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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Get Access To All JobsState of New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Education
Division of Workforce Innovation
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
1 Sundial Ave, Suite 201 N
Manchester, NH 03103
Student Transition Specialist
Position #13263
$25.40/hour - $27.55/hour
This position is full-time, 37.5 hours a week
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Innovation & Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation has a full-time vacancy for a Student Transition Specialist.
Summary:
Provides the required Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities within a specified region of New Hampshire. Provides comprehensive services regionally to students in need of such services who are currently eligible or potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation New Hampshire (VRNH) services. Assist students with disabilities to increase their employment potential and optimize personal independence by recommending and providing comprehensive services for the Division of Workforce Innovation, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, counseling, behavioral health, psychology, behavioral science, psychometrics, disability studies, human relations, social work, human services, education, special education, marriage and family, vocational assessment/evaluation, occupational therapy, workers compensation, employment services or related field.
License/Certification: Valid driver’s license and/or access to transportation for use in statewide travel.
Other Requirements: None
Trainee Option: Not Applicable
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: None
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
-
Travels throughout the State to provide pre-employment transition services using a variety of instructional techniques, tools and models of delivery including workshops, formal presentations, as well as other transition related events. Communicates with corresponding regional offices regarding eligible students’ participation and provides appropriate and completed documentation to the regional office.
-
Develops and modifies, as needed, program and workshop curriculum that provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) information and resources to students with disabilities including job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling regarding post-secondary options, workplace readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy in compliance with state and federal requirements and ensures the implementation and delivery of updated materials is consistent amongst Student Transition Specialists.
-
Develops and maintains local relationships with assigned schools, including Special Education and School Counseling staff, Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), students and parents and guardians to coordinate the effective provision of Pre-ETS. Identifies and analyzes regional transition opportunities to ensure effective and appropriate provision of services, including acting as a liaison to coordinate the implementation of such services.
-
Provides an overview and explanation of the VR process as well as services that can be provided to those who are determined eligible. Receives referrals from interested students and communicates with the appropriate regional office to ensure prompt processing of the referral. Provides individualized Pre-ETS to VRNH participants, when appropriate.
-
Manages assigned caseload of potentially eligible and eligible students to ensure timely services, until transfer to the Regional office Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, consistent with policy and procedures. Records student participation in Pre-ETS to ensure that program goals are met. Documents individual case records to comply with state and federal regulations and policies.
-
Mentors Rehabilitation Counselor I Student Transition Specialists by training and helping to identify appropriate resources and curriculum to address the needs of specific populations.
-
Provides counseling and guidance to students with disabilities and significant others in order to maximize employment potential and personal independence.
-
Develops individual functional profiles of students with disabilities by collecting and/or prescribing medical, psychological, and vocational evaluations and analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing the diverse information obtained to make eligibility decisions and determine rehabilitation needs.
-
Approves, implements, and amends mutually developed Individualized Plans for Employment following state and federal regulations and policies, which establish long-term vocational goals, intermediate strategies and objectives, specific services, timelines, costs, providers of service, and program accountabilities.
-
Plans, approves, and monitors the expenditure of state and federal funds to secure prescribed essential services and commodities to accomplish the Individualized Plans for Employment.
For further information please contact Tina Arseneau, Supervisor, Betina.M.Arseneau@doe.nh.gov.
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
- Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
- Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
- $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964
State of New Hampshire Job Posting
Department of Education
Division of Workforce Innovation
Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
1 Sundial Ave, Suite 201 N
Manchester, NH 03103
Student Transition Specialist
Position #13263
$25.40/hour - $27.55/hour
This position is full-time, 37.5 hours a week
*See total compensation information at the bottom of announcement.
The State of New Hampshire, Department of Education, Division of Workforce Innovation & Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation has a full-time vacancy for a Student Transition Specialist.
Summary:
Provides the required Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) to students with disabilities within a specified region of New Hampshire. Provides comprehensive services regionally to students in need of such services who are currently eligible or potentially eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation New Hampshire (VRNH) services. Assist students with disabilities to increase their employment potential and optimize personal independence by recommending and providing comprehensive services for the Division of Workforce Innovation, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation.
YOUR EXPERIENCE COUNTS: Each additional year of approved formal education may be substituted for one year of required work experience and/or each additional year of approved work experience may be substituted for one year of required formal education.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience: Bachelor's degree and 1.5 years of experience OR equivalent combination of 5.5 years of education and experience after completion of high school. Education and experience must be in rehabilitation, rehabilitation counseling, counseling, behavioral health, psychology, behavioral science, psychometrics, disability studies, human relations, social work, human services, education, special education, marriage and family, vocational assessment/evaluation, occupational therapy, workers compensation, employment services or related field.
License/Certification: Valid driver’s license and/or access to transportation for use in statewide travel.
Other Requirements: None
Trainee Option: Not Applicable
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: None
AFTER-HIRE REQUIREMENTS: None
CAREER ADVANCEMENT OPPORTUNITIES:
In-Band Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
Broad Group Level Advancement Available: Yes No
Criteria: None
DISCLAIMERS:
The supplemental job description lists the essential functions of the position and is not intended to include every job duty and responsibility specific to the position. An employee may be required to perform other related duties not listed on the supplemental job description provided that such duties are characteristic of that job title.
When applicable, the work of an employee in trainee status in this position shall be overseen by a fully qualified individual. An employee in trainee status shall meet the minimum qualifications within the period of time specified on the SJD, not to exceed one year of being hired into this position.
Responsibilities:
DETAILED TASKS (AGENCY/POSITION-SPECIFIC):
-
Travels throughout the State to provide pre-employment transition services using a variety of instructional techniques, tools and models of delivery including workshops, formal presentations, as well as other transition related events. Communicates with corresponding regional offices regarding eligible students’ participation and provides appropriate and completed documentation to the regional office.
-
Develops and modifies, as needed, program and workshop curriculum that provides Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) information and resources to students with disabilities including job exploration counseling, work-based learning experiences, counseling regarding post-secondary options, workplace readiness training, and instruction in self-advocacy in compliance with state and federal requirements and ensures the implementation and delivery of updated materials is consistent amongst Student Transition Specialists.
-
Develops and maintains local relationships with assigned schools, including Special Education and School Counseling staff, Community Rehabilitation Providers (CRPs), students and parents and guardians to coordinate the effective provision of Pre-ETS. Identifies and analyzes regional transition opportunities to ensure effective and appropriate provision of services, including acting as a liaison to coordinate the implementation of such services.
-
Provides an overview and explanation of the VR process as well as services that can be provided to those who are determined eligible. Receives referrals from interested students and communicates with the appropriate regional office to ensure prompt processing of the referral. Provides individualized Pre-ETS to VRNH participants, when appropriate.
-
Manages assigned caseload of potentially eligible and eligible students to ensure timely services, until transfer to the Regional office Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, consistent with policy and procedures. Records student participation in Pre-ETS to ensure that program goals are met. Documents individual case records to comply with state and federal regulations and policies.
-
Mentors Rehabilitation Counselor I Student Transition Specialists by training and helping to identify appropriate resources and curriculum to address the needs of specific populations.
-
Provides counseling and guidance to students with disabilities and significant others in order to maximize employment potential and personal independence.
-
Develops individual functional profiles of students with disabilities by collecting and/or prescribing medical, psychological, and vocational evaluations and analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing the diverse information obtained to make eligibility decisions and determine rehabilitation needs.
-
Approves, implements, and amends mutually developed Individualized Plans for Employment following state and federal regulations and policies, which establish long-term vocational goals, intermediate strategies and objectives, specific services, timelines, costs, providers of service, and program accountabilities.
-
Plans, approves, and monitors the expenditure of state and federal funds to secure prescribed essential services and commodities to accomplish the Individualized Plans for Employment.
For further information please contact Tina Arseneau, Supervisor, Betina.M.Arseneau@doe.nh.gov.
*TOTAL COMPENSATION INFORMATION
The State of NH total compensation package features an outstanding set of employee benefits, including:
HMO or POS Medical and Prescription Drug Benefits:
The actual value of State-paid health benefits and the amount of employee health benefit contributions may vary depending on the type of plan selected and the bargaining unit with which a position is associated.
See this link for details on State-paid health benefits:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/benefits.aspx
Value of State's share of Employee's Retirement: 12.87% of pay
Other Benefits:
- Dental Plan at minimal cost for employees and their families ($500-$1800 value)
- Flexible Spending healthcare and childcare reimbursement accounts
- State defined benefit retirement plan and Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan
- Work/life balance flexible schedules, paid holidays and generous leave plan
- $50,000 state-paid life insurance plus additional low-cost group life insurance
- Incentive-based Wellness Program (ability to earn up to $500)
Total Compensation Statement Worksheet:
https://www.das.nh.gov/jobsearch/compensation-calculator.aspx
Want the specifics? Explore the Benefits of State Employment on our website:
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/documents/BenefitBrochure.pdf
https://www.das.nh.gov/hr/index.aspx
EOE
TDD Access: Relay NH 1-800-735-2964
See all 69+ OPT Transition Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Transition Specialist Jobs.
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.