transition Specialist Jobs
Transition Specialist roles on OPT typically fall under social services, human resources, or education, and most require a relevant bachelor's degree, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard. Your 12-month OPT window starts on your program end date, so targeting employers who understand work authorization timelines is essential from day one.
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WSU's Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment welcoming to all individuals. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories, such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veterans status, or others, as required by law and university policy (see Weber State University's Policy and Procedure Manual 3-32).
Position Information
Position Title GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist
Requisition Number S02350P
Position Category Staff
Campus Location Weber State Davis - Layton, UT
Hours per week 40
Months per year 12
Alternate work schedule
Pay Grade E31
Salary
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary/Basic Function
Under the direction of the GEAR UP Program Director, the GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with approximately 100 students, grades 10-12 at Northridge High School in the Davis School District, and 50 first year college students at Weber State University. The GEAR UP College Access Advisor & First Year Transition Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of the following GEAR UP grant objectives: 1) Increase academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in post-secondary education; 3) Increase GU students and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing; 4) Increase students’ success in their first year of attendance at an institution of higher education.
The College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff at target schools to:
- recruit and enroll new program participants as needed
- distribute and collect annual student & parent surveys and Senior Exit forms
- provide individual advising in such areas as personal, academic, college planning, and career development
- conduct college readiness workshops for students and parents
- ensure that all seniors have completed standardized testing, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid applications, and registration for fall classes
- maintain accurate data on participant caseload and services delivered and any additional reports as needed
- keep abreast of issues affecting students and parents, such as scholarship opportunities, financial aid updates and changes, college and university admissions procedures, transitioning programs for incoming college freshmen, etc.
- help coordinate events such as college campus visits, career exploration at local businesses, etc.
- coordinate with the high school’s GEAR UP Counselor Liaisons and establish positive and collaborative relationships with school faculty and staff in order to effectively implement grant objectives
- utilize technology and other resources to connect with students and parents/guardians regarding upcoming GEAR UP events, and other initiatives as outlined
- attend required training and conferences
- plan & implement the GEAR UP summer bridge program for incoming college freshman
- advise the GEAR UP Alumni club at WSU
Required Qualifications
Required:
- Baccalaureate degree required from an accredited institution of higher education.
- The equivalent of one-year full-time work experience or two years part time (volunteer or paid) in working with socially and economically disadvantaged student populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Subject matter expertise
- Dependable, organized, collaborative, and can follow instructions
- Ability to ethically handle confidential information
- Competent in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to assist students and parents/guardians in a friendly and welcoming manner
- Willingness to learn and support the mission and growth of the GEAR UP program
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Spanish speaking is strongly preferred
- Knowledge and experience with FAFSA and the financial aid process
- Experience or knowledge of K-12 public education
A successful candidate will be willing to
Background Check? Yes
Benefits Summary
WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date 05/04/2026
Review Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Notes to Applicant
If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. The annual salary for this position starts at $44,000 and may go up from there depending on candidate qualifications. The position comes with a generous benefits package.
To apply, please complete the online application and attach a cover letter, current resume, philosophy statement, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Transcripts can be included as an optional document.
For qualification determination, your application and/or resume must address the required and preferred qualifications and must contain average number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be considered incomplete.
Screening of applications will begin May 18, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Criminal background check required as a condition of employment.
ADA Essential Job Function
Physical Activity of this position
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction., Moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another., Operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, or position., Expressing or exchanging ideas. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly., Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance., Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Physical Requirements of this position
Light work. Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Use of arm and/or leg controls exerting forces greater than that for sedentary work.
Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision.
Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.
None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).
Position Details
WSU's Commitment to Equal Opportunity
Weber State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an environment welcoming to all individuals. We strive to create a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected categories, such as disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veterans status, or others, as required by law and university policy (see Weber State University's Policy and Procedure Manual 3-32).
Position Information
Position Title GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist
Requisition Number S02350P
Position Category Staff
Campus Location Weber State Davis - Layton, UT
Hours per week 40
Months per year 12
Alternate work schedule
Pay Grade E31
Salary
FLSA Exempt
Job Summary/Basic Function
Under the direction of the GEAR UP Program Director, the GEAR UP College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with approximately 100 students, grades 10-12 at Northridge High School in the Davis School District, and 50 first year college students at Weber State University. The GEAR UP College Access Advisor & First Year Transition Specialist will be responsible for the implementation of the following GEAR UP grant objectives: 1) Increase academic performance and preparation for post-secondary education; 2) Increase the rate of high school graduation and enrollment in post-secondary education; 3) Increase GU students and their families’ knowledge of postsecondary education options, preparation and financing; 4) Increase students’ success in their first year of attendance at an institution of higher education.
The College Access Advisor/First Year Transition Specialist will work with teachers, counselors, administration, and support staff at target schools to:
- recruit and enroll new program participants as needed
- distribute and collect annual student & parent surveys and Senior Exit forms
- provide individual advising in such areas as personal, academic, college planning, and career development
- conduct college readiness workshops for students and parents
- ensure that all seniors have completed standardized testing, college admissions, scholarship and financial aid applications, and registration for fall classes
- maintain accurate data on participant caseload and services delivered and any additional reports as needed
- keep abreast of issues affecting students and parents, such as scholarship opportunities, financial aid updates and changes, college and university admissions procedures, transitioning programs for incoming college freshmen, etc.
- help coordinate events such as college campus visits, career exploration at local businesses, etc.
- coordinate with the high school’s GEAR UP Counselor Liaisons and establish positive and collaborative relationships with school faculty and staff in order to effectively implement grant objectives
- utilize technology and other resources to connect with students and parents/guardians regarding upcoming GEAR UP events, and other initiatives as outlined
- attend required training and conferences
- plan & implement the GEAR UP summer bridge program for incoming college freshman
- advise the GEAR UP Alumni club at WSU
Required Qualifications
Required:
- Baccalaureate degree required from an accredited institution of higher education.
- The equivalent of one-year full-time work experience or two years part time (volunteer or paid) in working with socially and economically disadvantaged student populations.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred:
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Subject matter expertise
- Dependable, organized, collaborative, and can follow instructions
- Ability to ethically handle confidential information
- Competent in using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Ability to assist students and parents/guardians in a friendly and welcoming manner
- Willingness to learn and support the mission and growth of the GEAR UP program
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Spanish speaking is strongly preferred
- Knowledge and experience with FAFSA and the financial aid process
- Experience or knowledge of K-12 public education
A successful candidate will be willing to
Background Check? Yes
Benefits Summary
WSU offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, retirement, a wellness program with release time and paid incentives, tuition benefits, free tickets to athletic and performing arts events, and paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave.
Posting Detail Information
Job Open Date 05/04/2026
Review Date 05/18/2026
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Notes to Applicant
If you are passionate about what you could offer and accomplish here at WSU, we would love to hear from you. The annual salary for this position starts at $44,000 and may go up from there depending on candidate qualifications. The position comes with a generous benefits package.
To apply, please complete the online application and attach a cover letter, current resume, philosophy statement, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Transcripts can be included as an optional document.
For qualification determination, your application and/or resume must address the required and preferred qualifications and must contain average number of hours worked per week and the dates of employment (i.e., month/year to month/year or month/year to present). If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be considered incomplete.
Screening of applications will begin May 18, 2026. Position will remain open until filled.
Criminal background check required as a condition of employment.
ADA Essential Job Function
Physical Activity of this position
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction., Moving about to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another., Operate, activate, use, prepare, inspect, place, detect, or position., Expressing or exchanging ideas. Those activities in which they must convey detailed or important instructions to other workers accurately or quickly., Ability to receive detailed information with or without assistance., Repetitive motion. Substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
Physical Requirements of this position
Light work. Exerting up to 20 lbs of force occasionally and/or up to 10 lbs of force frequently and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Use of arm and/or leg controls exerting forces greater than that for sedentary work.
Visual Acuity Requirements including color, depth perception and field of vision.
Required to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; using a computer terminal; extensive reading.
The conditions the worker will be subject to in this position.
None. The worker is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions (such as in typical office or administrative work).
See all OPT Transition Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Transition Specialist
Align your degree field to the role
Transition Specialist positions often require degrees in social work, psychology, education, or human resources. Confirm your field of study maps directly to the role before applying, since OPT authorization is tied to your academic program, not just your skills.
Apply early to account for onboarding timelines
Many Transition Specialist roles are in government agencies, nonprofits, or school districts with slow hiring cycles. Start applications at least three months before your OPT start date so you're not waiting on an offer while your authorization window is already running.
Clarify the employment type upfront
Some Transition Specialist roles are contract or part-time, which can complicate OPT compliance. OPT requires at least 20 hours of work per week in your field, so confirm the position meets that threshold before accepting any offer.
Prioritize employers familiar with work authorization
Nonprofits, healthcare systems, and school districts regularly hire international candidates and are more likely to understand OPT documentation requirements. These employers are less likely to withdraw offers due to authorization confusion late in the hiring process.
Track your OPT end date against STEM extension eligibility
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field and your employer is E-Verify enrolled, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. File Form I-765 at least 90 days before your current OPT expires to avoid any gap in authorization.
Document how the role connects to your degree
Your DSO needs to verify that your Transition Specialist position qualifies as directly related to your program. Prepare a brief written explanation linking your job duties to your coursework before your employer reports the position in SEVP.
Transition Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Transition Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. Transition Specialist positions typically require a degree in social work, education, psychology, or human resources, which satisfies the direct relationship requirement between your job and your academic program. Your DSO makes the final determination, so share the job description with them before accepting an offer to confirm it qualifies.
Can I work as a Transition Specialist on OPT if the employer doesn't sponsor visas?
Yes. OPT is your own work authorization granted by USCIS, not employer-sponsored. The employer doesn't file any petition or pay any fees on your behalf. They do need to report your employment through SEVP within 10 days of your start date, but this isn't visa sponsorship and most employers can handle it without legal counsel.
Where can I find Transition Specialist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there surfaces Transition Specialist roles from employers who have hired international candidates before, which reduces the risk of an offer being pulled once they learn about your authorization status.
Does a Transition Specialist job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your field of study appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. Common qualifying fields for this role include information technology, applied psychology, and certain human services programs. Check the DHS list against your specific CIP code with your DSO.
What should I tell a hiring manager who is unfamiliar with OPT?
Explain that OPT is a federal work authorization issued directly to you by USCIS, that the employer bears no sponsorship cost, and that the only administrative step required is reporting your employment through the SEVP portal within 10 days of your start date. Providing a one-page explainer from your DSO alongside your offer acceptance can address most employer concerns before they escalate.